What are the main causes of excessive gas. How can certain foods contribute to flatulence. Which over-the-counter medications provide relief from gas and bloating. What lifestyle changes can help reduce flatulence. How do antacids and simethicone work to alleviate gas symptoms.

Understanding the Causes of Excessive Gas

Excessive gas, also known as flatulence, is a common digestive issue that can cause discomfort and embarrassment. To effectively address this problem, it’s crucial to understand its root causes.

Flatulence occurs when gas builds up in the digestive tract. This can happen due to various reasons:

• Swallowing air while eating or drinking
• Bacterial fermentation of undigested food in the colon
• Certain medical conditions like lactose intolerance or celiac disease
• Consumption of gas-producing foods
• Stress and anxiety

Are certain individuals more prone to excessive gas? Yes, some people may be more susceptible due to factors such as:

• Digestive system sensitivity
• Dietary habits
• Underlying health conditions
• Genetic predisposition

Foods That Contribute to Flatulence: What to Avoid

Diet plays a significant role in gas production. Identifying and limiting gas-inducing foods can help reduce flatulence. Some common culprits include:

• Beans and lentils
• Cruciferous vegetables (broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage)
• Dairy products (especially for those with lactose intolerance)
• Carbonated beverages
• High-fiber foods
• Artificial sweeteners

How do these foods contribute to gas formation? Many of these foods contain complex carbohydrates or sugars that are difficult for the body to break down. When these undigested substances reach the large intestine, bacteria ferment them, producing gas as a byproduct.

Over-the-Counter Medications for Gas Relief

For those seeking immediate relief from gas and bloating, several over-the-counter medications are available. These include:

1. Simethicone-based products (e.g., Gas-X, Mylanta Gas)
2. Activated charcoal supplements
3. Enzyme supplements (e.g., Beano)
4. Antacids with simethicone (e.g., Maalox, Mylanta)

How do these medications work to alleviate gas symptoms? Simethicone, for instance, works by breaking down gas bubbles in the digestive tract, making them easier to pass. Activated charcoal absorbs excess gas, while enzyme supplements help break down complex carbohydrates before they reach the large intestine.

Natural Remedies and Lifestyle Changes for Reducing Flatulence

In addition to medications, several natural remedies and lifestyle changes can help manage excessive gas:

• Eating slowly and chewing food thoroughly
• Avoiding chewing gum and smoking
• Practicing stress-reduction techniques like meditation or yoga
• Regular exercise to promote healthy digestion
• Incorporating probiotic-rich foods into the diet
• Trying herbal teas like peppermint or chamomile

Can dietary supplements help with gas relief? Some people find relief with supplements such as:

• Peppermint oil capsules
• Ginger supplements
• Fennel seeds
• Probiotics

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

The Role of Antacids in Managing Gas and Bloating

Antacids are commonly used to treat indigestion and heartburn, but they can also help with gas-related symptoms. Many antacid products now include simethicone, making them effective for both acid reflux and gas relief.

How do antacids work to alleviate gas symptoms? Antacids neutralize stomach acid, which can help reduce bloating and discomfort. When combined with simethicone, they offer a dual-action approach to digestive relief.

Popular antacid brands that include gas-relief ingredients:

• Maalox Plus
• Mylanta Gas and Antacid
• Gelusil
• Alka-Seltzer Heartburn + Gas Relief

Understanding Simethicone: A Key Ingredient in Gas Relief Medications

Simethicone is a widely used active ingredient in many over-the-counter gas relief products. Its effectiveness and safety profile make it a popular choice for those seeking flatulence relief.

How does simethicone work to reduce gas? Simethicone is an anti-foaming agent that helps break down gas bubbles in the digestive tract. This action makes it easier for the body to expel gas, reducing bloating and discomfort.

Simethicone can be found in various forms, including:

• Chewable tablets
• Liquid suspensions
• Soft gels
• Oral drops (often used for infants)

Are there any side effects associated with simethicone use? Simethicone is generally considered safe with minimal side effects. However, as with any medication, it’s essential to follow the recommended dosage and consult a healthcare provider if symptoms persist.

When to Seek Medical Attention for Excessive Gas

While occasional gas is normal, persistent or severe symptoms may indicate an underlying health condition. It’s important to recognize when to consult a healthcare professional.

Signs that warrant medical attention include:

• Severe abdominal pain or cramping
• Persistent bloating or distension
• Changes in bowel habits
• Unexplained weight loss
• Blood in stool
• Persistent nausea or vomiting

What diagnostic tests might a doctor perform to identify the cause of excessive gas? Depending on the symptoms and medical history, a healthcare provider may recommend:

• Hydrogen breath tests
• Stool tests
• Blood tests
• Abdominal imaging (X-ray, CT scan, or ultrasound)
• Endoscopy or colonoscopy

Exploring Prescription Medications for Chronic Gas Issues

In cases where over-the-counter remedies prove ineffective, healthcare providers may prescribe medications to address chronic gas problems. These prescription options are typically reserved for cases where excessive gas is linked to underlying conditions such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) or small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO).

Common prescription medications for gas-related issues include:

• Antispasmodics (e.g., dicyclomine, hyoscyamine)
• Prokinetics (e.g., metoclopramide)
• Antibiotics (for SIBO treatment)
• Bile acid sequestrants (e.g., cholestyramine)

How do these prescription medications differ from over-the-counter options? Prescription drugs often target specific underlying causes of gas, such as abnormal gut motility or bacterial overgrowth. They may offer more potent relief for chronic cases but also come with a higher risk of side effects.

The Impact of Gut Microbiome on Gas Production

Recent research has highlighted the crucial role of the gut microbiome in digestive health, including its influence on gas production. The balance of beneficial and harmful bacteria in the intestines can significantly affect flatulence levels.

How does the gut microbiome contribute to gas formation? The bacteria in our gut ferment undigested food particles, producing gas as a byproduct. An imbalance in the microbiome can lead to excessive fermentation and increased gas production.

Strategies to promote a healthy gut microbiome and reduce gas include:

• Consuming a diverse range of fiber-rich foods
• Incorporating fermented foods into the diet (e.g., yogurt, kefir, sauerkraut)
• Taking probiotic supplements
• Avoiding unnecessary antibiotic use
• Managing stress levels

The Connection Between Food Intolerances and Excessive Gas

Food intolerances can be a significant contributor to excessive gas and other digestive symptoms. Unlike food allergies, which involve the immune system, intolerances occur when the body has difficulty digesting certain foods.

Common food intolerances that may lead to increased gas production include:

• Lactose intolerance
• Fructose malabsorption
• Gluten sensitivity (non-celiac)
• FODMAPs sensitivity

How can one identify food intolerances? Keeping a detailed food diary and symptoms log can help identify potential trigger foods. Elimination diets, under the guidance of a healthcare professional, can also be useful in pinpointing problematic foods.

Exercise and Physical Activity: Their Role in Gas Management

Regular physical activity can play a crucial role in managing excessive gas and promoting overall digestive health. Exercise stimulates intestinal contractions, helping to move gas through the digestive system more efficiently.

Benefits of exercise for gas relief include:

• Improved gut motility
• Reduced bloating
• Stress reduction
• Enhanced overall digestive function

What types of exercises are most beneficial for gas relief? Low-impact activities such as walking, swimming, and yoga can be particularly effective. Specific yoga poses, like the “wind-relieving pose” (Pawanmuktasana), are designed to help expel gas and reduce abdominal discomfort.

The Psychological Aspect of Flatulence: Addressing Embarrassment and Anxiety

While the physical symptoms of excessive gas can be uncomfortable, the psychological impact should not be overlooked. Many individuals experience embarrassment, anxiety, and social discomfort due to flatulence issues.

Strategies to cope with the psychological aspects of flatulence include:

• Education and self-acceptance
• Open communication with friends and family
• Stress-reduction techniques
• Cognitive-behavioral therapy (for severe cases)

How can one address the social stigma associated with flatulence? Promoting open discussions about digestive health and normalizing these bodily functions can help reduce stigma and embarrassment. It’s important to remember that everyone experiences gas, and it’s a natural part of the digestive process.

Emerging Research and Future Directions in Gas Relief

The field of gastroenterology continues to evolve, with ongoing research into new treatments and understanding of digestive disorders, including excessive gas. Some promising areas of research include:

• Targeted probiotics for specific digestive issues
• Personalized nutrition based on gut microbiome analysis
• Novel pharmaceutical compounds for gas relief
• Non-invasive diagnostic tools for food intolerances and gut disorders

What potential breakthroughs might we see in gas relief treatments? Future developments may include more effective enzyme supplements, advanced microbiome modulation techniques, and personalized treatment plans based on an individual’s unique digestive profile.

As research progresses, individuals struggling with excessive gas can look forward to more targeted and effective treatment options. In the meantime, a combination of dietary management, over-the-counter remedies, and lifestyle modifications can provide relief for many people experiencing flatulence issues.

Compare Current Flatulence Drugs and Medications with Ratings & Reviews

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Flatulence – Better Health Channel

Flatulence, commonly referred to as ‘farting’, is caused by gas in the bowel. Ordinarily, the intestines produce between 500 and 2,000mls of gas, which is passed out of the anus at regular intervals. The gas, or ‘flatus’, consists of a number of gases including methane, nitrogen and carbon dioxide. The varying smell depends on the ratio of gases, which is influenced by the foods we eat.

Flatus is generated by swallowed air, digestion, high-fibre foods and the by-products of intestinal bacteria. Some digestive system disorders, such as irritable bowel syndrome, can produce excess gas.

Symptoms of flatulence

Passing wind is normal, but the amount varies between individuals and depends on a number of factors including diet. Some people pass wind only a handful of times per day, others up to 40 times, while the average seems to be about 15. Symptoms of excessive (or embarrassing) flatulence include:

• passing wind often
• smelly flatus
• loud flatus
• abdominal distension and discomfort
• rumblings in the lower abdomen.

