How can you alleviate gas and bloating naturally. What are the most effective home remedies for stomach discomfort. Which dietary changes can help reduce excessive flatulence. When should you seek medical attention for persistent gas problems.

Understanding Abdominal Gas: Causes and Symptoms

Abdominal gas is a common digestive issue that affects most people at some point in their lives. The average adult passes gas between 13 and 21 times a day, which is considered normal and healthy. However, when gas builds up in the intestines and cannot be expelled, it can lead to discomfort, pain, and bloating.

Several factors can contribute to excessive gas production or difficulty in passing gas:

• Overeating
• Swallowing air while eating or drinking
• Chewing gum
• Smoking cigarettes
• Consuming certain foods
• Underlying digestive conditions

While occasional gas is normal, persistent or severe symptoms may warrant medical attention. Consult a healthcare professional if your gas symptoms:

• Cause significant distress
• Change suddenly or dramatically
• Are accompanied by constipation, diarrhea, or unexplained weight loss

Natural Remedies for Gas Relief: Herbal Solutions

Many people find relief from gas and bloating through natural remedies, particularly herbal solutions. These options are often readily available and can be easily incorporated into daily routines.

Peppermint: A Soothing Solution

Peppermint has long been used as a digestive aid. Research has shown that peppermint tea or supplements can help reduce symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome, including gas. How does peppermint work to alleviate gas? It relaxes the smooth muscles of the digestive tract, allowing trapped gas to pass more easily.

To use peppermint for gas relief:

• Drink a cup of peppermint tea before each meal
• Consider peppermint supplements (consult with a healthcare provider first)

It’s important to note that peppermint can interfere with iron absorption and certain medications. Some individuals may also experience heartburn as a side effect.

Chamomile Tea: A Gentle Digestive Aid

Chamomile tea is another herbal remedy known for its digestive benefits. It can help reduce indigestion, trapped gas, and bloating. How does chamomile tea help with gas? Its anti-inflammatory and antispasmodic properties help relax the digestive tract, easing the passage of gas.

For optimal results:

• Drink a cup of chamomile tea before meals
• Consider having another cup at bedtime to promote overall digestive health

Cloves: An Aromatic Digestive Aid

Cloves, commonly used in cooking, can also help alleviate gas and bloating. Clove oil may be particularly effective due to its ability to produce digestive enzymes. How can you use cloves for gas relief? Add two to five drops of clove oil to an 8-ounce glass of water and drink after meals.

Over-the-Counter Solutions for Gas and Bloating

When natural remedies aren’t sufficient, over-the-counter (OTC) medications can provide relief from gas and bloating. These products are designed to address different aspects of gas production and expulsion.

Activated Charcoal: A Natural Gas Absorber

Activated charcoal is an OTC medication that helps eliminate gas trapped in the colon. How does activated charcoal work? It acts like a sponge, absorbing excess gas in the digestive tract. For best results, take tablets right before and one hour after meals.

Simethicone: Breaking Down Gas Bubbles

Simethicone, found in products like Gas-X, Mylanta Gas, and Phazyme, works by consolidating gas bubbles in your stomach. This makes it easier for your body to expel the gas. How should you use simethicone? Follow the dosing instructions on the product label, and consult with a healthcare provider if you’re pregnant or taking other medications.

Beano: Preventing Gas from Certain Foods

Beano is a digestive aid containing an enzyme that breaks down complex sugars found in beans and certain vegetables. How does Beano prevent gas? By breaking down these sugars before they reach the large intestine, Beano reduces the amount of gas produced during digestion. It’s available in liquid or pill form and should be taken with the first bite of a gas-producing meal.

Lifestyle Changes to Reduce Gas and Bloating

In addition to natural remedies and OTC solutions, certain lifestyle changes can significantly impact gas production and discomfort.

Physical Activity: Moving for Gas Relief

Exercise can help release trapped gas and alleviate associated pain. How does physical activity help with gas? Movement stimulates the digestive system, promoting the passage of gas through the intestines. Try these activities for gas relief:

• Walking after meals
• Jumping rope
• Light jogging or running

Dietary Modifications: Identifying and Avoiding Trigger Foods

For many people, changing dietary habits is enough to alleviate gas and its accompanying symptoms. How can you modify your diet to reduce gas? Start by identifying foods that trigger gas production for you personally. Common gas-producing foods include:

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

Consider keeping a food diary to track which foods seem to cause the most gas for you. Gradually reintroduce eliminated foods one at a time to pinpoint specific triggers.

Addressing Specific Digestive Issues: Lactose Intolerance and GERD

Some individuals experience excessive gas due to specific digestive conditions. Addressing these underlying issues can significantly reduce gas-related symptoms.

