My 5 month old son has always been a little gassy, but never enough to really worry me or my husband. Every now and then it would seem a little painful but it would never last for us even to get to the phone to call the doctor. The past couple days it has been so bad that he goes stiff as a board and screams at the top of his lungs. I've tried everything from the drug store. Any advice?

Why don't you try charcoal tables they should ease the amount of gas expelled by your child.:eek:

Any news foods or change in his formula? Are you breastfeeding? If so, any changes in what you have been eating? Do you have a fair amount of dairy products? Does he seem in pain soon after a feeding? What are his bowel movements like... same consistency, pattern, etc. Is he learning any new skills?
He may have some gas pain, he may be reacting to a change in his or your diet, he may be more aware of the sensations that are going on in his body.

Is he constipated or anything?
Does he eat anything other than formula?

The past couple days it has been so bad that he goes stiff as a board and screams at the top of his lungs.

In my discharge teaching at the hospital I tell the parents that if this happens they are to contact their pediatrician immediately.

There are numerous reasons that this could happen, most have already been outlined, so I won't repeat, however your doctor needs to know this is happening so that it can be properly diagnosed and treated. Medical intervention may be a necessity.