Causes of flatulence

Intestinal gas is a normal part of digestion. The gas is produced by different means, including:

• Swallowed air – the mouth isn’t vacuum-sealed, so small quantities of air are swallowed along with food and liquid. The oxygen and nitrogen from the swallowed air is absorbed into the bloodstream from the small intestine, and any excess is allowed to continue its journey through the bowel for expulsion. ‘Air-swallowing’ often occurs in people who are anxious.
• Normal digestion – stomach acid is neutralised by pancreatic secretions, and the resulting interaction creates gas (carbon dioxide) as a by-product.
• Intestinal bacteria – the bowel contains a host of bacteria that help digestion by fermenting some of the food components. The process of fermentation produces gas as a by-product. Some of the gas is absorbed into the bloodstream and breathed out by the lungs. The remainder is pushed along the bowel.
• High fibre foods – fibre is essential to the health of the digestive system, but it can create excessive gas. The small intestine can’t break down certain compounds, which means extra work for the gas-producing intestinal bacteria, and accompanying flatus. High-fibre diets should be introduced slowly to allow the bowel sufficient time to adjust.
• Lactose intolerance – the body’s inability to digest the particular sugars found in cows milk will produce excessive amounts of intestinal gas. This is because the bacteria of the gut digest the sugars by fermentation, a gas-creating process.
• Intolerance of short-chain carbohydrates other than lactose – certain people may be susceptible to gas production from fermentation of other carbohydrates such as fructose, present in many foods including honey, corn syrup and some fruits. These short-chain carbohydrates together are now known as FODMAPS.

Common complaints with flatulence

Some of the more unpleasant or embarrassing problems with flatulence include:

• Loud flatus – this is caused by the muscles of the bowel forcing air through the tight ring of muscle at the anus. Suggestions include passing the air with less power, and reducing the amount of intestinal gas by making dietary adjustments.
• Smelly flatus – the gas produced by bacterial fermentation can smell, depending on the food eaten. Suggestions include limiting common culprits such as garlic, onions, spicy foods and beer.
• Excessive flatus – this is caused by swallowing air, eating high-fibre foods, lactose intolerance or some digestive disorders. Suggestions include reducing the amount of intestinal gas by making dietary adjustments and seeking medical advice.

Foods to limit to reduce flatulence

A healthy diet requires plenty of variety. Foods that tend to produce large amounts of flatus also contain essential nutrients and shouldn’t be eliminated. Limiting their consumption is a better option. Examples of foods that commonly cause flatulence include:

• dairy products – such as milk, if lactose intolerance is present
• dried fruit – raisins and prunes
• fruit – apple, apricot, peach and pear
• foods high in insoluble fibre – particularly seeds and husks
• legumes – beans, peas, chickpeas, soybeans and nuts
• vegetables – carrot, eggplant, onion, Brussels sprouts and cabbage.

Laxatives and flatulence

Many laxatives, including lactulose, sorbitol and some fibre preparations, also cause flatulence and should not be used regularly, except with medical advice.

Reducing intestinal gas

Suggestions to reduce the amount of flatus include:

• Limit common food culprits.
• Don’t suddenly increase the amount of fibre in your diet.
• Reduce milk consumption if lactose intolerance is a problem.
• Consider taking charcoal products or other over-the-counter preparations.

Seek medical advice for excessive flatulence

Some digestive system disorders, such as irritable bowel syndrome, can produce a sensation of excessive flatus. See your doctor if you experience unusual flatulence, abdominal pain, changes to toilet habits, or any other uncomfortable symptom associated with digestion.

Lactose intolerance can be diagnosed by a biopsy of the small intestine. This procedure is done by a specialist using an endoscope (camera attached to a thin flexible tube). The person is given a sedative. Intolerance to short-chain carbohydrates (FODMAPS) can be diagnosed by a breath hydrogen test. A test carbohydrate is ingested, and a series of breath samples are obtained over two to three hours to detect if abnormal fermentation is taking place.

Where to get help

Things to remember

• Intestinal gas is a normal part of digestion.
• Excessive flatulence can be caused by lactose intolerance, certain foods or a sudden switch to a high-fibre diet.
• Flatulence can be a symptom of some digestive system disorders, including irritable bowel syndrome.

Flatulence – MyDr.com.au

Flatulence, also known as ‘breaking wind’, ‘passing wind;’ or farting, is an excess of gas in the intestines. Flatulence can be an embarrassing problem for some people.

How much gas is normal?

It is normal for gas in the digestive tract to be passed out through the rectum (as flatus) on average between 14 and 25 times a day, depending on your diet. A high fibre diet will produce more gas than a diet containing less fibre. The normal amount of gas produced per day ranges from 250 mL to 2500 mL.

Symptoms of flatulence

Some symptoms that can accompany excessive flatulence include:

• bloating and discomfort;
• belching; and
• pain in the abdomen.

What causes flatulence?

Possible causes of flatulence include:

• High-fibre diet: A diet containing foods high in soluble fibre.
• Increase in fibre: A sudden increase in the amount of fibre in the diet.
• Swallowing excessive air: It’s normal to swallow some air, but excessive swallowing of air can be due to chewing gum, sucking pens or pencils, smoking and not taking the time to chew food slowly.;
• Medical conditions. Some medical conditions, such as coeliac disease, lactose intolerance, Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis.
• Lack of digestive enzymes. If a person is lacking in the enzymes needed for digestion, undigested food passes into the intestine and then bacteria break it down releasing gases.
• Long transit time through the intestine. This gives bacteria more chance to ferment the waste products, producing unpleasant gas.
• Medicines. Some medicines may cause flatulence as a side-effect, e.g. statins, varenicline (Champix) – the anti-smoking medicine, and some laxatives.
• FODMAP (Fermentable Oligosaccharides, Disaccharides, Monosaccharides and Polyphenols) intolerance. Some people are sensitive to foods containing FODMAPs and will produce a lot of gas when the FODMAPs are fermented by bacteria in the large bowel.

Foods causing wind

Reactions to different foods may vary from person to person. Some foods that may cause flatulence include:

• vegetables such as cabbage, cauliflower, broccoli, onions, asparagus and brussels sprouts;
• fruits such as peaches, apples and pears;
• fizzy drinks;
• foods containing the sugar lactose, such as dairy products like milk;
• sugar-free confectionery and chewing gum, which contain sorbitol;
• whole grains such as bran and wheat; and
• beans and pulses.

Swallowing excess air

Swallowing excess air is a cause of flatulence and may be caused by:

• chewing gum;
• smoking;
• ill-fitting false teeth;
• eating too quickly or talking while eating; and
• anxiety and stress.

Medical conditions

Medical conditions in which digestion of foods is impaired, such as Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis and coeliac disease, often result in excess wind being produced in the gut.

Also, people who lack, or have deficiencies in, the enzyme that breaks down lactose in the gut will find that they produce excess gas when they consume foodstuffs containing lactose. These foods include milk and dairy products. This condition is known as lactose intolerance.

What makes it smell?

As bacteria in the large intestine ferment your food, they produce gases. Nitrogen, oxygen, carbon dioxide, hydrogen and methane make up 90 per cent of the gases and are odourless (have no smell). The remaining 10 per cent consists of other gases.

Any odour in the gases, which are subsequently released as flatus, is caused by sulphur-containing gases, such as hydrogen sulphide (rotten egg gas), released by the bacteria.

People differ in the composition of the bacterial populations in their intestines, and this affects how a person breaks down foods in their intestine, and the gases produced. So not everyone reacts in the same way to the same food.

Self-help to reduce flatulence

There are a number of measures you can try if you are suffering from embarrassing  or excessive flatulence.

Charcoal tablets or activated charcoal tablets. These tablets are available over the counter from pharmacies. Charcoal has the ability to bind and trap other substances and then remove them from the body. Charcoal can absorb gas in the bowel, thus helping with the symptoms of excessive flatulence. People who are on other medications should not take charcoal tablets, because of the risk of the charcoal binding the medication and removing it from the body, making it less effective or not effective at all.

Avoid dairy if you are lactose intolerant. If you are lactose intolerant, avoid foods containing lactose, such as dairy foods.

Antacids can help to reduce flatulence. Some antacids contain simethicone (e.g. De-Gas, Dulcogas) which breaks down the surface tension of gas bubbles, allowing them to break down. You can get antacids over the counter or from your local pharmacist.

Dietary modification. You may get some relief from excessive flatulence by modifying your diet to include fewer foods that contain compounds which result in excessive flatus for you. Common culprits are onions, lentils and beans.

Avoid sugar-free chewing gum and sweets. These often contain sorbitol – which is a sweetener that can cause flatulence.

When to see a doctor about your flatulence

If you are experiencing excessive flatulence, talk to your doctor or dietitian. They can advise you on medications and lifestyle changes — such as eliminating certain foods from your diet — that may help alleviate the problem, and can help rule out other serious intestinal problems.

Signs that you should seek medical advice are persistent  or severe flatulence, especially if it’s associated with vomiting, constipation or diarrhoea, heartburn, persistent bloating, weight loss or blood in your stool.

Are there any diagnostic tests for excessive flatulence?

There are no specific investigations for excessive flatulence. Your doctor will probably take a history of your symptoms, and may even ask you to record your symptoms in a diary, along with any other relevant information. Your doctor may want to do tests to try to eliminate any health conditions as the cause of your excessive flatulence.

1. NHS Choices. Flatulence. http://www.nhs.uk/Conditions/Flatulence/Pages/Introduction.aspx (accessed Feb 2016).

2. Mayo Clinic. Intestinal gas. http://www.mayoclinic.org/symptoms/intestinal-gas/basics/definition/sym-20050922 (accessed Feb 2016).

Effective Management of Flatulence – FPIN’s Clinical Inquiries

1. Sharara AI,
Aoun E,
Abdul-Baki H,
Mounzer R,
Sidani S,
Elhajj I.
A randomized double-blind placebo-controlled trial of rifaximin in patients with abdominal bloating and flatulence. Am J Gastroenterol.
2006;101(2):326–333….

2. Kim HJ,
Vazquez Roque MI,
Camilleri M,

et al.
A randomized controlled trial of a probiotic combination VSL#3 and placebo in irritable bowel syndrome with bloating. Neurogastroenterol Motil.
2005;17(5):687–696.

3. Bittner AC,
Croffut RM,
Stranahan MC,
Yokelson TN.
Prescript-assist probiotic-prebiotic treatment for irritable bowel syndrome: an open-label, partially controlled, 1-year extension of a previously published controlled clinical trial. Clin Ther.
2007;29(6):1153–1160.

