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Excess flatulence treatments. Excess Flatulence: Causes, Treatments, and Effective Management Strategies

What are the main causes of excessive flatulence. How can diet modifications help reduce gas. What medical conditions may lead to increased flatulence. Which home remedies are most effective for managing excess gas.

Understanding the Physiology of Flatulence

Flatulence, commonly known as passing wind or farting, is a natural bodily function that occurs when gas is released from the digestive system through the anus. This process is a normal part of digestion, but excessive flatulence can be uncomfortable and sometimes embarrassing. To effectively manage this condition, it’s crucial to understand its underlying mechanisms.

Gas accumulates in the digestive tract through two primary routes:

  1. Aerophagia (swallowing air)
  2. Breakdown of food in the digestive system

During aerophagia, oxygen and nitrogen from swallowed air collect in the digestive tract. As the body breaks down food, gases such as hydrogen, methane, and carbon dioxide are produced. Both processes contribute to flatulence.

The average person experiences flatulence between 13 and 21 times a day, according to the National Institutes of Health. However, certain factors can increase the frequency and volume of gas production, leading to excess flatulence.

Common Causes of Excessive Flatulence

Excessive flatulence can be attributed to various factors, ranging from dietary choices to underlying health conditions. Identifying the root cause is essential for effective management. Here are some of the most common culprits:

Dietary Factors

Certain foods are known to increase gas production in the digestive system. These include:

  • Beans and legumes
  • Cruciferous vegetables (broccoli, cabbage, Brussels sprouts)
  • Whole grains
  • Dairy products (especially for those with lactose intolerance)
  • Fruits high in fructose (apples, pears)
  • Foods containing sorbitol (sugar-free candies, some fruits)

Carbohydrates, in particular, are known to cause more gas than proteins and fats. However, some proteins can lead to stronger-smelling flatulence.

Swallowing Air

Excessive air swallowing (aerophagia) can contribute to increased flatulence. Common habits that may lead to aerophagia include:

  • Chewing gum
  • Smoking
  • Wearing loose dentures
  • Drinking carbonated beverages
  • Eating or drinking too quickly

Medical Conditions

Several health conditions can cause excessive flatulence. These include:

  • Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)
  • Celiac disease
  • Gastroparesis
  • Lactose intolerance
  • Crohn’s disease
  • Ulcerative colitis
  • Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)

If dietary changes and lifestyle modifications don’t alleviate symptoms, it’s important to consult a healthcare professional to rule out underlying medical conditions.

Effective Home Remedies for Managing Excess Flatulence

While excessive flatulence can be uncomfortable, there are several home remedies and lifestyle changes that can help manage the condition:

Keeping a Food Diary

Tracking your food intake and associated symptoms can help identify trigger foods. Once you’ve pinpointed problematic foods, you can try reducing or eliminating them from your diet to see if it improves your symptoms.

Dietary Adjustments

Replacing hard-to-digest carbohydrates with easier alternatives like rice and bananas may help reduce flatulence. Additionally, consider the following dietary changes:

  • Reduce intake of gas-producing foods
  • Eat smaller, more frequent meals
  • Chew food thoroughly to aid digestion
  • Avoid carbonated beverages

Staying Hydrated

Drinking plenty of water can help prevent constipation, which is often associated with increased gas production. Aim for at least 8 glasses of water per day, or more if you’re physically active or in a hot climate.

Regular Exercise

Physical activity can promote healthy digestion and reduce gas buildup. Aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate exercise most days of the week. This can include activities like brisk walking, cycling, or swimming.

Probiotics

Introducing beneficial bacteria to your gut through probiotic supplements or fermented foods may help improve digestion and reduce gas. Common probiotic strains that may be beneficial include Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium.

Medical Treatments for Excessive Flatulence

When home remedies and lifestyle changes aren’t sufficient to manage excessive flatulence, medical treatments may be necessary. These can include:

Over-the-Counter Medications

Several OTC products can help reduce gas and its associated symptoms:

  • Simethicone: Helps break up gas bubbles in the digestive tract
  • Activated charcoal: May help absorb excess gas
  • Enzyme supplements: Can aid in the digestion of certain problematic foods

Prescription Medications

In some cases, a healthcare provider may prescribe medications to address underlying conditions contributing to excessive flatulence. These may include:

  • Antispasmodics for IBS
  • Proton pump inhibitors for GERD
  • Antibiotics for bacterial overgrowth

It’s important to consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new medication regimen.

