What causes wet farts and watery flatulence. How to prevent gas and liquid stool. When to seek medical attention for foul-smelling stools and increased passing gas. What are the common triggers for diarrhea and watery flatulence in adults and children.

Understanding Watery Flatulence: Causes and Symptoms

Watery flatulence, commonly known as wet farts, occurs when liquid passes out alongside air during a fart. This liquid can be mucus or watery stool. While flatulence is a normal bodily function, wet farts may indicate underlying health issues or dietary factors.

What causes normal flatulence?

• Bacteria in the gut unable to digest food properly before it reaches the colon
• Swallowing excess air while eating quickly, chewing gum, or drinking carbonated beverages

When should you be concerned about watery flatulence? If wet farts persist or are accompanied by other symptoms, it’s essential to consult a healthcare professional for proper diagnosis and treatment.

Medications and Dietary Factors Contributing to Wet Farts

Certain medications and food intolerances can lead to watery flatulence. Understanding these factors can help in managing the condition effectively.

Medications That May Cause Watery Flatulence

• Certain antibiotics
• Cholestyramine (for high cholesterol)
• Orlistat (Xenical)
• Medicines containing sorbitol

How does sorbitol affect flatulence? Sorbitol, used as a sweetener in sugar-free products and some medications, can increase flatulence and potentially lead to wet farts.

Food Intolerances Associated with Watery Flatulence

Lactose intolerance and gluten intolerance are common dietary factors that can contribute to wet farts.

What happens in lactose intolerance? People with lactose intolerance lack sufficient lactase enzyme to break down lactose in dairy products, leading to digestive issues and flatulence.

Gluten intolerance symptoms may include:

• Fatigue
• Headache
• Diarrhea or constipation
• Numbness or tingling in extremities
• Itchy skin rash
• Joint pain

Digestive Disorders and Their Impact on Flatulence

Various digestive disorders can cause watery flatulence and other gastrointestinal symptoms.

Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) and Watery Flatulence

IBS is a common digestive disorder that can lead to flatulence and mucus passing from the rectum. What are the other symptoms of IBS?

• Bloating
• Stomach pain and cramps
• Fatigue
• Nausea
• Aching back
• Lack of control over bowel movements
• Urgent or frequent need to urinate
• Diarrhea or constipation

Other gastrointestinal conditions that may cause watery flatulence include inflammatory bowel disease and Crohn’s disease. In rare cases, rectal cancer can also be a cause.

Medical Procedures and Neurological Conditions Affecting Bowel Control

Certain medical procedures and neurological conditions can impact bowel control, potentially leading to watery flatulence.

Pelvic Surgery and Radiation Therapy

How can pelvic surgery affect bowel control? Pelvic surgery or radiation therapy in the pelvic area may cause temporary watery flatulence or accidental leakage from the bowels during the recovery period.

Neurological Conditions Impacting Rectal Function

Conditions that interfere with nerve function around the rectum can lead to reduced feeling and control over bowel movements. These include:

• Diabetes
• Multiple sclerosis
• Stroke

Infections and Their Role in Watery Flatulence

Infections can cause loose stools or diarrhea, which may result in watery farts when combined with gas. What types of infections commonly lead to diarrhea?

• Viral gastroenteritis
• Bacterial infections (e.g., Salmonella, E. coli)
• Parasitic infections

How long does infection-related diarrhea typically last? Most cases of infectious diarrhea resolve within a few days to a week, but persistent symptoms warrant medical attention.

Watery Flatulence in Infants and Children

Wet farts in infants and children can be normal or indicate underlying health issues.

Normal Bowel Function in Newborns

Why do newborns pass a lot of gas and mucus? Newborns have developing digestive systems that struggle to break down proteins, fats, and carbohydrates efficiently, leading to increased gas and mucus production during feeding.

What’s the difference in stool consistency between breastfed and formula-fed babies?

• Breastfed babies: Loose and runny stools
• Formula-fed babies: Thicker stools with a consistency similar to peanut butter

Diarrhea in Infants and Children

When should parents be concerned about wet farts in children? If wet farts are accompanied by other symptoms, it may indicate diarrhea. Symptoms of diarrhea in infants and children include:

• Mucus in stool
• Blood in stool
• Bad or unusual smells
• Sudden increase in stool frequency

Prevention and Management of Watery Flatulence

While some causes of watery flatulence require medical intervention, there are several lifestyle changes and dietary modifications that can help manage the condition.

