Flatulence
What is it?
Flatulence is the presence of excess wind or gas in the digestive tract. This gas consisting primarily of carbon dioxide, oxygen, hydrogen and methane gas is formed in the large intestines as a result of action of bacteria on undigested food. It is natural to pass gas 12-14 times in a day, both as burping (or belching) and as flatus. Flatulence results from fermentation or the chemical breakdown of food by bacteria that live normally in intestine or colon. There are different types of these bacteria, and the amount and type of gas produced depends on the mix of bacteria present in the intestine.
What are the causes?
Gas in the digestive tract comes from two sources: Normal breakdown of certain undigested foods by harmless bacteria naturally present in the large intestines. Air swallowing (aerophagia): Everyone swallows small amounts of air when eating and drinking. Eating or drinking rapidly, chewing gum, smoking or wearing loose dentures can also cause some people to take in more air.Other causes are: Eating large amounts of non-digestible foods such as fibre. Eating foods that are not tolerated, as in lactose intolerance. Acute pancreatitis Irritable bowel syndrome Malabsorption or inadequate absorption of nutrients from the intestinal tract, often accompanied by diarrhoea. Use of oral antibiotics Gastrointestinal cancer and its treatment
What are the symptoms?
The most common symptoms of gas are belching, flatulence, abdominal bloating and abdominal pain. Belching is emitting wind noisily from the stomach through the mouth. An occasional belch during or after meals is normal and releases gas when the stomach is full of food. However, in people who belch frequently, the problem may be because of swallowing too much air and releasing it before it enters the stomach. Sometimes a person with chronic belching may have a digestive tract disorder, such as peptic ulcer, gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GERD) or gastritis.Flatulence is passage of gas through the anus. Passing gas this way 10-20 times a day is normal, but more often may be embarrassing.Abdominal bloating is usually the result of an intestinal motility disorder, such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). This condition is characterised by abnormal movements and contractions of intestinal muscles and may give a feeling of bloating because of increased sensitivity to gas. Other diseases such as Crohn’s disease and colon cancer may also cause abdominal bloating. Abdominal pain and discomfort may be present when there is excess gas in the intestines.
What is the treatment?
The most common treatments to reduce the discomfort of gas are changing dietary habits, taking medication and reducing the amount of air swallowed. Medicines such as antacids with simethicone and activated charcoal and reduce the symptoms. Simethicone which is a foaming agent that joins gas bubbles in the stomach so that gas is more easily belched away. Digestive enzymes, such as lactase supplements, also help by digesting carbohydrates and may allow people to eat foods that normally cause gas. Activated charcoal tablets may provide relief from gas in large intestines. The doctor may also prescribe medicines to help reduce symptoms, especially in case of motility disorders such as IBS. Drugs such as metoclopramide may move gas through the digestive tract.Restricting the foods that cause gas such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains and milk products helps. Limiting high-fat foods also may help reducing bloating and discomfort. This helps the stomach empty faster, allowing the gases to move into the small intestines.
What are the prevention?
Avoid pipes, cigarettes and cigars; chewing gum, sipping through straws and bottles with narrow mouths. Avoid carbonated beverages Eat slowly. Gulping food and beverages allows large amounts of air to enter the stomach. Do not deliberately swallow air to force a belch. Avoid foods that may cause gas.
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