Complications Associated with Chronic Excessive Flatulence

While flatulence is generally harmless, chronic excessive gas can lead to various complications and impact quality of life:

Physical Discomfort

Excessive gas can cause bloating, abdominal pain, and discomfort. In severe cases, it may interfere with daily activities and sleep patterns.

Social and Psychological Impact

Chronic flatulence can lead to embarrassment and social anxiety, potentially affecting personal and professional relationships. This may result in reduced social interactions and decreased quality of life.

Nutritional Deficiencies

If excessive flatulence leads to significant dietary restrictions, there’s a risk of nutritional deficiencies. It’s important to maintain a balanced diet while managing symptoms.

Underlying Health Conditions

In some cases, chronic excessive flatulence may be a symptom of an underlying health condition that requires medical attention. Ignoring persistent symptoms could lead to delayed diagnosis and treatment of more serious issues.

When to Seek Medical Attention for Excess Flatulence

While occasional excess gas is normal, certain symptoms warrant medical attention:

  • Persistent or severe abdominal pain
  • Unexplained weight loss
  • Changes in bowel habits
  • Blood in stool
  • Fever accompanying gas symptoms
  • Symptoms that significantly impact daily life

If you experience any of these symptoms or if home remedies fail to provide relief, consult a healthcare professional for a thorough evaluation.

Preventing Excess Flatulence: Lifestyle and Dietary Strategies

Prevention is often the best approach to managing excess flatulence. Here are some strategies to help minimize gas production:

Mindful Eating Habits

Adopting mindful eating practices can significantly reduce the amount of air swallowed during meals:

  • Eat slowly and chew food thoroughly
  • Avoid talking while eating
  • Sit upright during meals
  • Avoid using straws for drinking

Gradual Dietary Changes

When introducing high-fiber foods or new ingredients to your diet, do so gradually. This allows your digestive system to adapt and can help minimize gas production.

Stress Management

Stress can affect digestion and potentially increase gas production. Incorporate stress-reduction techniques into your daily routine, such as:

  • Meditation
  • Deep breathing exercises
  • Yoga
  • Regular physical activity

Avoid Trigger Foods

Once you’ve identified foods that consistently cause excess gas, try to limit or avoid them. However, ensure that your diet remains balanced and nutritionally adequate.

Proper Food Storage

Proper storage of fruits, vegetables, and other perishables can help maintain their freshness and reduce the likelihood of consuming foods that may cause gas.

By implementing these preventive strategies, many individuals can effectively manage and reduce instances of excess flatulence, leading to improved digestive comfort and overall well-being.

The Role of Gut Microbiome in Flatulence Management

The gut microbiome plays a crucial role in digestion and gas production. Understanding and maintaining a healthy balance of gut bacteria can be instrumental in managing excess flatulence.

Importance of Gut Health

A diverse and balanced gut microbiome can help:

  • Improve digestion efficiency
  • Reduce gas production
  • Enhance nutrient absorption
  • Strengthen the immune system

Promoting a Healthy Gut Microbiome

To support a healthy gut microbiome and potentially reduce excess flatulence, consider the following strategies:

  • Consume a diverse range of plant-based foods
  • Include fermented foods in your diet (e.g., yogurt, kefir, sauerkraut)
  • Eat prebiotic-rich foods (e.g., garlic, onions, leeks, asparagus)
  • Consider probiotic supplements under medical guidance
  • Limit processed foods and artificial sweeteners
  • Stay hydrated

By nurturing a healthy gut microbiome, you may experience improved digestion and reduced instances of excess flatulence.

Advanced Diagnostic Techniques for Persistent Flatulence

When excessive flatulence persists despite lifestyle changes and home remedies, healthcare providers may employ various diagnostic techniques to identify underlying causes:

Hydrogen Breath Test

This non-invasive test can help diagnose conditions such as lactose intolerance, fructose malabsorption, and small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO). During the test, you’ll drink a solution containing a specific sugar, and your breath will be analyzed for hydrogen content at regular intervals.

Abdominal X-ray or CT Scan

These imaging tests can help identify potential blockages or abnormalities in the digestive tract that may be contributing to excess gas.

Endoscopy or Colonoscopy

These procedures allow doctors to visually examine the digestive tract for signs of inflammation, ulcers, or other abnormalities that could be causing excessive flatulence.

Stool Analysis

A comprehensive stool analysis can provide insights into digestive function, including the presence of harmful bacteria, parasites, or undigested food particles.