Dietary Modifications

What dietary changes can help reduce watery flatulence?

• Identify and avoid trigger foods
• Gradually increase fiber intake to improve digestion
• Stay hydrated to support healthy bowel movements
• Consider probiotics to promote gut health

Lifestyle Changes

How can lifestyle adjustments help manage watery flatulence?

• Eat slowly and chew food thoroughly to reduce air swallowing
• Avoid carbonated beverages and using straws
• Exercise regularly to promote healthy digestion
• Manage stress through relaxation techniques

Over-the-Counter Remedies

What over-the-counter products can help with watery flatulence?

• Simethicone for gas relief
• Lactase enzyme supplements for lactose intolerance
• Probiotics to support gut health

It’s important to consult a healthcare provider before starting any new supplement regimen.

When to Seek Medical Attention

While occasional watery flatulence is generally not a cause for concern, certain symptoms warrant medical attention.

When should you consult a doctor about watery flatulence?

• Persistent symptoms lasting more than a week
• Severe abdominal pain or cramping
• Blood in stool
• Unexplained weight loss
• Fever
• Signs of dehydration

How will a doctor diagnose the cause of watery flatulence? Diagnosis may involve:

• Physical examination
• Review of medical history and symptoms
• Stool analysis
• Blood tests
• Imaging studies (in some cases)

Treatment Options for Underlying Causes of Watery Flatulence

Treatment for watery flatulence depends on the underlying cause. What are some common treatment approaches?

Medication Adjustments

If medications are causing watery flatulence, a healthcare provider may:

• Adjust dosage
• Switch to alternative medications
• Prescribe additional medications to manage side effects

Managing Food Intolerances

How can food intolerances be managed to reduce watery flatulence?

• Lactose intolerance: Avoid dairy products or use lactase enzyme supplements
• Gluten intolerance: Follow a gluten-free diet
• Other food sensitivities: Identify and eliminate trigger foods through an elimination diet

Treating Digestive Disorders

What treatment options are available for digestive disorders causing watery flatulence?

• IBS: Dietary changes, stress management, and medications as prescribed
• Inflammatory bowel disease: Anti-inflammatory drugs, immunosuppressants, or biologics
• Crohn’s disease: Medications, dietary modifications, and in some cases, surgery

Addressing Infections

How are infections causing watery flatulence treated?

• Viral infections: Supportive care and hydration
• Bacterial infections: Antibiotics as prescribed
• Parasitic infections: Antiparasitic medications

Long-term Management and Prognosis

Managing watery flatulence often requires a multi-faceted approach. What strategies can help with long-term management?

• Maintaining a food diary to identify triggers
• Regular follow-ups with healthcare providers
• Adhering to prescribed treatment plans
• Implementing stress management techniques
• Staying informed about new research and treatment options

What is the prognosis for individuals with chronic watery flatulence? The outlook varies depending on the underlying cause. Many cases can be effectively managed with proper treatment and lifestyle modifications, leading to significant symptom improvement and enhanced quality of life.

Research and Future Directions

Ongoing research aims to improve our understanding and management of watery flatulence and related digestive issues. What are some areas of current research?

• Microbiome studies to understand the role of gut bacteria in flatulence
• Development of new diagnostic tools for digestive disorders
• Exploration of novel treatment approaches for IBS and other gastrointestinal conditions
• Investigation of the gut-brain axis and its impact on digestive health

How might future developments impact the management of watery flatulence? Advancements in research may lead to more targeted treatments, improved diagnostic methods, and better understanding of the complex interplay between diet, gut health, and flatulence.

Patient Education and Support

Educating patients about watery flatulence and its causes is crucial for effective management. What resources are available for patients seeking information and support?