4. Di Stefano M,
Miceli E,
Armellini E,
Missanelli A,
Corazza GR.
Probiotics and functional abdominal bloating. J Clin Gastroenterol.
2004;38(6 suppl):S102–S1033.

5. Kajander K,
Hatakka K,
Poussa T,
Färkkilä M,
Korpela R.
A probiotic mixture alleviates symptoms in irritable bowel syndrome patients: a controlled 6-month intervention. Aliment Pharmacol Ther.
2005;22(5):387–394.

6. Suarez FL,
Furne J,
Springfield J,
Levitt MD.
Failure of activated charcoal to reduce the release of gases produced by the colonic flora. Am J Gastroenterol.
1999;94(1):208–212.

7. Ohge H,
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Effectiveness of devices purported to reduce flatus odor. Am J Gastroenterol.
2005;100(2):397–400.

8. Suarez FL,
Furne JK,
Springfield J,
Levitt MD.
Bismuth subsalicylate markedly decreases hydrogen sulfide release in the human colon. Gastroenterology.
1998;114(5):923–929.

9. Di Stefano M,
Miceli E,
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et al.
The effect of oral alpha-galactosidase on intestinal gas production and gas-related symptoms. Dig Dis Sci.
2007;52(1):78–83.

10. Hanauer SB,
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Laudadio C.
Randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial of loperamide plus simethicone versus loperamide alone and simethicone alone in the treatment of acute diarrhea with gas-related abdominal discomfort. Curr Med Res Opin.
2007;23(5):1033–1043.

11. Abraczinskas D,
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Intestinal gas and bloating.
Rose BD.
UpToDateWellesley, Mass: UpToDate, Inc 2007

12. Drugstore.com.
http://www.drugstore.com. Accessed March 26, 2009.

How Does Simethicone Help With Gas?

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When you’re out in public and that familiar — but still awkward — feeling of building gas starts up in your stomach, it can quickly make you feel like you’re the only person in the world who’s ever had to deal with it. Even though we all know this isn’t true (most people pass gas anywhere from 14 to 23 times a day), dealing with gas and bloating in public can make anyone want to find a solution ASAP!

Luckily, Gas-X has you covered in a pinch. Thanks to Gas-X’s active ingredient simethicone — the #1 doctor recommended ingredient for fast gas relief among OTC brands — Gas-X works with your body to help relieve gas and bloating fast.

But what is simethicone? We’re so glad you asked!

Simethicone: What Is It, and How Does it Work?

Simply put, simethicone is a anti-foaming agent that is orally administered to treat the effects of stomach gases that cause bloating and discomfort that helps connect and break down gas bubbles in the stomach so the gas can be easily burped or passed by the body.

How to Have Less Gas

While Gas-X (and simethicone) can help whenever gas bubbles up, there are a few ways to lessen the chance of having to deal with it in the first place.

See if you notice a pattern when it comes to particular foods and gas, as certain fruits, vegetables, and whole grain products can be gas creators. Since high-fat foods leave the stomach slowly (which can sometimes block gas in the lower intestine), you may want to consider lessening these types of foods as well.

It may be helpful to talk to your doctor about adding probiotics (healthy bacteria) to your diet, as sometimes probiotics can help change the “bacterial flora” in your stomach, easing gas symptoms.

Lastly, don’t forget exercise! It’s great at stimulating the intestines to help get excess gas moving in the right direction.

Occasional gas can be a nuisance, but slight tweaks to your daily life may be able to make it less so. And for those unexpected moments, Gas-X is a safe and efficient way to find relief fast!

As always, it’s best to talk to your doctor before starting to take any new drug, over the counter or not, and to start with a small dose to make sure there is no allergic reaction.

Flatulence (gas) | HealthEngine Blog

Flatulence refers to the passage of gastrointestinal gas (flatus) under pressure via the rectum and anus (back passage). In colloquial terms this is referred to as ‘farting.’ Excess gastrointestinal gas is most commonly caused by air-swallowing (aerophagia) which occurs in patients who ingest food too quickly or are overly anxious. Rarely flatulence may be secondary to a serious underlying gastrointestinal disorder so it is worth having this symptom investigated by a doctor. In addition, flatulence can be a potentially embarrassing disorder and be quite socially disabling for patients. Management concentrates on lifestyle measures as drug treatments have shown little benefit to date.

Definition

Flatulence is the release of a mixture of gases (flatus) from the rectum under pressure. Flatus consists of methane, nitrogen, hydrogen and carbon dioxide gases and is often accompanied by a sound and smell. The ratio of the constituent gases varies depending on your diet which subsequently alters the odour of the flatus. Normally flatus is passed 10-20 times per day, equating to 400-1300 mL of gas passed via the rectum. However, the normal amounts of flatus varies largely between people so it is more important to take note of changes in the amount and other associated symptoms such as belching (which is the passage of gastrointestinal gas via the mouth, commonly referred to as ‘burping’) and abdominal bloating.

You may therefore notice you have flatulence due to the following symptoms:

• Passing wind often
• Smelly flatus
• Loud flatus
• Abdominal distension and discomfort
• Rumblings in the lower abdomen.

Causes

Production of intestinal gas is a normal part of the digestive process caused by reactions of enzymes and the breakdown of food by bacteria. Normally most of this gas produced will be reabsorbed and enter the bloodstream. However, if a large amount is produced it will remain in the intestines and travel along to be later expelled. The following conditions may lead to an increase in gas expulsion:

• Air swallowing- A small amount of air is normally swallowed when you eat or drink. If you eat quickly, gulp foods, drink through straws or chew gum you may swallow increases amounts of gas. In addition, anxiety can cause excessive air swallowing. Air swallowing is the most common cause of flatulence.
• High-fibre diets- Fibre is difficult to breakdown in the intestine. This leads to bacteria in the colon working overtime to further digest food. These bacteria are one of the key sources of gas leading to flatulence. Common high fibre foods such as bread, are imaged below.
• Irritable bowel syndrome– Patients with this disorder have alternating episodes of constipation and diarrhoea which are often accompanied by flatulence and bloating.
• Lactose intolerance– Inability to absorb the sugars present in milk leads to gas production as these have to be broken down by bacteria via the process of fermentation. Dairy foods such as milk, cheese and cream (displayed below) can exacerbate symptoms as they contain a high concentration of lactose.
• Medications- Some antibiotics and other drugs can cause flatulence.
• Rarely flatulence may be a symptom of a serious underlying disease such as coeliac disease or pancreatic insufficiency which can lead to malnutrition

Assessment

Your doctor will take a thorough history to determine the likely cause of your symptoms. This will include questions such as:

• What is your diet like?
• Any recent changes to your diet (particularly an increase in fibre)?
• How fast do you normally eat, chew and swallow your food?
• How severe are your symptoms? Do they impact on your daily life?
• Does your gas seem to be related to eating milk products or other specific foods?
• Are you taking any current medications?
• Do you have other symptoms?

Following this your doctor will carefully exmine you focussing on the abdomen for any signs of abnromality. Occasionally further tests may be ordered such as endoscopy (can help find ulcers or reflux), blood tests, sigmoidoscopy or colonoscopy, barium enema and so on, to identify possible causes.

Treatment

Management of excessive gas can be quite difficult and does not always work in all patients. You can help relieve this symptom by adopting the following lifestyle measures:

• Eat more slowly.
• Chew your food thoroughly.
• Relax whilst you eat.
• Avoid carbonated drinks and chewing gum.
• Limit foods associated with large amounts of flatus such as legumes, beans, lentils, raisins, foods high in insoluble fibre, artificial sweeteners and vegetables of the cabbage family.
• Quit smoking.
• Reduce milk consumption if lactose intolerance has been identified as the problem.
• Add probiotics (such as yoghurt) to your diet to replenish the normal good bacteria in the bowel.

Relaxation techniques have been shown to be helpful. Unfortunately the medical treatments currently available such as simethicone, antacids, activated charcoal and beano have failed to produce favourable results.

References

1. Braunwald, Fauci, Kasper, Hauser, Longo, Jameson. Harrison’s Principles of Internal Medicine. 15th Edition. McGraw-Hill. 2001.
2. Price KR, Lewis J, Wyatt GM, Fenwick GR. Flatulence – causes, relation to diet and remedies. Molecular Nutrition and Food Research. 2006; 32(6): 609-26.
3. Kumar, Clark. Clinical Medicine. 5th Edition. Saunders. 2002.
4. Longmore, Wilkinson, Rajagopalan. Oxford Handbook of Clinical Medicine. 6th Edition. Oxford University Press. 2004.
5. Medline Plus- Medical Encyclopedia. Gas- Flatulence. US National Library of Medicine, 2004. Available [online] at URL: http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/003124.htm
6. Szarka L, Levitt M. Belching, bloating and flatulence. American College of Gastroenterology. 2006. Available [online] at URL: http://www.acg.gi.org/patients/gihealth/belching.asp

24 Home Remedies for Flatulence

Gas is a side effect or symptom, not an illness in itself. And it’s a symptom that can be treated several different ways with home remedies you can find in the kitchen.

Home Remedies from the Cupboard

Beano: Keep it sitting right next to that bag of dry beans to remind you it’s a gas-busting enzyme that breaks down hard-to-digest disaccharides, thereby avoiding the formation of gas. Use this product as you eat the gassy foods, not afterward. It’s available at groceries and pharmacies.

Caraway crackers. Caraway seeds and their oils are carminatives (they get rid of gas), but who wants to eat just the seeds? Caraway-seed crackers and breads with caraway seeds are a tasty way to make your system gas-unfriendly.

Pressure cooker. Beans that are undercooked are more likely to cause gas than beans that are well-cooked. To ensure that your beans are cooked thoroughly, pull out the pressure cooker and follow the manufacturer’s advice for cooking beans. Or, cook them up to pressure for 30 minutes at 15 pounds per square inch on the gauge.