Food Allergy or Intolerance Testing

Blood tests or elimination diets may be used to identify food allergies or intolerances that could be contributing to excess gas production.

These advanced diagnostic techniques can help healthcare providers develop targeted treatment plans for individuals struggling with persistent excessive flatulence.

In conclusion, while excess flatulence can be uncomfortable and sometimes embarrassing, it’s a common issue with various potential causes. By understanding the underlying factors, implementing lifestyle changes, and seeking appropriate medical care when necessary, most individuals can effectively manage and reduce instances of excessive gas. Remember that occasional flatulence is a normal part of digestion, and maintaining open communication with healthcare providers is key to addressing any persistent concerns.

Causes, Remedies, Complications, and More

While most people experience flatulence, swallowing air or eating certain foods like broccoli may cause it to occur more frequently. Some health conditions like celiac disease may cause excessive gas.

Also known as farting, passing wind, or having gas, flatulence is a medical term for releasing gas from the digestive system through the anus. It happens when gas collects inside the digestive system and is a normal process.

Gas collects in the digestive tract when your body breaks down food. It can also happen when you swallow air while eating or drinking. Gas is usually made up of oxygen, nitrogen, hydrogen, carbon dioxide, and occasionally methane.

On average, people experience flatulence between 13 and 21 times a day, according to the National Institutes of Health. Some conditions like irritable bowel syndrome, celiac disease, and gastroparesis can cause excessive flatulence. You may also pass wind more frequently if you eat certain foods.

In some cases, gas can cause pain and bloating and affect your daily activities. Adjusting your diet, taking medications, and exercising may help reduce gas discomfort.

Gas collects in two main ways. Swallowing air (aerophagia) while you eat or drink can cause oxygen and nitrogen to collect in the digestive tract. Second, as your body breaks down food, gases like hydrogen, methane, and carbon dioxide collect in the digestive tract. Either method can cause flatulence.

Swallowing air

It’s natural to swallow air throughout the day, normally during eating and drinking. Typically, you’ll only swallow a small amount of air.

If you frequently swallow more air, you may find that you experience excessive flatulence. It may also cause burping.

Reasons that you may swallow more air than normal include:

  • chewing gum
  • smoking
  • wearing loose dentures
  • sucking on objects like pen tops
  • drinking carbonated beverages
  • eating or drinking too quickly

Dietary choices

The foods you eat could lead to excessive flatulence. Carbohydrates, for example, are known to cause gas.

Proteins and fats tend to cause less gas than carbohydrates. Some proteins can cause gas to have a stronger odor, though.

Some foods that increase gas include:

  • beans
  • cabbage
  • broccoli
  • Brussels sprouts
  • whole grains
  • asparagus
  • milk
  • dairy products
  • onions
  • pears
  • artichokes
  • wheat
  • oat bran
  • peas
  • potatoes
  • corn
  • raisins
  • lentils
  • prunes
  • apples
  • foods high in fructose or sorbitol, like fruit juices and sugar-free candies
  • processed foods

These foods can take a long time to digest, leading to the unpleasant smell associated with flatulence. Also, there are some foods the body can’t fully absorb. This means that they pass from the intestines to the colon without being completely digested first.

The colon contains a large amount of bacteria that then break down the food, releasing gases as they do so. The buildup of this gas causes flatulence.

Not all foods will cause gas in all people. Keeping track of the foods you eat and flatulence symptoms you experience can help narrow down which ones cause gas in your body.

Underlying conditions

If your diet doesn’t contain a large amount of carbohydrates or sugars, and you don’t swallow excessive air, your excessive flatulence may be caused by a medical condition.

The conditions that can cause flatulence range from temporary health issues to chronic digestive problems. Some of these conditions include:

  • constipation
  • gastroenteritis
  • food intolerances, like lactose intolerance
  • IBS
  • Crohn’s disease
  • celiac disease
  • diabetes
  • eating disorders
  • ulcerative colitis
  • dumping syndrome
  • gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
  • autoimmune pancreatitis
  • peptic ulcers

You may be able to relieve excess gas and reduce flatulence through a mix of lifestyle changes and diet adjustments. Home remedies for flatulence include:

  • Keeping a food diary. This will help you figure out which foods increase gas in your body. After you identify some foods that cause you excessive flatulence, you can try to eat less of them or avoid them altogether.
  • Adjusting your diet. If your diet includes a large amount of carbohydrates that are difficult to digest, try to replace them. Carbohydrates that are easier to digest, such rice and bananas, are substitutes that may reduce flatulence.
  • Eating smaller meals more frequently. Eating around five to six small meals a day instead of three larger ones may be easier on your digestive system.
  • Trying to swallow less air. Avoid doing anything that may increase the amount of air that you swallow. This includes making sure that you’re chewing your food properly, and avoiding chewing gum, smoking, and straws.
  • Drinking lots of water. Staying hydrated can help you avoid constipation, which causes gas.
  • Exercising regularly. Some people find that exercising helps to promote digestion and can prevent flatulence.
  • Taking probiotics. Probiotics, like Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium, may promote regular digestion, which can help reduce gas. These can be found in over-the-counter (OTC) supplements and fermented foods, like sauerkraut and yogurt.
  • Using charcoal pads. Lining your underwear with a “fart pad” made of charcoal could help reduce odor in some cases of excessive flatulence.
  • Changing your posture. Sitting in an upright position can help your body release excess gas.
  • Using a heating pad. Placing a heating pad or hot water bottle on your belly can help reduce pain and cramping from excess gas.
  • Consuming ginger. Ginger is known to promote digestion. Improving your digestion may help relieve flatulence and bloating.

Medications can also be used to treat flatulence, depending on the cause of the problem. Treatment options include:

  • OTC medications: Drugstores offer a variety of medications, like bismuth subsalicylate (Pepto-Bismol) and simethicone (Gas-X, Phazyme), that can help relieve flatulence.
  • Prescription drugs: Certain prescription medications can target underlying conditions, like IBS or small intestinal bacterial overgrowth, that cause gas. Treating the condition may, in turn, reduce flatulence.
  • Supplements: If you’re lactose intolerant, taking lactase (available OTC) may help relieve gas when you consume dairy products. Another supplement, alpha-galactosidase (Beano), can help the body break down legumes and vegetables in order to reduce gas.

Before adding any medications or supplements to your diet, consider checking in with a healthcare professional to make sure they’re safe for you.

If you’re concerned about flatulence, connect with a healthcare professional. They’ll ask about:

  • your symptoms
  • your diet
  • your eating and drinking habits (like meal sizes and how quickly you eat)
  • medications and supplements you take
  • your medical history

They may also conduct a physical exam to check for swelling, tenderness, or sounds in your abdomen. This may include a physical exam of your rectum.

A healthcare professional may order additional medical tests, including X-rays, blood tests, and stool tests, to see if a potential health problem is behind your flatulence.

You may need to keep a food diary and adjust your eating habits as you work to find the cause of your excess gas.

Severe and persistent flatulence can make an impact on your physical well-being. It may cause pain, cramping, bloating, and other uncomfortable symptoms.

Excess gas can also create complications for your mental health. You may find it stressful or embarrassing to deal with frequent flatulence, especially in social situations.

Relieving gas with home remedies, medications, or both can help reduce the likelihood of complications, though. Try different strategies to see which ones work best for you, and consider talking with a healthcare professional if flatulence is causing complications in your life.

If you have unexplained flatulence, or if you experience the following symptoms along with flatulence, you should see your doctor:

  • swollen abdomen
  • abdominal pain
  • gas that’s persistent and severe
  • vomiting
  • diarrhea
  • constipation
  • unintentional weight loss
  • heartburn
  • blood in stool

These symptoms may be a sign of a serious underlying condition.

How to stop farting: 12 tips and remedies

Tips for reducing gassiness and the passing of wind include eating slowly, avoiding gum, and limiting the intake of fizzy drinks. However, excessive flatulence may be a sign of an underlying condition that needs medical attention.

Farting is a natural part of the digestion cycle. It is essential that the body releases the gas it produces. If not, it can build up and become very uncomfortable.

People can expect to fart between 5 and 15 times per day. This may seem like a lot, but it is entirely normal. Most farts do not smell and are not noisy, and so they go unnoticed.

Many people may feel as though they are unusually gassy, but it is probably just because they are more aware of their farts than anybody else’s. It is usual to pass 1–3 pints of gas per day.

For those who feel as though they have excessive gas, there are several steps to reduce flatulence. Here, we look at 12 possible remedies.

Share on PinterestEating quickly causes excess air to enter the body, which can lead to trapped wind.

There is usually no need to worry about farting. While some people do it more than others, it is a regular part of how the body works.

However, if a person feels that their farting has changed, or it is making them feel particularly embarrassed and uncomfortable, there are some things they can try to reduce the amount they fart:

1. Eat meals and snacks slowly and carefully

The majority of gas produced by the body forms because of swallowed air. A person cannot completely avoid swallowing air, but certain habits can cause excess air to enter the body. Eating too quickly is one of them.