• Educational materials from healthcare providers
• Support groups for specific digestive disorders
• Online forums and communities for sharing experiences and tips
• Nutritional counseling services
• Mental health support for coping with chronic digestive issues

How can patients actively participate in their treatment? Patients can take an active role by:

• Maintaining open communication with healthcare providers
• Tracking symptoms and potential triggers
• Adhering to treatment plans and follow-up appointments
• Staying informed about their condition and treatment options
• Advocating for their health needs and concerns

By understanding the causes, symptoms, and management strategies for watery flatulence, individuals can work towards better digestive health and improved quality of life. While the topic may be embarrassing for some, it’s important to remember that digestive issues are common and treatable. With proper care, support, and management, most people can effectively address watery flatulence and its underlying causes.

Wet farts (watery flatulence): Causes and prevention

Watery flatulence, or wet farts, is when liquid passes out alongside air during a fart. This liquid could be mucus or watery stool

Also known as wet farts, watery flatulence may be due to what a person has eaten or drunk. An underlying health condition may also be the cause of wet farts, for example, a digestive disorder.

Read on to learn more about the different causes of watery flatulence and how to prevent it.

Flatulence, or farting, happens when gas from the intestines passes out through the rectum.

Farting is a daily and normal function of the body. It may happen if bacteria in the gut are not able to digest food properly before it reaches the colon.

Flatulence also happens when people swallow excess air. This can occur when someone chews gum, eats quickly, or drinks carbonated drinks.

Watery flatulence is when a fart feels wet because mucus or some watery stool passes out alongside gas. There are a number of causes of watery flatulence.

Wet farts may occur due to something a person has consumed. Other times, wet farts may be a symptom of an underlying health condition.

Read on to discover the various causes of watery flatulence.

Certain medications

Some medicines may cause watery flatulence and loose stools. Medications that may increase flatulence and could lead to wet farts include:

• certain antibiotics
• cholestyramine (for high cholesterol)
• orlistat (Xenical)
• medicines that contain sorbitol

As well as being an ingredient in some drugs, manufacturers also use sorbitol to sweeten sugar-free sweets. Sorbitol may increase flatulence.

Lactose intolerance

If a person has a lactose intolerance, eating dairy products may cause them to have watery flatulence.

Lactase is the enzyme in the body that breaks down the lactose found in dairy products. People who are lactose intolerant do not produce enough lactase to digest lactose properly.

Eating dairy products may cause a person with a lactose intolerance to have digestive issues and flatulence.

Gluten intolerance

People who have celiac disease or an intolerance to gluten may experience stomach discomfort after eating gluten. This may lead to watery flatulence.

Other symptoms a person with a gluten intolerance may notice after eating gluten include:

• fatigue
• headache
• diarrhea or constipation
• numbness or tingling in the arms, legs, or fingers
• itchy skin rash
• joint pain

Learn more about the signs of gluten intolerance.

Irritable bowel syndrome and other digestive disorders

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) affects the digestive system. IBS may cause flatulence and mucus to pass out of the rectum.

Other IBS symptoms include:

• bloating
• stomach pain and cramps
• fatigue
• nausea
• aching back
• lack of control over bowel movements
• urgent or frequent need to urinate
• diarrhea or constipation

Learn how to cope with IBS.

Other conditions affecting the gastrointestinal system may also cause watery flatulence. These conditions include inflammatory bowel disease and Crohn’s disease.

Although rare, cancer of the rectum is another possible cause of watery flatulence.

Pelvic surgery or treatment

Pelvic surgery or treatment may lead to watery flatulence or accidental leakage from the bowels. This normally only affects a person while they are recovering from their treatment.

Radiation therapy around the pelvic area is one form of treatment that may cause this symptom.

Conditions that affect nerve function

Certain health conditions that interfere with nerve function around the rectum may lead to watery flatulence. Impaired nerve function in this area of the body may reduce feeling and control over bowel movements.

Conditions that may affect nerve function around the rectum include:

• diabetes
• multiple sclerosis
• stroke

Infections

Some infections can cause people to have loose stools or diarrhea. If someone has gas while they have diarrhea, it may come out as a watery fart.

Share on PinterestBabies tend to pass a lot of gas when they feed.

Wet farts may be a sign that a toddler or child is experiencing one of the health conditions this article explores above. A parent or carer can make a note of any related symptoms and speak to a doctor about the possible cause.