Home Remedies from the Drawer

Paper. And a pen. List the foods that are causing your gas. Include such information as the type of food, when you ate it, and how much you ate. Do you get gassy after gulping down cucumbers or cola? Or maybe it happens after eating ice cream? The truth about most gas is that, in some way, you’re causing it. If you want to find out how, a food diary is one of the easiest ways to recreate the events leading up to the noxious crime.

Home Remedies from the Refrigerator

Citrus fruits. Vitamin C in tablet form may cause gas, especially amounts in excess of 500 milligrams. So, reduce the dosage and replace the C with citrus fruits — they’re high in C. Also try potatoes and sweet peppers, two high-in-C vegetables.

Pumpkin. It soothes the tummy, and best of all, it cuts down on flatulence. Try some baked, steamed, or broiled. Or, make yourself a simple pumpkin soup.

Yogurt with acidophilus. It alleviates digestive woes, including gas. But the yogurt must have live acidophilus, a bacteria that helps with digestion.

Home Remedies from the Spice Rack

Cardamom seeds. These speed digestion. Add them to sautéed vegetables or to rice or lentils before cooking. You can also chew whole pods or steep pods in boiling water for several minutes to make a tea.

Cloves. They pep up digestion and eliminate gas. Add 2 to 3 whole cloves to rice before cooking. Sprinkle on apples and pears when baking. Or steep 2 to 3 whole cloves in a cup of boiling water for ten minutes, sweeten to taste, and drink.

Coriander. This helps in the downward movement of foods being digested and can ease cramps, hiccups, bloating, and flatulence. Crush the seeds into powder and add to foods such as vegetable stir-fry. Its flavor really enhances curry and Middle Eastern dishes, too.

Fennel seeds. It’s an acquired taste, but it may be one well worth acquiring if you’re plagued by gas. Fennel’s digestive powers are so good that in India, fennel is customarily eaten after a meal to help digestion and freshen the breath. For gas, drink it as a tea by steeping 1/2 teaspoon seeds in 1 cup boiling water for ten minutes. Or, sprinkle them over those gassy vegetables during cooking or add to stir-fries. If you’ve acquired the taste, fennel also works well cooked into figs, apples, pears, and plums.

Lemon. Stir 1 teaspoon lemon juice and 1/2 teaspoon baking soda into 1 cup cool water. Skip the ice water; it can start digestive spasms that cause gas. Drink after meals.

Massage herbs. Add any of these to massage oil and rub over the abdomen to relieve gas: cardamom, clove, cinnamon, fennel, ginger. Warmed olive and sesame oils are wonderful for massages.

Rosemary. If you’re eating a gassy food, sprinkle on a little rosemary to cut the effect. You can do the same with sage and thyme, too.

Tea herbs. Steep and drink a tea made from any of these: aniseed, basil leaves, chamomile, cloves, cinnamon, ginger, peppermint, sage. Steep about 1/2 teaspoon in 1 cup boiling water, then add honey or lemon to taste. Drink one to three times each day.

Turmeric. This may stop a gas problem altogether. Turmeric is one of the many flavorful and curative spices found in curry powder. You can add turmeric itself to rice or season a bland dish with curry powder, which contains turmeric. However you use it, it helps alleviate gas.

For more information about intestinal gas and other digestive ailments, try the following links:

ABOUT THE AUTHORS:

Timothy Gower is a freelance writer and editor whose work has appeared in many publications, including Reader’s Digest, Prevention, Men’s Health, Better Homes and Gardens, The New York Times, and The Los Angeles Times. The author of four books, Gower is also a contributing editor for Health magazine.

Alice Lesch Kelly is a health writer based in Boston. Her work has been published in magazines such as Shape, Fit Pregnancy, Woman’s Day, Reader’s Digest, Eating Well, and Health. She is the co-author of three books on women’s health.

Linnea Lundgren has more than 12 years experience researching, writing, and editing for newspapers and magazines. She is the author of four books, including Living Well With Allergies.

Michele Price Mann is a freelance writer who has written for such publications as Weight Watchers and Southern Living magazines. Formerly assistant health and fitness editor at Cooking Light magazine, her professional passion is learning and writing about health.

ABOUT THE CONSULTANTS:

Ivan Oransky, M.D., is the deputy editor of The Scientist. He is author or co-author of four books, including The Common Symptom Answer GuideBostonGlobe, The Lancet, and USA Today. He holds appointments as a clinical assistant professor of medicine and as adjunct professor of journalism at New York University. (McGraw-Hill, 2004), and has written for publications including the

David J. Hufford, Ph.D., is university professor and chair of the Medical Humanities Department at PennsylvaniaState University’s College of Medicine. He also is a professor in the departments of Neural and Behavioral Sciences and Family and Community Medicine. Dr. Hufford serves on the editorial boards of several journals, including Alternative Therapies in Health & Medicine and Explore.

This information is solely for informational purposes. IT IS NOT INTENDED TO PROVIDE MEDICAL ADVICE. Neither the Editors of Consumer Guide (R), Publications International, Ltd., the author nor publisher take responsibility for any possible consequences from any treatment, procedure, exercise, dietary modification, action or application of medication which results from reading or following the information contained in this information. The publication of this information does not constitute the practice of medicine, and this information does not replace the advice of your physician or other health care provider. Before undertaking any course of treatment, the reader must seek the advice of their physician or other health care provider.

90,000 Bloating and flatulence: causes and how to get rid of

From bloating and flatulence, even television advertisements offer different pills and remedies. After all, the problem of gas accumulation in the digestive system: stomach and intestines, gives a lot of unpleasant sensations: pain, sting, rumbling.

The main reasons for increased gas production

The cause of such discomfort in the human gastrointestinal tract is gases and the process of their formation.Where do they come from in the stomach?

There are several reasons for this. Normally, the human stomach contains a certain amount of various gaseous substances. Another part of the gases is emitted by microorganisms living in the intestine, if the number of beneficial bacteria is sufficient, then gas formation is normal.

Let’s try to analyze the most common causes of gas formation in excess of the norm.

If you are in a hurry while eating, swallow poorly chewed food, and even talk a lot – be sure that an excess amount of air will enter the stomach along with the food.Simple, old, good advice will help here:

• do not talk when you eat;
• Eat liquid food, drink solid food.

Eating foods that produce gases during digestion.

As a rule, these are all legumes, cruciferous vegetables: cabbage, turnip, horseradish. Fatty, fried, spicy. Some types of bread. And sparkling water, especially sweet water. Avoiding such an impact is also not difficult:

• Soak legumes in cold water before cooking;
• cabbage vegetables, even chopped for salads, briefly pour boiling water over;
• do not overeat fatty, fried, spicy foods;
• Multiple meals in moderation will also play a positive role.

The most dangerous cause of gas formation and flatulence when they are caused by acute and chronic diseases: gastritis, pancreatitis, ulcers and a number of other diseases of the human gastrointestinal tract. Here you need to undergo examination and treatment by a gastroenterologist. And do not postpone going to the doctor indefinitely.

To tolerate or tame?

Any accumulated gas will find at least two natural outlets. And he can do this with a decent noise, making others aware of your digestive problems.To quickly and effectively prevent an unwanted reaction, you need to take special medications.

The most affordable of them is activated carbon, you need to take 1 tablet per 10 kg of weight, if your weight is 70 kg, then you will need 7 pieces. Smecta powder has the same effect.

Preparations from the group of “defoamers”, such as Espumisan, Gastal, Bobotik, have proven themselves well. They contribute to the disintegration of the shells of gas bubbles and their absorption. Espumisan is available in the form of tablets and emulsion, is taken orally with food or immediately after a meal, has proven itself well in adults and children.

You can also buy enzyme preparations in the pharmacy: Mezim, Festal. They should be taken either with meals or immediately after, washed down with water. They will ease the condition and traditional medicine: place two large tablespoons of dill seeds in a container, pour 300 ml of boiling water, close the lid. After a three-hour infusion, take 100 ml three times a day between meals.

Remember, following the measure in food is the key to good health.

Means from increased gassing.Pharmaceutical preparations and adsorbents

What causes flatulence?

Flatulence is a condition characterized by the accumulation of gas in the intestines as a result of increased fermentation or prolonged constipation. This condition is accompanied by severe pain in the abdomen due to stretching of the intestinal walls, bloating, discomfort and characteristic rumbling. Many people mistake flatulence for a disease, however, this is not the case. Increased gas production in the intestines is just one of the manifestations caused by various inflammatory processes in the organs of the digestive canal or a common violation of the diet.

Very often babies under 1 year old suffer from increased bloating. This is due to the immaturity of the gastrointestinal tract and the lack of production of some digestive enzymes. Often one of the causes of flatulence in infants is the swallowing of air during feeding due to improper grip on the mother’s nipple or bottle.

Doctors identify the most common types of increased gas production in humans:

• Alimentary – characterized by a malnutrition, abuse of foods that cause increased fermentation in the intestines, resulting in the formation of gases (cabbage, black bread, baked goods, legumes, potatoes ).

• Increased gas production due to a disturbance in the work of the alimentary canal – insufficient production of digestive enzymes, intestinal dysbiosis.

• Dynamic flatulence – caused by disruption of the intestinal muscles (for example, when toxic substances are exposed to the body during food poisoning).

• Mechanical flatulence – characterized by an obstacle to the passage of gases (for example, during a tumor process in the intestine).

• Psychogenic flatulence – develops against the background of severe nervous shocks, stress, hysterical states. It rarely happens.

• Circulatory flatulence – characterized by impaired blood circulation in the intestinal wall (often observed with progressive cirrhosis of the liver).

With increased gas production in the intestine, patients experience periodic cramping pains in the lower abdomen, which disappear after the passage of gas, as well as a characteristic feeling of abdominal distention.

Regardless of the cause of the increased gas formation in the intestines, the patient is advised to consult a doctor. This condition may indicate serious diseases of the gastrointestinal tract. Since flatulence is a very uncomfortable and unpleasant condition, the patient is allowed to take certain over-the-counter medications in pharmacies.

Treatment of flatulence, depending on the cause

The basis for the treatment of increased flatulence in the intestine is the elimination of the cause that led to the development of this condition and the appointment of drugs that relieve discomfort.Means for flatulence not only eliminate bloating, but also facilitate the passage of gas.