Eating slowly with the mouth closed will reduce the amount of air a person swallows at mealtimes. People should try to sit down and take time over food rather than eating on the go.

2. Stop chewing gum

Many people chew gum to keep their breath fresh and to help avoid snacking. However, those that do may find they have more gas than others. Chewing gum means continually swallowing air, which builds up and increases the number of times a person needs to fart.

3. Look out for food intolerances and allergies

Different people may be sensitive to different foods and may have allergies that bring about a reaction in the body. These can lead to gas and other unpleasant symptoms, such as bloating, nausea, and diarrhea.

A person with excessive gas may find that an elimination diet helps. An elimination diet is where a person would cut out all of the known gas-causing foods before introducing them back in, one at a time, to find out which ones cause the problems.

4. Avoid tight-fitting clothes

Loose clothing helps to ensure a person remains as comfortable as possible should bloating occur. Wearing clothes that are not too tight also helps when gas does occur, allowing it to pass freely out of the body.

5. Avoid or reduce intake of gas-producing foods

Some foods are known to increase gas production. Carbohydrates that contain fructose, lactose, insoluble fiber, and starch ferment in the large intestine. Gas releases as they ferment.

Cutting these foods out entirely, however, is not recommended, as they are an essential part of a healthful, balanced diet.

Fruit and vegetables can often cause gas, but eating several portions of fruit and vegetables a day is more important than eliminating gas. However, reducing the amount of these gas-producing foods may help to minimize a person’s flatulence.

Foods to eat less of include:

  • Beans, green leafy vegetables, such as cabbage, Brussel sprouts, broccoli, and asparagus. These vegetables contain complex sugars that are difficult for the body to break down.
  • Soft drinks, fruit juice, and other fruits, as well as onions, pears, and artichokes. All of these foods contain fructose, a gas-producing ingredient.
  • Dairy products as dairy foods and drinks contain lactose, which can also cause gas to build up.
  • Fruits, oat bran, peas, and beans. These foods all contain insoluble fiber.
  • Starchy foods, such as potatoes, pasta, corn, and products that contain wheat.

6. Give up smoking

People who smoke swallow more air than those who do not. The more frequently a person smokes, the more air they swallow. There are, of course, lots of other health benefits to giving up smoking, too.

People who use e-cigarettes also swallow more air than people who do not, so avoiding e-cigarettes could also help when a person has excess gas.

7. Do more exercise

Regular exercise helps keep the digestive system in good shape. A gentle walk after large meals can also help kick the digestive system into action and move the food along smoothly.

Share on PinterestStaying hydrated reduces the likelihood of constipation, by allowing waste to pass smoothly through the digestive system.

8. Drink plenty of fluids

Staying well-hydrated encourages waste to pass smoothly through a person’s digestive system. This helps keep their stools soft, and so drinking enough through the day is essential.

Also, a lack of fluid may cause constipation, which can result in smelly wind.

People should try to drink a glass of water with every meal to help the body digest foods more easily.

9. Avoid carbonated beverages

Carbonated beverages contain air bubbles, and a person who drinks a lot of carbonated beverages may find they burp and fart more than others.

When someone reduces or removes these types of drinks from their diet, it may help cut the amount of gas they have.

10. Take probiotics

Probiotics are supplements that contain the healthy bacteria already found in a person’s digestive tract. These good bacteria help to break down food, and can even work to break down the hydrogen gas that is produced during digestion.

Occasionally, probiotics may cause an increase in gas and bloating. This is usually short-lived, and it will probably lessen when the body gets used to the new bacteria.

Many probiotic supplements are available online.

11. Try enzyme supplements

Research suggests that enzyme supplements can aid the breakdown of proteins and complex carbohydrates. This means they could help with numerous digestive diseases and their symptoms.

If complex carbohydrates can be broken down in the small intestine, a person will produce less gas.

However, if they do not break down in the small intestine and move to the large intestine, it is the gas-producing bacteria that work to break them down. This means more gas will develop that will need to be released.

Lactase enzyme supplements may help people whose excess gas is caused by lactose intolerance. Lactase is the enzyme that helps people digest dairy products, and so can make people less gassy after eating meals that include dairy. These supplements are also available to purchase online.

Share on PinterestPeppermint tea can settle the stomach and aid digestion, which may reduce excess gas.