Watery stools and wet farts are normal for newborn babies. This is because they are not yet eating solids and their digestive system is still developing.

It is difficult for a newborn baby’s digestive system to break down:

• proteins
• fats
• carbohydrates

For this reason, when a newborn baby feeds, they may pass a lot of gas and mucus.

If a baby is on breastfed milk, their stools will be loose and runny. If a baby is on formula milk, their stools will be thicker with a consistency similar to peanut butter.

Diarrhea

If a baby has wet farts alongside other symptoms, they may have diarrhea. Symptoms of diarrhea include:

• mucus in stool
• blood in stool
• bad or unusual smell
• sudden increase in stools
• stools become looser than usual for two or more stools
• fever

Lactose overload

Wet farts or stools may be a sign of a lactose overload. Lactose overload may happen when an infant has long or over frequent feeds that cause too much lactose in the digestive system.

Babies who are 3 months or younger are most likely to experience lactose overload. However, lactose overload may affect babies up to 5–6 months old.

Symptoms of lactose overload include:

• frothy, sloppy, or explosive stools
• foul smell to stools
• excessive and foul smelling farts
• baby seems to be continuously hungry
• large weight gain or bloating

People may be able to prevent wet farts by supporting their digestive system in the following ways:

• avoiding lactose and gluten to see if symptoms improve
• avoiding carbonated drinks
• chewing food thoroughly
• avoiding chewing gum
• eating slowly and mindfully
• avoiding foods high in fructose, such as figs, dates, or prunes
• avoiding sugar-free sweets
• avoiding greasy, fatty, or overly spicy foods, which can be harder to absorb

If people have loose stools alongside watery farts, increasing fiber intake slowly may help to better manage bowel movements. Experts recommend a daily fiber intake of 20–35 grams.

Increasing fiber consumption suddenly may cause bloating or stomach pain. People can gradually increase their fiber intake over several days by eating more:

• fruit
• vegetables
• whole grains

Share on PinterestA person should see a doctor if they are experiencing wet farts for no known reason.

If wet farts are happening regularly with no known reason, it is a good idea to see the doctor. The doctor can diagnose any underlying health condition that may be causing watery flatulence.

To reach a diagnosis, the doctor may carry out a physical examination and ask about:

• foods and drinks a person has recently consumed
• any history of digestive issues

The doctor may also carry out the following tests:

• ultrasound or CT scan of the abdomen
• blood tests to check for celiac disease
• breath tests

The doctor may ask a person to keep track of the food and drink they eat. This helps identify any link between certain foods and digestive issues.

The doctor may also ask a person to record the number of times they pass gas or experience a wet fart over the course of 3 days. This can help the doctor see if there is anything abnormal happening.

People should see a doctor straight away if they have wet farts alongside any of the following symptoms:

• blood in stools
• unexplained weight loss
• swelling or hard lump in the stomach
• feeling short of breath
• paler skin

Wet farts are normal in newborn babies as their digestive systems are still developing. In older children or adults, occasional wet farts can be a normal bodily function. Watery flatulence may be due to a stomach upset or something a person has eaten or drunk that day.

If a person experiences wet farts on a regular basis or has other symptoms alongside wet farts, they should see their doctor. Watery flatulence could indicate a digestive disorder or underlying health condition.

Causes, Prevention, Newborn, Baby, and More

What are wet farts?

Whether you call it gas, flatulence, or farts, passing gas is a normal part of a person’s daily bodily functioning. Typically, farts are caused by excess air that is swallowed. This can be from chewing gum, smoking, or taking in excess air while eating.

It can also be caused by eating foods like beans and broccoli. They can release extra gases that cause too much air to build up in the intestines.

Sometimes you may experience a fart that isn’t just air escaping. This is the case for a “wet” fart. The sound may have a bubbling or liquid quality to it or be accompanied by liquid stool. Wet farts can indicate an underlying medical condition.

Typically, the anus releases extra gas from the rectum without any stool releasing. However, when a person makes a wet fart, there is some kind of fluid or mucus present in the rectum that is either released with the gas or makes additional noise when the gas is passed.

There are several reasons why this could happen.