In order to choose the right drug, the doctor must establish the cause of the development of flatulence. For example, this condition can be caused by intestinal infection, dysbiosis, enzymatic deficiency, impaired intestinal motility and other pathologies.

In case of flatulence caused by intestinal infection, the patient is prescribed nitrofuran derivatives or broad-spectrum antibiotics.

In case of flatulence against the background of intestinal dysbiosis, a course of bacteriophages and preparations of lacto and bifidobacteria is indicated.

In case of enzymatic insufficiency, flatulence is eliminated with the help of enzyme-containing preparations – creon, mezim, pacreatin, motilium.

If flatulence is due to the presence of tumors in the intestine, then the patient is shown a surgical operation.

Medicines for bloating, inexpensive and effective

Remember the ad where a man with a swollen belly flew up to the ceiling of a bus? A funny video described flatulence – not at all a funny phenomenon that can poison your life for several hours and ruin your reputation for life.Violation of gas discharge can be a sign of various pathological conditions (and not only them), therefore, medicines for bloating are of interest to many, even relatively healthy people.

Causes of bloating

There are several causes of flatulence:

1. Alimentary – the use of foods that increase gas formation or contain a large amount of gases (all kinds of “Coca-Cola”, beer and kvass, any food in which there is a lot of fiber).This also includes fast and greedy food intake, during which too much air is swallowed.

2. Digestive – a violation of the digestion of certain substances due to the relative deficiency of some enzymes, malabsorption, etc. In this case, undigested food debris is destroyed not by intestinal juices, but by bacteria that produce gas.

3. Dysbiotic – a violation of the microbial composition of the intestine leads to an increase in fermentation or putrefactive processes, proceeding with increased gas production.

4. Mechanical – gases formed in a normal amount do not go away well due to the presence of certain obstacles in the intestine – adhesions, narrowing, tumors.

5. Dynamic – in case of violation of the intestinal motor functions due to their strengthening or weakening.

6. Circulatory occurs when the blood supply to the intestinal walls deteriorates. Over time, in this case, flatulence develops through several mechanisms at once – digestive, dysbiotic, dynamic.

7. Psychogenic, in which the nervous regulation of the motor functions of the intestine is disturbed.

Prevention of flatulence

Actually, this term is difficult to apply to flatulence, which is only a symptom of a particular disease. Disease can be prevented, not, for example, headache or tinnitus. However, it is not always necessary to buy medicines for bloating and gas formation. In many cases, it is enough just not to go too far with diets, which for the most part are inadequate, eat right and move a lot.Eat slowly, chew food thoroughly, eat a variety of foods, and most likely flatulence will not overtake you.

However, in some cases, bloating becomes a symptom of much more formidable conditions, and then doctors should step in.

When to see a doctor for bloating

If flatulence does not go away within a few hours, there are abdominal pains, not only gases, but also stools are absent – see a doctor immediately. This clinical picture is typical for intestinal obstruction – an extremely serious illness, often ending sadly.

However, in any case of flatulence, it is better not to self-medicate, but to consult a gastroenterologist who will definitely understand the reasons and not only prescribe medications for bloating and gas, but also give recommendations on normalizing nutrition.

What medicines to take for bloating

Everyone wants to get well quickly, and most of us are looking to buy an inexpensive cure for bloating rather than an over-hyped miracle cure. Well, let’s go incrementally.

Activated carbon. The cheapest sorbent product that sucks up excess gases on its surface. The price is cheap, but there are a number of side effects, the most common of which is constipation.

Dill water. Only the smell makes it related to dill. Made from the fruit of fennel, this drug can help relieve bloating, although it doesn’t have a particularly strong effect. The price is comparatively low.

Smecta. A modern safe medicine that helps to eliminate diarrhea, bloating and abdominal discomfort in gastrointestinal diseases.The price is moderate, the effectiveness with flatulence is also.

Espumisan. This is perhaps the most effective remedy for gassing. Without stopping the process itself, espumisan helps the body to quickly expel excess gas from the intestines. The medicine is not absorbed into the bloodstream and acts strictly in the lumen of the digestive system. The only drawback is the relatively high price, but espumisan can be called a leader in terms of cost / efficiency ratio.

Hilak-forte. This medicine is used to normalize the intestinal microflora. Since its imbalance leads to many symptoms, including flatulence, hilak forte can be said to help with bloating as well. However, with gas formation caused by enzyme deficiency, its effectiveness is extremely low. The price is above average.

Bebinos. This herbal remedy can be called an analogue of dill water. However, if dill water only eliminates flatulence, then babyinos also relieves intestinal spasm, which reduces the intensity of pain.Used mainly in childhood. The downside is the high price and lack of efficiency.

Other drugs – mezim, pancreatin, linex, etc. – are used in the appropriate pathology. It is useless to use them for flatulence, since they affect the cause of the bloating, and in each case it can be different. Khilak will not help with pancreatitis, mezim will not cope with dysbiosis.

With flatulence, you can go in two ways: buy a medicine for bloating, or understand the causes of increased gas production and get rid of them.The first way is simple, but dead-end, the second is more complicated, but correct. And then decide for yourself whether you want to “feed” pharmacists for many years or want to be cured forever from a disease leading to bloating.

90,000 Flatulence. Why include antifoam agents in treatment regimens? uMEDp

Flatulence (bloating as a result of the accumulation of gases in the intestines) is one of the manifestations of the so-called “lower” dyspepsia.Increased gas formation in the intestinal loops, rumbling in the abdomen, discharge of gases (flatulence), accompanied by a specific sound, and an unpleasant odor often cause a person more inconvenience than even the appearance of acute abdominal pain. Frequent phenomena of flatulence can cause not only a feeling of discomfort, but also cause social conflicts, tensions at work and in the family [1, 2].

On average, a healthy person emits 0.5-1.5 liters of gases for 13-15 passages per day.Depending on the severity of the lesions of the digestive system, which caused the appearance of flatulence, flatulence can manifest itself with an increase in the frequency of passages of the release of gases and an increase in their volume. In severe cases, flatulence can be accompanied by intense, volatile, short-term or long-term pain [3]. Painful sensations can occur when the intestinal wall is overstretched and the mesentery is strained by gases accumulating in the intestinal lumen. After the passage of the gas bubble, the pain, as a rule, stops.

The reasons for increased gas production in the intestinal lumen are varied. Flatulence is one of the earliest dyspepsias that can occur in a person in the first days after birth. It is based, first of all, on imperfection or violation of the activity of the enzyme system. Lack of enzymes leads to the fact that a large amount of undigested food debris ends up in the lower digestive tract. As a result, the processes of decay and fermentation are significantly activated with the release of a large amount of gases.Disorders of the enzyme system can occur with an unbalanced diet, as well as with various lesions, diseases of the upper digestive tract (gastritis or duodenitis, pancreatitis, cholecystitis, cholelithiasis, hepatitis) [4, 5].

A factor of increased gas production in the intestine is also a violation of the microbiocenosis of the large intestine. Carbohydrates and proteins obtained by humans with food are not completely absorbed by the intestinal mucosa. Fruits and vegetables, especially legumes and coarse-fiber crops, which contain large amounts of cellulose, are degraded by intestinal bacteria to form gases.Under normal conditions, more gases are absorbed by aerobic bacteria that also live in the intestine. When the balance between gas-producing and gas-consuming microorganisms is disturbed, flatulence occurs.

Various foods eaten by humans can cause an increase in the amount of gas in the intestine. In addition to the already mentioned legumes and products containing coarse fiber, they can also include highly carbonated drinks, products that cause fermentation reactions (lamb meat), or those in which fermentation and fermentation reactions take place independently (kvass).Another mechanism for the occurrence of flatulence is a violation of intestinal motility with the development of paresis after various operations on the abdominal cavity. Slowing down the passage of food masses enhances fermentation and putrefactive processes with increased gas production. The resulting gases accumulating in the lumen of the sedentary intestine cause paroxysmal pain.

Various nervous disorders, emotional overload can also cause the development of flatulence. Overexcitation of the nervous system can cause intestinal smooth muscle spasm.At the same time, peristalsis slows down. The accumulating gases overstretch the intestine and cause pain [6, 7]. Hurried food or conversation, bad habits such as smoking, chewing gum while eating can also cause flatulence. In all these conditions, air is swallowed. Swallowed air can cause both flatulence and the death of anaerobic microorganisms, which leads to the development of dysbiosis and increased flatulence.

The gases accumulated in the intestine are foam with many small bubbles, each of which is surrounded by a layer of viscous mucus.This mucous foam, which covers the surface of the intestinal mucosa with a thin layer, complicates parietal digestion, reduces the activity of enzymes, and disrupts the absorption of nutrients. Due to the fact that the gas bubbles are surrounded by thick mucus, the processes of their absorption by the intestinal wall are disrupted. This increases the passage of gases through the intestinal tube. The main principle of the treatment of flatulence is to eliminate, if possible, the cause of increased gas production. Possible methods are diet adjustment, restoration of intestinal microbiocenosis, treatment of existing diseases of the upper digestive tract, etc.Another principle is the actual removal of accumulated gases from the intestinal lumen [1, 3].

There are several groups of drugs that allow you to achieve certain results when removing gases from the intestines. Firstly, these are drugs that normalize peristalsis and promote the early removal of gases from the intestines. Such drugs, in particular, include prokinetics and herbal remedies, such as infusions of dill and fennel. Secondly, these are adsorbents that are able to absorb an excess amount of gases and, along with them, be excreted from the body.The most famous drugs in this group are activated carbon and polyphepan. Unfortunately, the above drugs do not meet all the requirements for the treatment of flatulence. In the first case, a short carminative effect occurs after a significant period of time after taking the drug. When using adsorbents, microorganisms, minerals and vitamins can be removed from the intestinal lumen together with gases, the lack of which must subsequently be compensated for.