12. Tackle constipation

Constipation could be a cause of excess gas. If stool remains in the colon for extended periods of time, it will continue to ferment inside the body. This produces extra gas that can smell particularly foul.

Treatment for constipation varies. However, drinking lots of water and increasing fiber intake can help to reduce the risk of it occurring.

Certain medications and stool softeners, which are available online, can also help.

General tips

Do

  • eat little and often, and avoid huge meals
  • take time to chew food and take sips rather than large gulps of drinks
  • take regular exercise, which will help to improve digestion
  • eat a healthful, balanced diet
  • drink peppermint tea, which is thought to aid digestion and settle the stomach

Do not

  • smoke
  • chew gum, suck pen tops, or hard sweets
  • wear dentures that do not fit properly
  • eat any trigger foods that are hard to digest, or foods known to cause farts

If a person is embarrassed about excessive wind or farts that smell, they can speak to a pharmacist. A pharmacist may recommend specific medication or remedies to help.

Charcoal tablets are thought to absorb excess gas in the stomach, which could reduce flatulence.

A person who has smelly wind could also try special underwear and pads that absorb the smells.

Many farts are due to swallowing air throughout the day. Swallowing air is not something a person can entirely avoid.

Other gas develops as the gut works to break down the foods a person eats.

Farts are a combination of mostly odorless gases, such as carbon dioxide, oxygen, hydrogen, nitrogen, and sometimes methane.

Excessive or smelly wind can occasionally be a sign of a medical problem. If a person has concerns about their flatulence, they should make an appointment with their doctor.

Farting can be a symptom of conditions that may require medical treatment, such as:

  • constipation
  • irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
  • indigestion
  • celiac disease
  • food intolerances or allergies

Certain medications can also cause excessive or smelly wind. It is essential always to consult with a doctor before stopping or switching medication.

Excess gas is not usually anything to be concerned about. Making a few lifestyle changes can often help improve symptoms.

However, in some instances, excess farting could be a sign of something more serious. A person should make an appointment with their doctor if excess gas is accompanied by:

  • stomach aches or pain
  • nausea or vomiting
  • diarrhea
  • unexpected weight loss
  • blood in stool
  • continual instances of constipation or diarrhea
  • high temperature or feeling hot and shivery

If flatulence affects a person’s life badly, and dietary and lifestyle changes and over-the-counter medications have not worked, they should see a doctor for further advice.

Flatulence. Causes, diagnosis, treatment | Directory KLRTS

Moscow, st. Partizanskaya, 41

Kuntsevsky
medical and rehabilitation center.

What is flatulence

Flatulence is the accumulation of gases in the intestines due to their entry from the caecum.
Flatulence occurs after overeating or constantly as a result of diseases of the digestive system. In this case, you need to consult a doctor to identify the causes of the appearance of an unpleasant condition.

Causes

In addition to overeating and food intolerance, increased gas formation develops due to the progression of diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, such as cholecystitis, dysbacteriosis, gastritis, duodenitis, pancreatitis, colitis, intestinal obstruction, etc.
In adult patients, often the reason lies in the lunch on the run at a fast pace. In addition, a lack of enzymes, a disturbed intestinal microflora, can provoke the production of gases. In some cases, after operations in the peritoneal region, the motor activity of the intestine slows down, which is why the products are slowly processed.

Symptoms

By itself, flatulence is not dangerous for humans, but sometimes, together with other symptoms, the accumulation of gases indicates a pathological condition of the digestive tract. Among these signs it should be noted:

  • swelling with a feeling of fullness,
  • rumbling belly,
  • abdominal enlargement,
  • belching,
  • uncontrolled release of gases with and without odor,
  • stool disorder (alternating diarrhea and constipation),
  • heartburn,
  • pain and cutting in the abdomen.

If this clinical picture occurs frequently and the reason for its development is not malnutrition, then you need to consult a doctor.

Which doctor treats flatulence

With any problems of impaired functioning of the digestive tract, they turn to a gastroenterologist. To consult with a doctor, you must first make an appointment with a gastroenterologist, to do this, choose any method convenient for you:

  • clinic call +7 (495) 103-99-55,
  • order a callback,
  • leave an application for an appointment, through a convenient form on the website:

Flatulence is a phenomenon that requires serious attention from both the patient and the attending physician.

IMPORTANT! The fact is that increased gas formation can appear both due to a certain nature of food (coarse, requiring long digestion), and due to the occurrence of a pathology of the gastrointestinal tract.