Infections

Sometimes when a person is sick from a bacteria or virus affecting their stomach, food may pass through the digestive system very quickly and come out as watery stool (diarrhea). When a person passes gas, the watery stool can cause a wet fart.

Foods eaten

If a person eats a food that irritates their digestive tract or that can’t be absorbed by it, they may be more likely to experience a wet fart.

Examples include eating lactose-containing foods when they’re lactose intolerant. Drinking too much prune juice can also stimulate the bowels excessively.

Incomplete evacuation

If you’ve pooped recently and have a wet fart shortly after, this could indicate that you hadn’t fully emptied your bowels.

Medical conditions

Sometimes a person may have a disorder that causes bowel irritation and chronic diarrhea. Examples include inflammatory bowel disease, Crohn’s disease, and ulcerative colitis.

Medication side effects

Taking a new medication can be irritating to the digestive tract and lead to diarrhea and wet farts. However, you shouldn’t stop taking a medication without your doctor’s okay unless it causes a severe allergic (anaphylactic) reaction.

Stress

Severe stress can cause abdominal cramping, and that, in turn, can make digested food pass more quickly through the digestive tract.

Babies and children can also have problems with wet farts.

As a parent or caretaker, you may notice the child’s diaper or underwear has stains on it even if a formed stool isn’t present. This can be especially common for babies because their stools don’t start becoming more solid until their diet changes to solid foods. As a result, they’re more likely to have wet farts.

While this isn’t usually harmful to your baby, you should check their diaper after each fart to ensure the stool won’t irritate baby’s bottom.

For an older child, wet farts can be less common and so are more likely to indicate one of the conditions listed above. This can include possible infection, problems digesting certain foods, or difficulty with a new medication.

Preventing wet farts often depends on the underlying cause. If you’re having diarrhea most days of the week or frequent stomach upset, you should see your doctor.

However, there are some ways to maintain bowel regularity and reduce the likelihood that stool will be liquid, including the following.

Increase fiber intake

Slowly introducing more fiber into your diet can help to solidify stool. Examples of fiber-containing foods include:

• whole grains
• beans
• raspberries
• chickpeas
• pears
• apples
• broccoli

Increasing your water intake while you boost fiber intake can help promote better digestion. Ideally, you will take in 20 to 30 grams of fiber a day.

Avoid foods known to cause stomach irritation

Lactose- and gluten-containing foods are two examples of foods known to cause stomach irritation. However, there are many more foods, drinks, and spices that can lead to stomach upset and that might contribute to wet farts. Keep a food diary to figure out what foods cause you digestive issues.

Talk to your doctor about digestive enzymes

Sometimes you may be able to take digestive enzymes to promote the digestion of foods known to cause stomach problems, such as lactose.

Make sure you completely empty your bowels

Sitting on your toilet an extra two to five minutes could ensure you’ve completely gone to the bathroom, making a wet fart due to retained stool less likely.

Just as there are beneficial ways to prevent wet farts, there are potentially harmful ones. For example, don’t cut back on drinking water to try to reduce the wet or watery nature of the flatulence. This isn’t an effective approach and can also leave you dehydrated.

Occasional wet farts are to be expected. They usually indicate gastrointestinal upset. But if wet farts continue to occur on a chronic basis, you should talk to your doctor about potential treatments.

Flatulence with diarrhea | Motilegaz®

Date last updated: 05/01/2022

Average reading time: 6 minutes

Bloating, rumbling and increased gas can cause discomfort and distract from important matters. And if complaints are also accompanied by a violation of the stool, this is already a “double blow” to your well-being and your plans. Why flatulence occurs with diarrhea and how to cope with unpleasant symptoms – we will tell in the article.

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Causes of flatulence in diarrhea

The intestines of a healthy person normally contain about 200 ml of various gases ² . If the intensity of gas formation prevails over the ability of the gastrointestinal tract (GIT) to remove gases ³ , the volume of the latter may increase 3 times ² . As a result, a condition develops, which in medicine is called flatulence.

Flatulence is a subjective sensation of fullness, fullness in the abdomen, which may be accompanied by ^{2. 4} :

• rumbling and transfusion feeling;
• increased gas from the rectum;
• measurable (objective) increase in abdominal circumference.