Antifoaming agents belong to the third group of medicines used for symptoms of flatulence. The action of these drugs is based on the release of gases from mucous vesicles. Foam deposition reduces total volume, restores natural gas absorption through the intestinal wall, accelerates intestinal transit, and increases cumulative gas excretion. Espumisan® belongs to the drugs in this group. The main active ingredient of Espumisan® is simethicone, which does not dissolve in water, does not change its structure and properties under the influence of oxidants, is oil- and fat-insoluble, and is resistant to any microorganisms.Simethicone is excreted from the body unchanged without being absorbed through the intestinal wall, without affecting the functioning of the liver and kidneys, without disturbing the intestinal microbiocenosis. Simethicone also does not affect digestion in any way, does not interfere with the absorption of vitamins, minerals and trace elements. The use of simethicone is possible for a long time without any side reactions [4, 7].

Defoamers: Diagnostic and Treatment Applications

Defoamers are used not only to alleviate the condition of the patient with the syndrome of increased gas production.Without the use of drugs of this group, it is sometimes impossible to conduct a number of clinical and instrumental studies, in particular, ultrasound of the intestine or endoscopic examination of the gastrointestinal tract [8, 9]. Endoscopic research and treatment methods are widely used in patients of different ages. Esophagogastroduodenoscopy is performed for both the elderly and newborns from the first days of life to diagnose and treat various anomalies and malformations. But no matter what age the endoscopic examination is carried out, no matter what tasks are set for the endoscopist – conducting only a diagnostic examination of individual sections of the mucous membrane or performing the most complex endoscopic operations, no matter what equipment the examination is carried out – a traditional fiber endoscope or the latest video system with a digital image , one rule must always be observed – maximum access and examination of the investigated area of ​​the mucous membrane.A detailed assessment of structural changes in the investigated organ, examination of the mucous membrane is often hampered by various overlays on its surface. However, if mucus, bile or blood can be washed off, removed with an electric aspirator, thereby freeing the mucous membrane for examination, then it is more difficult to cope with the foamy contents using traditional methods.

Foamy secretion, almost always found during endoscopy, creates conditions under which it often becomes impossible to conduct research.Glare appears on the surface of the mucous membrane, preventing its inspection. Large- or fine-bubble foam clogs up the endoscope objective, covers rather large spaces of the mucous membrane with a thick whitish layer, or significantly complicates manipulations in the narrow lumen of the small intestine when performing endoscopic operations. Removing the foamy secretion using traditional methods (suction, “blowing”) takes a lot of time, moreover, it is not always possible to completely remove it. Moreover, when trying to remove the foamy content, a situation often arises that is opposite to the expected one – in response to the introduction of air into the intestinal lumen, the amount of foam increases, which practically negates all previous efforts (Fig.one).

The presence of a “clean” mucous membrane during esophagogastroduodeno- and colonoscopy significantly increases the likelihood of detecting minimal local changes, allows you to quickly and thoroughly examine all departments, perform targeted biopsy from suspicious areas and other manipulations, which ultimately increases the possibility of early diagnosis of pathological changes, primarily early cancer. In addition, one cannot but reckon with the fact that endoscopic examinations, for whatever purpose they are performed, are often psychological trauma for the subject.Therefore, lengthening the duration of the examination (often unreasonable, due to the impossibility of a full examination due to the presence of foam) can serve as an additional traumatic factor. And one more fact should be taken into account – the lengthening of the examination time leads to increased “amortization” of expensive endoscopic equipment and its premature failure.

The use of the drug Espumisan® 40 in the practice of endoscopists has greatly facilitated both diagnostic studies and treatment.Reception of defoamers 15–20 minutes before the start of the study as a preliminary preparation of the patient, as well as direct use during endoscopy made it possible to examine the mucous membrane of the gastrointestinal tract without any technical difficulties. After irrigation of the mucous membrane with such preparations, during the first 30–40 seconds, there is a sharp decrease in the number of foam bubbles (not only large, but also small and even the smallest). In this case, mucus, as a rule, liquefies and is easily removed from the surface of the mucous membrane, opening wide access to the area under study (Fig.2).

In order to increase the information content of endoscopic examination of the upper parts of the digestive tract, we use a diagnostic algorithm that allows us to professionally perform esophagogastroduodenoscopy at any age, to improve the diagnosis of early forms of cancer and precancerous changes in the stomach. This algorithm forms the basis of the modern model for organizing endoscopic examination of the mucous membrane of the digestive system and includes sequential stages of endoscopic examination of the stomach, a detailed description of all diagnostic procedures, as well as the conditions and technical support for their implementation (Fig.3).

Preparation of the examined organ for examination using the Espumisan®40 emulsion is carried out both before the start and during the endoscopic examination. 5-10 minutes before the start of the study, patients take 20-40 ml of an antifoam emulsion. Directly in the process of endoscopic examination of the stomach and duodenum with the use of the Espumisan® 40 emulsion, targeted washing of the foamy secretion located on the walls of the organ is additionally performed. A solution for such manipulation is prepared before the study: 50 ml of the Espumisan® 40 emulsion is diluted in 500 ml of distilled water at room temperature.The introduction of such a solution into the lumen of the organ under study is carried out using a 20 ml syringe through the instrument channel of the endoscope.

When an antifoam is introduced into the stomach or intestines, the bubbles there are destroyed, the foamy secretion turns into a liquid, which is easily removed through the endoscope channel from the lumen of the organ. During the study, no side effects of the drug were noted, since due to physiological and chemical inertness, Espumisan® 40 is not absorbed by the body and, after passing through the digestive tract, is excreted unchanged.Most of the defoamer introduced into the stomach and intestines is removed from the lumen of these organs through the endoscope channel using a medical suction. The use of Espumisan® 40 can significantly improve the quality of research not only during endoscopy, but also during other instrumental studies of the abdominal organs, in particular during ultrasound [10].

For a successful ultrasound scan of various abdominal organs, a close contact is required between the sensor and the skin so that no interference and artifacts on the monitor screen caused by a layer of air occur.For this purpose, a special gel is used, which creates a “single” medium that passes from the surface of the sensor to the patient’s skin. The gas in the lumen of the hollow organs also becomes an obstacle to the passage of the ultrasonic signal, or the passage of the signal is distorted, manifesting itself on the monitor screen as interference, additional noise and artifacts. In this case, the internal contours of the intestine are blurred or, quite often, are not determined at all (Fig. 4).

At the same time, it is sometimes extremely necessary to assess the condition of the wall of the stomach or other hollow organs, to determine the presence and amount of fluid and other contents in the organs under study.Removal of gases from the lumen of the stomach and intestines greatly facilitates the ultrasound examination, improves the clarity of the resulting image and thereby increases the diagnostic value of the study. Antifoam agents are also used to remove excess gases from the lumen of hollow organs. Based on our studies, the best result was obtained when using the Espumisan® 40 emulsion at an age-specific dosage 25–30 minutes before the start of the study when conducting an ultrasound scan of the stomach, pancreas, liver and biliary tract and 40–50 minutes when examining the intestines.In this case, the image becomes clear, the walls of the hollow organs are contoured, and differential diagnostics is easier to carry out (Fig. 5).

Thus, Espumisan® 40 is a highly effective drug for the treatment of diseases accompanied by increased gas production in the intestines. The drug can be used for children, including infants, pregnant women and nursing mothers. The widespread clinical application of the diagnostic algorithm, based on a new method of preparation for endoscopic examination using the drug Espumisan®40, increases the methodology of endoscopic and ultrasound examination of the stomach, significantly improves visualization of the mucous membrane of various parts of the digestive system, including early diagnosis of precancerous conditions and changes in the gastric mucosa.

Espumisan ® – Remedy for bloating, pain after eating, flatulence

Medical literature dryly characterizes flatulence,
as “the increased content of gases in the intestine and associated clinical
disorders. “*

But behind the scanty lines of reference books and encyclopedias lies a lot of serious
human suffering.With this “shameful” problem they rarely go to the doctor,
trying to cope with abdominal pain, rumbling and involuntary emission
bad smelling gases (flatulence) on their own. But very few people succeed,
after all, flatulence, like most diseases, requires a special approach.

Flatulence: short compendium

Gases in the gastrointestinal tract cannot be
in a free state, they mix with the liquid content and are presented in
in the form of small bubbles, each of which is surrounded by mucus.When gases
becomes too much, thick foam begins to expand the intestines and interfere with it
reductions. This is accompanied by a rumbling in the stomach and pain.
(colic).

Also, with flatulence, there may be “extraintestinal” symptoms. Bloated
the intestine “presses” from below on the diaphragm, and a person may be bothered by pain in the area
heart, “interruptions” of the heart rate, general weakness. In such a situation, a person
trying to adapt to gas overflow: looking for a comfortable position, trying
undo the button on the trousers or loosen the belt.

Life and flatulence: treatment is indispensable!

As can be seen from the above, flatulence can
occur in a variety of situations.And what if:

• Did the excitement before the first date provoke an attack of flatulence? Hardly
  the chosen one (itza) will be delighted if their new partner frowns painfully,
  rubbing your stomach, and gas. Such a date can be counted in advance.
  failed! But it can still be dispensed with if you take the drug as early as possible
  Espumisan ^® ,
  which can help deal with the delicate problem of flatulence. Date
  will be saved, and who knows, maybe it will radically change your
  a life?
• There was a party yesterday with lots of beer, pizza and chips, and today
  do I have to go take a test or even an exam ?! Even excellent knowledge will not save you from
  a decrease in grade by a dissatisfied teacher forced to listen to a loud rumbling
  and inhale the unpleasant smell of gases from the hapless student.If you have time to accept
  Espumisan ^® ,
  then the problem with flatulence may cease to bother, which is important for
  concentration on the exam.
• The flatulence accompanying chronic gastritis broke out right in front of an important
  interview? The stomach “twists” and diligent, albeit useless, attempts
  restrain rumbling and “gurgling” in the stomach, will not allow you to focus on questions
  potential employer. As a result, he will have the most
  an unfavorable opinion of a potential employee, and you will not have a second
  a chance to make a good impression.It can help to fix the situation
  timely intake of the drug
  Espumisan ^® .
• There is a long flight and you are afraid of colic and bloating right in
  flying? Or, which is not much better, active flatulence (gas emission) in
  crowded salon? Precious vacation days will be darkened as you sit in
  hotel room and waiting for the end of the “hurricane” in your stomach? Don’t forget to take with
  Add your first aid kit to Espumisan ^® ! It can help to cope with the “high-rise”
  flatulence.
  List of life situations in which excess gas in the intestines becomes
  a real problem, it can be extended indefinitely. And in every case
  Espumisan ^®
  might be the right decision.