In any case, it is necessary to refuse self-treatment, which will certainly lead to complications. Make an appointment with the gastroenterologist of the Kuntsevsky Medical and Rehabilitation Center to determine the causes of flatulence and determine the treatment tactics to eliminate the symptom.

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Methods of treatment

To normalize the motor function of the intestine, the gastroenterologist develops a complex treatment. As part of therapy, he prescribes the use of pharmacological agents to normalize the microflora of the colon and split gases:

  • enzymes of different groups to restore the missing elements in the body,
  • sorbents that reduce bloating,
  • prokinetics that accelerate the movement of food through the intestines and promote the removal of gases,
  • defoamers that destroy gas bubbles,
  • probiotics and prebiotics to help digest food in the intestines.

If, according to the results of the tests, diseases of the gastrointestinal tract are detected, then the gastroenterologist selects a therapy aimed at eradicating their cause.

Rehabilitation and restoration of lifestyle

Since many foods provoke gas formation, legumes, potatoes, cabbage, lamb, kvass, beer and soda should be abandoned. Smoking and bad habits also negatively affect intestinal motility, so it is important to get rid of addiction.
The gastroenterologist advises to give up chewing gums, because. they produce the production of gastric juice, and also chew food thoroughly, while not drinking it with water.

Why you need to treat flatulence with us

Experienced gastroenterologists see you at the Kuntsevsky medical and rehabilitation center, located a stone’s throw from the Molodyozhnaya metro station. They regularly improve their skills and learn new methods of treatment, helping to cure the disease in a short time. Doctors not only carry out symptomatic treatment, but also identify the true cause of increased gas formation so that flatulence does not occur again.

References:

  1. Flatulence syndrome: causes and possibilities of treatment / Golovenko O.V. etc.// Farmateka – 2009 – No. 2.
  2. Flatulence: a modern view on the pathogenesis and methods of correction / Poluektova A.E.// Directory of a polyclinic doctor – 2008 – No. 6.
  3. Excessive intestinal gas syndrome: clinical significance and principles of therapy / Butorova L.I.,
  4. Kolomoets A.N. etc.// Difficult patient – 2005 – No. 6.
  5. Bloating in clinical practice: a guide for doctors / T.B. Topchy, M.D. Ardatskaya, L.I. Butorova. – M.: Prima Print, 2021

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Flatulence – symptoms, treatment

Flatulence – symptoms, treatment.

The formation of gas in the intestines is absolutely normal, their presence in a small amount indicates that the intestines are working properly.

During the normal functioning of the gastrointestinal tract (GIT), they come out arbitrarily so that a person may not notice it. This usually happens up to 5 times a day. Also, a variant of the norm is the presence of a mild odor, which is due to the presence of sulfur in the composition.

Digestion is responsible for:

  • nervous system (all digestive organs are abundantly activated and supplied with blood, starting with the tongue, which perceives all tastes and transmits signals to the brain for the release of enzymes, ending with the regulation of peristalsis – the function of the intestines to remove processed food)
  • enzymes, which must be in sufficient quantity for complete digestion of food
  • bacteria – are an integral part of the gastrointestinal tract and regulate most chemical processes, including help in digestion

Symptoms of flatulence in the digestive tract.

A number of symptoms may indicate its presence, such as:

  • a feeling of bloating and pain due to distension of the mucous membranes due to accumulated gases
  • visual increase in the volume of the abdomen, even when eating a small amount of food
  • constant seething in the intestines
  • belching of air
  • involuntary release of gases

The above symptoms are aggravated by strong emotional overexertion, change in diet, diet or continuation of that lifestyle, which led to flatulence. Such a clinical picture causes discomfort to a person both physically and affects his emotional and social spheres. This condition affects all people, regardless of age. Nevertheless, the adult part of the population is much more likely to develop it. A person suffering from intestinal flatulence is forced to limit direct contact with people in order not to experience feelings of guilt and shame, more withdrawn into himself. Constant worry and anxiety reduce the quality of life and significantly increase the risk of depression.

Causes of flatulence

Among the many causes of flatulence, two of the most common are distinguished: swallowing a large amount of air and digestion processes, usually caused by disturbed microflora.

In addition, weak peristalsis also affects the manifestation of symptoms, as a result of which gases cannot pass from it. Accumulating, lead to stretching of the intestinal walls, thereby provoking the onset of pain.

Chewing gum, talking while eating, eating too fast, snacking on the go, smoking cigarettes.

An overgrowth of bacteria in the intestines also leads to discomfort.