From time to time, bloating bothers many people, especially after heavy and hard to digest food. In this case, the bloating may be uncomfortable, but usually resolves after a few hours and does not pose a health risk ¹ . But sometimes flatulence is a symptom of diseases of the intestines and other organs of the gastrointestinal tract, for example, the stomach, pancreas, liver and biliary tract ² .

Next, consider those cases in which bloating is combined with diarrhea (diarrhea), that is, the release of liquid or semi-liquid stool more than 3 times a day ⁵ .

Dietary habits and alcohol

If flatulence and diarrhea bother you after eating, check the refrigerator first. The foods in your diet affect both the density of the stool and the amount of gas that is formed in the digestive tract ³ .

Bloating and loose stools may occur with frequent or excessive consumption of gas producing foods such as: ^3.6

• cabbage;
• mushrooms;
• celery;
• apples and pears;
• onion and garlic;
• legumes;
• whole milk and fermented milk products;
• fresh bread, grapes, kvass;
• sweet drinks;
• dietary products based on sweeteners;
• coffee and energy drinks.

Diarrhea often occurs with alcohol abuse, which accelerates the transit (movement) of food through the intestines, reduces the activity of some enzymes in the small intestine and the function of the pancreas ⁶ . Because of all these changes after alcohol consumption, flatulence and diarrhea are possible.

Dysbacteriosis

Intestinal bacteria are by no means a passive part of the gastrointestinal tract. The microflora takes an active part in digestion, absorption of nutrients and the formation of feces. Bacteria work in close cooperation with the intestines and therefore are able to regulate the volume and density of feces, the speed of their movement, as well as the frequency of stools ⁶ .

The large intestine is mainly inhabited by fermentative and putrefactive bacteria, and the activity of this gas-producing flora depends on the food we eat. So, fibers from plant foods and all sweet things are processed by fermentation, and proteins – by decay ³ .

Normally, the intestinal microbiota is also involved in the utilization of excess gases. But if its composition is violated, the number of gas-forming bacteria and, accordingly, gases increases. At the same time, intestinal microorganisms do not have time to utilize gases, and the latter are excreted in one of two ways ¹³ :

• absorbed into the blood and excreted during respiration;
• move forward and are removed through the rectum.

In case of diarrhea, when the food bolus passes through the intestines faster than usual, gases do not have time to be absorbed into the blood – this is one of the reasons why bloating accompanies diarrhea ³ .

Even if you drastically reduce the amount of food consumed or arrange a fasting day, gas formation will still occur in the intestines. Left without food from the outside, bacteria begin to digest internal products in the intestine, releasing the so-called “hungry gases” ¹² .

Irritable bowel syndrome

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Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is popularly called “bear stool”, that is, diarrhea due to stress. Indeed, the psychological factor plays an important role in the development of this bowel disorder ⁸ .

IBS is quite often manifested by diarrhea accompanied by abdominal pain and flatulence. Characteristically, these complaints usually resolve after a bowel movement ^6.7 .

Intestinal infections

Acute infectious enteritis (inflammation of the small intestine) may present with severe bloating and distension in the early stages of the disease, often before the onset of diarrhea ¹ . The cause of unstable loose stools and flatulence can also be an acute infection with worms, Giardia or their chronic carriage ⁶ .

Loose stools in intestinal infections are the result of exposure to special bacterial toxins (enterotoxins), which increase the excretion of water in the intestines ⁵ .

Digestive enzyme deficiency

The pancreas is the main “supplier” of digestive enzymes to the small intestine, but when it is inflamed (in pancreatitis), its secretion of juice is impaired. Due to the lack of digestive enzymes after a meal, the intestines begin to “boil” – a lot of gases are formed and loosening of the stool is observed ⁶ .

Symptoms of excessive gas formation can also appear with a deficiency of the enzyme lactase, which is produced in the small intestine and in the pancreas. Without lactase, the breakdown of milk sugar (lactose), which is contained in large quantities in milk products, is disrupted. With lactase deficiency, intolerance to these products develops – they can cause not only bloating, but also abdominal pain with diarrhea ² .