Flatulence: norm and pathology // A.A. Kovalenko, T.V. Gasilina, S.V. Belmer
// # 02/08 Gastroenterology Colloquium

90,000 Folk remedies for bloating and gas – proven methods for flatulence

12 causes of bloating
General recommendations for treatment
Foods that are not recommended to eat
Foods that you can eat with bloating
Folk remedies for flatulence and bloating
Recipes that should not be used

The abdomen is swollen like a balloon, and so side it seems that you are in the third month of pregnancy.In the intestines, someone rumbles loudly, and you want to release gas at the wrong time. These symptoms are familiar to many. If you also often suffer from bloating and gas, folk remedies can help you.

A healthy adult has almost 1 liter of gas in the stomach. The slightest malfunction in nutrition, and their number increases, manifested in the form of bloating or flatulence. Sometimes this is accompanied by colic, hiccups, belching, rumbling and even pressing pain.

12 causes of bloating

1. Improper nutrition.A large amount of fatty, fried and fermenting foods (legumes, cabbage, soda, grapes, pears).
2. Sedentary lifestyle.
3. Smoking.
4. Constipation.
5. Not enough fluid. For normal stomach function, you need to drink at least 1 liter of water per day.
6. Stress.
7. Swallowing air while eating. This happens when you eat too quickly and do not have time to chew thoroughly.
8. Gluten or lactose intolerance.
9. Violation of intestinal microflora (dysbiosis).
10. Pregnancy.
11. Hormonal disruptions (for example, during menstruation).
12. Chronic diseases of the gastrointestinal tract (acute intestinal infections, colitis, enteritis, pancreatitis).

Since bloating can cause not only an improper lifestyle, but also serious diseases, it is better not to get involved in the treatment of bloating with folk remedies.It is worth contacting a doctor so that he can determine the cause and prescribe the correct course of therapy.

General recommendations for treatment

If you suffer from bloating, first of all adjust the diet. Patients with increased gas production should switch to a therapeutic diet – “Diet table number 5”. It was developed by Dr. M.I. Pevzner and is recommended for those suffering from diseases of the gastrointestinal tract.

9 basic principles of diet № 5

1. Eliminate fatty foods from the diet.
2. Don’t eat spicy, smoked food.
3. Preferred cooking methods: boil, steam, simmer.
4. Fractional food. Eat 4 – 5 times a day. Divide food into approximately equal small portions.
5. Try not to overeat.
6. Limit the amount of salt.
7. Observe the drinking regime: at least 2 liters of liquid per day.
8. Prefer hot food.
9. Take your time and chew your food well.Saliva contains enzymes that aid in its digestion.

Foods that are not recommended for consumption

1. Alcohol
2. Carbonated drinks
3. Coffee
4. Chocolate
5. Canned fish
6. Pastry and pastry pastry
7. Legumes
8. Nuts in any form
9. Fruits and berries without heat treatment
10. Tomatoes, mushrooms, radish
11. Sorrel, onion, garlic, spinach
12. Mayonnaise, mustard, ketchup

Foods to eat when bloated

1. Porridge
2. Boiled rice
3. Dishes from cereals (couscous, bulgur, buckwheat)
4. Bread from flour 1 or 2 grade, preferably 1-2 days old
5. Vegetable soups
6. Lean poultry, rabbit, boiled beef, fish
7. Vegetables, fruits, dairy products after heat treatment
8. Hard-boiled and protein omelettes

Already after two weeks of such a diet, you will feel an improvement.Treatment with folk remedies can be used simultaneously with it.

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Folk remedies for flatulence and bloating

Some foods and herbs help to get rid of increased gas production. Therefore, they are often used in traditional medicine. Use folk remedies for bloating with caution. They will quickly relieve unpleasant symptoms if you have errors in nutrition, but with serious bowel diseases, self-medication and the wrong dosage can harm yourself.

Mint

It soothes the intestines, reduces flatulence, improves peristalsis.

1. You can chew some fresh leaves after eating. Another plus of this method is that mint freshens the breath.
2. Use mint incense sticks or peppermint oil. Abdominal discomfort is often caused by psychosomatic causes and stress. And mint has a calming effect.
3. Add mint to black tea or make a decoction.To do this, take fresh leaves, rinse, tear them into small pieces, remember a little. Put some of the leaves in a glass, pour boiling water over it. The broth should be infused for half an hour. Drink after meals 3-4 times a day. The drink should be at room temperature. You can also add a little lemon to it.

There are contraindications for using mint. It is not recommended for those who suffer from high acidity in the stomach, heartburn, also allergy sufferers, people with low blood pressure and varicose veins.

Chamomile

This useful herb reduces fermentation processes in the intestines, has antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties.

1. Prepare a decoction at the rate of 1 teaspoon of dry chamomile per 200 ml of hot water. Bring the mixture to a boil, let it brew for 4 hours. Strain and drink 2 tablespoons before meals.
2. Pharmacy preparations of chamomile can be brewed and drunk after each meal.
3. Chamomile broth can be drunk on an empty stomach about half an hour before meals. The main thing is that it is not too hot – this is bad for the stomach.
4. Dry collection of chamomile is used as a seasoning, adding to dishes.
5. Brew chamomile with mint and ginger.
6. Another collection option is chamomile, St. John’s wort, mint, yarrow.
7. You can prepare a decoction based on chamomile with the addition of fennel and lemon balm.

Dill

There are two types of dill. For infusions and decoctions, herbs and seeds of garden dill are used. This is the kind that we are used to, which we use for dishes. There is also pharmaceutical dill, also known as fennel.He’s useful too.

Dill water is indispensable when you need to cope with colic in newborns. It is also useful for bloating in adults. Essential oils and microelements contained in dill reduce pain in the intestines, gently cleanse it.

1. Take dill herbs (can be used fresh, frozen or dry). Finely chop, dry (if necessary), brew (1 tablespoon of herbs per 500 ml of boiling water). We insist in a thermos for about an hour.Take about 100 – 150 ml three times a day, 20 minutes before meals.
2. You can prepare a decoction of dill seeds. To do this, put about 1 tablespoon of seeds in 250 ml of boiling water. Stir well, simmer for 15 minutes. The resulting broth should be allowed to brew in a closed container for 1 – 2 hours. Then strain, take a tablespoon 3 times a day half an hour before meals.

Fennel

The most useful dill water is obtained from the seeds of pharmaceutical dill.There are several ways to prepare it.

1. Take 2 teaspoons of seeds and 250 ml of water. Seeds preliminarily crushed in a mortar (they should “release” useful essential oils) pour boiling water, let it brew in a closed container for 1 – 1.5 hours. For greater efficiency, the container can be held in a water bath.
2. Pour 2 teaspoons of chopped fennel seeds into a thermos, pour 2 cups of boiling water into it. Let it brew for 1 hour. Then strain through a sieve or cheesecloth and drink.

You can drink fennel decoction 5-6 times a day, 1 tablespoon 20 minutes before meals or immediately after meals. It all depends on the reasons that caused the bloating. It is important that the dill water is fresh. Shelf life in the refrigerator is no more than 2 – 3 days.

The network has many recipes for folk remedies for bloating based on soda and lemon juice, apple cider vinegar, ginger, kiwi, cabbage, mustard. We do not recommend using them. All these products can only worsen the condition in case of chronic problems in the work of the gastrointestinal tract.

Author

Editor of the magazine “Liza”

Treatment of flatulence

Treatment of flatulence

is based on an integrated approach and includes:

• dietary change;
• treatment of the underlying disease and violations identified during the examination;
• restoration of intestinal microflora;
• Removal and prevention of excessive flatulence in the intestines.

After establishing the cause of increased gas production, the doctor prescribes a diet and treatment for the underlying disease. Also, drugs are prescribed to normalize the intestinal microflora (probiotics).

Treatment of flatulence at home

Treatment of flatulence can be carried out independently, using drugs to restore intestinal microflora, enzymes or herbs.

At home, a decoction of chamomile, fennel, barberry, caraway will help get rid of increased gas formation.

You can also use Hilak Forte, Linex, Espumisan, Mezim-Forte. The beneficial bacteria or enzymes contained in these preparations, when they enter the intestines, restore the natural microflora, destroy microbes that cause gas in the intestines, and improve digestion.

Treatment of flatulence with folk remedies

Treatment of flatulence in some cases can be carried out using traditional medicine. There are a large number of recipes that eliminate increased gas formation, among them the following can be distinguished:

• chamomile infusion (1 tbsp.dry flowers for 250 ml of boiling water, insist half an hour). The infusion should be taken half a glass before meals twice a day. During treatment, it is recommended to exclude sweet, carbonated drinks, compotes.
• cleansing enema with chamomile (prepare chamomile infusion, add 2 liters of water to it). An enema is applied twice a day – in the morning and in the evening – for 2-3 days.

The course is recommended to be repeated every three months.

• juice of sauerkraut or cucumber pickle drink half a glass on an empty stomach.
• salted tea with milk (brew regular tea, add a little boiled milk, a pinch of salt). The tea prepared in this way should be drunk on an empty stomach in small sips.
• infusion of garlic (2 cloves), salt (1 tablespoon), dill, a few black currant leaves (pour 2 liters of water and leave for 24 hours). Take half a glass on an empty stomach.
• parsley infusion (2-3 tablespoons pour 250 ml of boiling water, leave for eight hours). Before use, the infusion is mixed with mineral water (1: 3) and taken half a glass on an empty stomach.

Traditional medicine is recommended with increased gas production and bloating to eat salads from carrots, bell peppers, cucumbers, pumpkins, beets, tomatoes, zucchini, include fruits in the diet. Pumpkin seeds also help deal with bloating.

On an empty stomach, you can eat fresh mashed carrots or drink an infusion of red mountain ash.

When bloated, it is recommended to drink 1 tablespoon in the morning. olive oil, and before bed, eat a few dates and white raisins.