There is a fairly common myth that legumes cause excess gas, so many people deliberately remove these foods from their diet, depriving themselves of a large amount of micronutrients. This judgment is true only when the intestinal microflora is not prepared to receive this kind of food. When the balance between pathogenic and beneficial microflora is established, the symptoms of flatulence do not appear with moderate use of products of this group. In order to avoid the manifestation of discomfort, you should add small portions of legumes to your diet so that the microflora can adapt. It is for this reason that when a person changes his usual diet, bloating, discomfort and accumulation of gases can be observed.

One of the main sources of gas can be insufficient secretion of enzymes by bacteria necessary for the processing of indigestible sugars in the large intestine. Dairy products, especially in large quantities, cause flatulence due to insufficient enzymatic processing of lactose, which is contained in them.

Enzymes of the hydrolase group are responsible for the assimilation of milk sugar. In particular, it is alpha-galactosidase, which is responsible for the processing of indigestible carbohydrates, breaking them down to galactose (monosaccharide sugar) and sucrose, which are absorbed in the small intestine, not reaching the large intestine, and are used to provide the body with energy, and beta-galactosidase, which accelerates lactose hydrolysis reaction. With a lack of these enzymes, lactose does not undergo the necessary chemical processing and enters the large intestine in the form in which it entered the body and already there, under the action of microflora, it is broken down into organic acids and carbon dioxide. An excess of these products of a chemical reaction contributes to an increase in osmotic pressure, which in turn provokes the accumulation of fluid in the intestine. This mechanism leads to the development of vomiting and diarrhea, and can also be accompanied by pain, causing even more discomfort to a person.

This is particularly common in people with lactase deficiency, both adults and children. Therefore, they require intake from outside of this enzyme in order to avoid the symptoms of flatulence.

Prolonged use of antibiotics can provoke the occurrence of flatulence in adults due to the destruction of beneficial microflora, the absence or lack of which will be a substrate for the abundant growth of pathogenic flora.

Flatulence treatment

For successful treatment and prevention of flatulence, many doctors recommend following a number of recommendations:

  • Changing the diet towards eating more leafy vegetables and reducing the consumption of fast, easily digestible carbohydrates, avoiding carbonated drinks.
  • Dairy reduction. Even in people with normal enzymatic activity, an excess of products of this group leads to excessive gas formation.
  • Stop smoking both cigarettes and hookahs.
  • Increased physical activity to improve GI motility.
  • The use of probiotics – substances that have a positive effect on the growth of beneficial microbiota. The main representatives of such bacteria are Bifidobacterium lactis and Lactobacterium acidophilus.
  • The inclusion of enzymes in the diet (in particular alpha and beta-galactosidase, the ideal concentrations of which are selected in the probiotic complex Lactoflorene Flat stomach).
  • The use of prokinetics – substances that affect intestinal motility. Such natural remedies include lemon balm, chamomile. Some fruits and vegetables, such as melon, grapes, carrots, beets, cabbage, have a similar effect.

Ginger should be singled out as a separate item, which helps to reduce inflammation and eliminate pain, and reduce swelling, due to the content of gingerol (a plant substance contained in the form of essential oil) in its composition. In addition, ginger has a carminative (carminative) effect, i. ensures the removal of gases from the body.

Passiflora extract has a tonic effect not only on the intestinal mucosa, but also on the body as a whole, which contributes to more comfortable digestion and elimination of nervous tension. Also has anti-inflammatory action.

All herbal extracts, probiotics and enzymes listed can be purchased and consumed individually. However, modern pharmacology has stepped far ahead and simplified the process of therapy. So in the pharmacies of the city and in online stores you can find the probiotic complex Lactoflorene FLAT STOMACH, which includes bifidus and lacto bacteria, digestive enzymes and plant extracts in the required ratio.

In addition, the sachet shape and Duocam’s unique packaging preserve the properties of the product until it is consumed, isolating the probiotics from the rest of the components and preserving their active effect.

Flatulence prevention

To prevent flatulence, reduce portion sizes, avoid overeating and chew thoroughly;

  • Meals should be in a calm environment;
  • Eating should be done silently and slowly to avoid swallowing large amounts of air;
  • After a meal after 30 minutes, moderate physical activity is desirable;
  • Reduce consumption of chewing gum and chew it no longer than 10 minutes, due to the content of sorbitol during prolonged chewing, it promotes gas formation;
  • If possible, reduce stress levels and ensure quality sleep, which favorably affects intestinal motility and prevents the symptoms of flatulence.