Celiac disease

Celiac disease is a disease that occurs due to an increased sensitivity of the immune system to a special food protein – gluten. The disease develops in genetically predisposed people ⁶ . In this condition, the transit of food through the gastrointestinal tract is accelerated ⁹ .

Celiac disease in adults is often silent and can be limited for a long time by mild abdominal pain, flatulence and rare episodes of diarrhea ⁶ .

Hormonal causes

Intestinal dysfunction may accompany or be one of the manifestations of diseases of the thyroid gland, adrenal glands and pancreas, in which the hormonal balance in the body is disturbed. The causes of bloating and diarrhea in this case depend on the specific disease. For example, diarrhea associated with increased thyroid function is most often caused by too rapid motility (intestinal motility) ⁶ .

In healthy women, bloating and stool disorder often occur or become more pronounced during the premenstrual period ¹ .

Diagnostics

Gas symptoms can accompany most gastrointestinal disorders ³ . To find out the cause of the complaints, it is important to tell the doctor the following information:

• how long ago the symptoms started ¹⁰ ;
• whether they are associated with the consumption of any food ¹⁰ ;
• what time of day is bloating and diarrhea more common ¹⁰ ;
• how often bowels are emptied per day ⁶ ;
• whether the properties of the stool have changed – its consistency, color or smell ⁶ ;
• whether there is blood, mucus or particles of undigested food in the stool ⁶ ;
• Are you worried about false urges, a feeling of incomplete emptying of the bowels, or an increase in body temperature ⁶ .

Prevention and treatment

The first thing to do in case of flatulence and diarrhea is to consult a specialist. Self-medication can harm the body, since the right therapy is always aimed at eliminating the cause, and then at relieving unpleasant symptoms ² .

If your doctor has determined that bloating and frequent stools are due to poor diet, get ready to change your diet.

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Nutrition

In case of flatulence, it is recommended to limit or exclude foods that increase gas formation from the diet ³ :

• whole milk;
• legumes;
• vegetables and fruits with coarse fibres;
• fresh flour products;
• fatty meats and sausages, fried foods;
• sweets.

Fermented milk products are best consumed in small quantities, taking into account individual tolerance ² .

The best solution is to discuss your diet with your doctor.

Drug therapy

Depending on the causes of diarrhea and bloating, different groups of drugs can be used, for example ² :

• probiotics – to eliminate dysbacteriosis;
• antibacterial agents – for intestinal infection;
• antidiarrheals – for severe diarrhea;
• preparations containing pancreatic enzymes, if flatulence is due to their deficiency;
• antiflatulents – to relieve bloating.

To reduce the unpleasant symptoms of flatulence, your doctor may recommend drugs based on simethicone ² , such as Motilegaz® Forte. ¹¹

After taking the active ingredient Motilegaz® spreads over the surface of the foam film, which contains gases. As a result, there is a rapid outflow of fluid and the destruction of this film, and the released gas bubbles are absorbed into the blood through the intestinal wall or excreted from the gastrointestinal tract through the rectum. ¹¹

Simethicone in Motilegaz® Forte is not absorbed in the intestine and is excreted from the body unchanged ¹¹ .

Intestinal disorders are often manifested by flatulence and diarrhea, significantly affecting well-being and the usual rhythm of life. If several symptoms are bothering you, you may need to take different medications, but for treatment to help, it is important to identify the cause of bloating and diarrhea. This can only be done by a specialist. He also prescribes medication, which is aimed at eliminating the cause, facilitating the removal of gases and restoring the regularity of the stool.

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Stool disorder | Doctor KIT

09/18/2018

Problems with stool disorders

Stool disorders, as a rule, are a signal of pathological processes in the large or small intestine. The exact cause is established by the accompanying symptoms, analysis of the diet, water consumption. Not only intestinal diseases can provoke constipation or diarrhea, but also stress, climate change, or cuisine. Digestive disorders are a side effect of taking medications.

Irritable bowel syndrome

This is a characteristic set of symptoms, the cause is often not related to the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract. With irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), the digestive tract is disturbed. According to WHO statistics, this is one of the most common causes of stool disorders. At the same time, the patient complains of a whole range of symptoms:

• Flatulence, which increases during the day, is especially noticeable after eating.
• Pain in the lower abdomen. Sensations differ in character from dull and pulling to cutting. After going to the toilet, the discomfort decreases.
• Morning diarrhea.
• Constipation, irregular stool.
• Mucus with stool, no pus or blood.