Treatment of flatulence with herbs

Treatment of flatulence with herbs helps to get rid of excess gas in the intestines and relieve the condition:

• infusion of parsley roots (100 ml boiling water, 1 tablespoon parsley, leave for 20 minutes). The filtered infusion is taken several times a day for 1 tbsp. 30 minutes before meals. It is also recommended to use fresh parsley, which is an excellent preventive measure for flatulence.
• dill water will help prevent flatulence.You can buy such water at a pharmacy or prepare it yourself (1 tsp chopped seeds, 250 ml boiling water, leave for 60 minutes). Water is taken in 1/3 cup 30 minutes before meals three times a day.
• infusion of caraway seeds (1 tablespoon seeds, 250 ml boiling water, insist in a warm place for 30 minutes). The filtered infusion is taken in 1 tsp. several times a day before meals.

Infusion of dandelion roots (1 tsp chopped roots, 250 ml of boiled chilled water, leave for about 8 hours).Take 1/4 cup infusion several times a day 30 minutes before meals.

• infusion of sweet clover herb (1 teaspoon of herbs, 250 ml of boiled chilled water, leave for 4 hours). Take 1/4 cup several times daily before meals.
• herbal collection from mountain ash (3 tsp), dill seeds (2 tsp), mint (2 tsp), chamomile (2 tsp), valerian root (1 tsp). To prepare the infusion, mix all the ingredients, take 2 tsp. chopped grass mixture, pour 250 ml of boiling water (it is advisable to prepare the infusion in a thermos).After cooling, strain and take 1/3 cup in the morning and evening before meals.

Treatment of flatulence with drugs

With flatulence, Mezim, Hilak-Forte, Smektu, Espumizan, Linex are usually used.

Treatment of flatulence with enzyme preparations (Mezim Forte) is aimed at facilitating the digestive process in the small intestine. The enzymes that make up the preparations break down and promote the absorption of trace elements in the intestine.

Espumisan has a destructive effect on gases in the intestines and promotes their elimination.

Hilak-Forte is usually used as an aid for flatulence. The preparation contains organic and fatty acids that support the natural intestinal microflora and increase the growth of beneficial bacteria.

Smecta is a natural drug that acts locally and is not absorbed into the bloodstream. In the intestines, the drug absorbs excess gases, removes them, and also helps to protect the mucous membrane.

Linex contains live bacteria that begin to multiply in the intestines, while suppressing the growth of pathogenic flora. The drug does not have a quick effect on flatulence, but after a course of treatment, the intestinal microflora is restored and the condition is normalized.

In some cases, with flatulence, enterosorbents are taken (drugs that absorb and remove harmful substances from the body). The most famous enterosorbents are activated carbon, Enterosgel.

Treatment of flatulence with activated carbon

Treatment of flatulence often begins with the intake of activated charcoal. This well-known enterosorbent actively absorbs excess gases, harmful substances, toxins, etc. Coal should be taken for several days (no more than 4 days) in the morning and evening. The dosage of the drug is calculated as follows: 1 tablet of charcoal per 10 kg of body weight.

It is worth noting that activated carbon has several disadvantages, in particular, it absorbs and removes beneficial trace elements from the body.

Treatment of flatulence in adults

Treatment of flatulence in adults is primarily aimed at removing accumulated gases from the intestines and generally alleviating the patient’s condition (eliminating discomfort, pain, etc.).

During the examination, the specialist must determine the cause of the bloating and eliminate it (or minimize its effect as much as possible).

With flatulence, a diet is prescribed that excludes fatty, fried foods, legumes (in some cases, dairy products).

To remove gases, adult patients are prescribed cleansing enemas, gas outlet tubes, after which the condition improves significantly.

Also, medications are prescribed (Espumisan, enzymes, enterosorbents).

If the cause of the bloating is a mechanical obstruction, the doctor prescribes surgical treatment.

Treatment of flatulence in children

Treatment for flatulence in children depends on the cause of the disease.

First of all, the doctor finds out the child’s diet and, if necessary, corrects it.

Also, the cause of flatulence in children can be various diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, a violation of the intestinal microflora.

When bloated, gases are removed from the intestines with the help of prokinetic drugs, traditional medicine (tincture of caraway seeds, dill), which contribute to the digestion of food, reduce the processes of putrefaction and fermentation in the intestines, and remove gases.Preparations – defoamers, enterosorbents (activated carbon) also help to remove and remove excess gases, but it is not recommended to abuse such drugs, since they also remove useful microelements from the body.

Non-drug treatments can also be used, for example, a warm heating pad on the stomach, massage, a gas outlet tube, candles with glycerin, according to most experts, these methods are best used at the beginning of treatment and, if ineffective, already turn to drug therapy.

With flatulence, the herbal preparation Iberogast of German production helps well. Due to its complex composition, the drug improves intestinal motility, improves digestion, removes gases. Also, the drug relaxes smooth muscles, relieves soreness, improves the digestive process, reduces the processes of putrefaction and fermentation in the intestines. In addition to flatulence, the drug helps with heartburn, stomach cramps, gastritis, etc.

Ibergast is well tolerated and prescribed for children from the age of three.

Treatment of flatulence in infants

Treatment for flatulence in infants also depends on the cause of the disorder. Before prescribing treatment, it is recommended to fully examine the child, to find out the diet of the child or mother (which is important if she is breastfeeding).

Intestinal peristalsis in newborns is rather weak, since they move little, in addition, the intestinal microflora in babies is not formed, colonization with bacteria occurs during the feeding and life of the baby, therefore flatulence in newborns (colic) is almost an inevitable phenomenon.

To alleviate the baby’s condition, it is recommended to do a circular massage of the abdomen (clockwise), put it on a hard surface for 10 minutes on the tummy, do gymnastics (slowly press the baby’s bent legs to the tummy).

If the baby is breastfed, the mother’s nutrition can significantly affect the development of flatulence. As already mentioned, the intestines of a newborn after birth begin to be colonized by bacteria, which is inextricably linked with the appearance of excess gas.

The mother’s consumption of foods that increase gas production (cabbage, legumes, sweets, coffee, kvass, fresh fruit, dairy products, walnuts) can increase gas production.

Regardless of the causes of the disorder, the doctor recommends giving the baby tincture of fennel, chamomile, mint, dill water before meals for 1 tsp.

With severe flatulence, if herbal tinctures do not help, then the doctor may prescribe drug therapy: espumisan, simethicone, prebiotics or probiotics.

Treatment of flatulence in a dog

Treatment of flatulence in a dog is prescribed after the diagnosis of the animal. In case of bloating, it is recommended to contact a veterinarian who will identify the cause of the disorder (often the cause of flatulence is intestinal pathology, a lack of digestive enzymes).

After the examination, the veterinarian determines the course of treatment. In addition to symptomatic treatment (drugs for removing gas, reducing pain, spasms, etc.)) Your doctor may prescribe enzymes or supplements.

Also, your veterinarian may recommend a diet that will help improve the digestion process in the animal.

Treatment of severe flatulence

Treatment of flatulence, especially severe and often recurring, is a rather complicated process. First of all, it is necessary to identify the underlying disease that provokes the disorder, therefore, with a strong form of flatulence, it is recommended to consult a doctor and undergo a full examination.

To reduce gas formation, it is necessary to eat fewer foods that contribute to the formation of gas (cabbage, legumes, flour products, carbonated drinks), it is recommended to include more protein foods (meat, eggs, cottage cheese) in your diet.

Treatment of bloating and flatulence

Treatment of flatulence, as already mentioned, is prescribed depending on the cause of the disorder.

If the cause of strong gas formation is fructose, lactose, sorbitol, then the use of these sugars should be excluded.

If lactose is in milk, your doctor may prescribe enzymes to help digest the product.

In case of gas formation, cabbage, apricots, bananas, legumes, lentils, carrots, onions, and whole grains should be excluded from the diet.

There are quite a lot of gas-forming products, so in each case it is recommended to develop an individual diet.

For the treatment of flatulence, simethicone, activated carbon, espumisan, etc. are used.

Gas and bloating can be caused by an obstruction that interferes with the emptying of the stomach or intestinal patency, leading to stagnation, decay, and fermentation of food in the intestines. In this case, a specialist may prescribe surgical treatment.

In case of impaired digestion, drugs are prescribed that improve intestinal motility, digestion. With the rapid multiplication of bacteria in the intestine, antibacterial drugs are prescribed, however, in most cases, such treatment shows a short-term result or is generally ineffective.

Treatment of flatulence and constipation

Treatment of flatulence, which is accompanied by constipation, has several important points. First of all, in case of constipation, it is necessary to increase physical activity, correct nutrition, and take laxative drugs.

With constipation, you should walk more on foot in the fresh air, do gymnastics (10-15 minutes daily), which will improve intestinal motility, tone the muscles of the gastrointestinal tract, and strengthen the walls of the peritoneum.

When bloating and constipation, you need to pay attention to food. You should eat at certain times (4-5 times a day). The menu must include fiber-rich foods (fruits, vegetables). The body does not assimilate fiber, but it increases the volume of feces, which makes it easier to move through the intestines.

You can add bran to the diet, which also stimulates the digestive tract.

It is useful to use prunes, buckwheat porridge, lean meat, completely exclude fatty, salty foods, preservation, alcohol, carbonated drinks.

You need to drink at least 1.5 liters of water per day, since an insufficient amount of liquid is one of the reasons for the hardening of feces.

Treatment of belching and flatulence

Treatment for flatulence, which is accompanied by belching or nausea, is aimed at correcting an unbalanced diet or mild poisoning (the most common causes of bloating and belching).

Activated carbon or other sorbents are used to relieve unpleasant symptoms.

Simethicone-based drugs (espumisan, relzer, colicide, meteospazmil, etc.) effectively eliminate flatulence. These drugs destroy air bubbles in the intestines and promote their elimination.

With the pathology of the gastrointestinal tract, a specialist consultation is required, the establishment of an accurate diagnosis and treatment of the underlying disease.

As a rule, enzymes and drugs that improve the motor activity of the gastrointestinal tract (prokinetics) are used as adjuvant therapy.

Treatment of flatulence is based on an integrated approach and in most cases includes dietary adjustment, treatment of the underlying disease and other disorders identified during examination, restoration of the natural intestinal microflora, treatment of gastrointestinal dysfunction, prevention of increased formation and accumulation of gases in the intestine.

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