Symptoms are accompanied by belching, bitterness in the mouth, and sometimes vomiting. Symptoms of an intestinal disorder are accompanied by anxiety, fatigue and mood swings. Individually, each complaint does not cause concern, but their totality gives a very characteristic picture. At the same time, there are no serious changes in the intestines that can be detected using diagnostics. Forms of IBS differ in nature. With the same disease, patients complain of constipation, diarrhea, or a mixed form.

The main cause of the problem is stressful situations. Gastrointestinal disorders may be the result of psychological trauma or chronic fatigue. Personal characteristics also influence the development of the disease, such as high anxiety.

There is a genetic predisposition to the occurrence of the syndrome. The likelihood of encountering a problem increases if among family members there is already a patient with such a syndrome, patients with a stomach ulcer or Crohn’s disease.

IBS can develop as a complication after an acute intestinal infection, salmonellosis, dysentery or cholera. This category also includes food poisoning or uncontrolled medication. The work of the gastrointestinal tract is disturbed after a course of antibiotics or improper use of laxatives or painkillers.

Stool disorders are a common consequence of malnutrition: undernutrition or overeating, snacking on the run, etc. Disturbances in the work of the intestines provoke a sedentary lifestyle.

Irritable bowel syndrome is a common but not the only cause of stool problems. Often constipation or diarrhea is a sign of pathological changes in the body.

What problems cause constipation? Accompanied by belching and nausea. There is discomfort during physical exertion, especially when jumping or running. The pain intensifies after eating, may radiate to the heart.

Fecal retention is a non-specific sign of gastric ulcer. At the same time, the patient complains of pain in the upper abdomen, which are clearly associated with meals, have a clear periodicity and seasonality of exacerbations. Symptoms are worse in spring and autumn. Also, with an ulcer after eating, heartburn appears, a painful feeling of hunger is observed.

The symptom also manifests itself in gastroduodenitis – inflammation of the mucous membrane of the stomach and duodenum. Constipation is accompanied by a feeling of heaviness, an unpleasant aftertaste in the mouth. Attacks of pain appear in the upper abdomen, “hungry pains” that disappear after a snack may disturb.

Alimentary constipation occurs with a diet rich in easily digestible foods low in fiber. Constipation affects people who adhere to strict diets for a long time for medical reasons or in order to lose weight.

Weakness of the muscles of the anterior abdominal wall can aggravate constipation. Especially with a decrease in appetite, when the volume of fecal masses decreases, it cannot irritate the large intestine with the necessary force.

Causes of diarrhea

Diarrhea is one of the symptoms of intestinal infections and chronic gastrointestinal diseases. So the cause of diarrhea can be acute gastritis, especially its bacterial form.

Loose stool is one of the signs of gastric achilia, when enzymes and hydrochloric acid are not produced in the stomach. This condition of the stomach occurs with inflammatory diseases of the stomach, gallbladder, liver and intestines. Achilia occurs with the growth of neoplasms. That is, persistent diarrhea may indicate developing gastrointestinal cancer. It also often develops with appendicitis, polyps.

There are also less critical causes:

• “Traveler’s diarrhea” due to changes in climate and diet.
• Lack of vitamins, in particular B2.
• Stress and nervous tension.
• Side effects of drugs.
• Alcohol abuse.

Acute diarrhea begins with bacterial and viral intestinal infections.

Seek immediate medical attention if you have associated symptoms such as high fever, severe vomiting and severe abdominal pain. If the drugs for indigestion do not help within three days. If there is blood or mucus in the discharge.

Stool disorders – non-specific symptom. That is, it can manifest itself in a whole group of diseases. Therefore, at the first sign of malaise, you need to consult a doctor. You need to understand that timely diagnosis and treatment will not only prevent the development of complications, but also quickly return the quality of life to its previous level. This is especially true for such a delicate problem as digestive disorders.

Our clinic is equipped with modern diagnostic equipment that allows us to accurately diagnose the problem.