Lactase Supplements for Lactose Intolerance

Lactose intolerance occurs when the body cannot digest lactose, a sugar found in milk and dairy products. This undigested lactose can lead to gas, bloating, and discomfort. How can lactase supplements help? These OTC supplements provide the enzyme needed to break down lactose, allowing for proper digestion and reducing gas production.

Managing GERD to Reduce Gas

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) can contribute to excessive gas and bloating. How does GERD relate to gas problems? When stomach acid flows back into the esophagus, it can cause swallowing of air, leading to increased gas. Managing GERD through lifestyle changes and medication can help reduce associated gas symptoms.

Alternative Remedies: Apple Cider Vinegar and Probiotics

Some individuals find relief from gas and bloating through alternative remedies that support overall digestive health.

Apple Cider Vinegar: A Potential Digestive Aid

Apple cider vinegar has gained popularity as a digestive aid. How might it help with gas? Some believe it can help fight against bacteria that cause abdominal gas accumulation and discomfort. To try this remedy:

• Dilute a tablespoon of apple cider vinegar in water or tea
• Drink before meals or up to three times daily

While some people report benefits, scientific evidence supporting apple cider vinegar for gas relief is limited. As with any remedy, it’s best to consult with a healthcare provider before incorporating it into your routine.

Probiotics: Balancing Gut Bacteria

Probiotics are beneficial bacteria that support digestive health. How can probiotics help with gas? By promoting a healthy balance of gut bacteria, probiotics may reduce gas production and improve overall digestion. Consider incorporating probiotic-rich foods into your diet or taking a high-quality probiotic supplement.

When to Seek Medical Attention for Gas Problems

While most cases of gas can be managed with home remedies and lifestyle changes, certain situations warrant medical attention. When should you consult a healthcare provider about gas issues?

• Severe or persistent abdominal pain
• Changes in bowel habits lasting more than a few days
• Unexplained weight loss
• Blood in stools
• Persistent fever

These symptoms may indicate an underlying condition requiring medical treatment. Your healthcare provider can perform necessary tests and recommend appropriate treatments, which may include prescription medications for conditions such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) or inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).

Developing a Comprehensive Approach to Gas Relief

Managing gas and bloating often requires a multi-faceted approach. By combining dietary changes, natural remedies, OTC solutions, and lifestyle modifications, most people can find significant relief from gas-related discomfort.

Remember that what works for one person may not work for another. It may take some trial and error to find the right combination of strategies for your individual needs. Be patient with the process and consistent in your efforts.

If gas problems persist despite your best efforts, don’t hesitate to seek professional medical advice. A healthcare provider can help identify any underlying issues and develop a tailored treatment plan to address your specific symptoms and concerns.

By taking a proactive approach to managing gas and bloating, you can improve your digestive comfort and overall quality of life. With the right strategies in place, you can minimize the impact of gas on your daily activities and enjoy better digestive health.

10 Tips to Get Rid of Gas, Pains, and Bloating

We include products we think are useful for our readers. If you buy through links on this page, we may earn a small commission Here’s our process.

Healthline only shows you brands and products that we stand behind.

Our team thoroughly researches and evaluates the recommendations we make on our site. To establish that the product manufacturers addressed safety and efficacy standards, we:

• Evaluate ingredients and composition: Do they have the potential to cause harm?
• Fact-check all health claims: Do they align with the current body of scientific evidence?
• Assess the brand: Does it operate with integrity and adhere to industry best practices?

We do the research so you can find trusted products for your health and wellness.

Read more about our vetting process.

Was this helpful?

Abdominal gas is quite typical. Often, certain home remedies and supplements can help you release it from your stomach. But if you’re still experiencing discomfort, you may want to see a doctor.

The average adult passes gas between 13 and 21 times a day. Gas is a healthy part of the digestion process. But if gas builds up in your intestines and you’re unable to expel it, you may start to feel pain and discomfort.

Gas pain, bloating, and flatus frequency can be exacerbated by anything that causes diarrhea or constipation. Gas can also be caused by:

• overeating
• swallowing air while you eat or drink
• gum chewing
• smoking cigarettes
• eating certain foods

Make an appointment with your doctor if your gas symptoms:

• cause you distress
• change suddenly
• are accompanied by constipation, diarrhea, or weight loss

Your doctor can determine the underlying cause.

If changing your diet doesn’t completely do the trick, you have several options to try.

1. Peppermint

Research has shown that peppermint tea or peppermint supplements can help reduce symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome, including gas.

Talk with your doctor before you start using supplements. Peppermint can interfere with iron absorption and certain medications. It may also cause heartburn in some people.

Supplements will have directions about how much you should take on the bottle. For peppermint tea, drink one cup before each meal for the best results.

2. Chamomile tea

Chamomile tea can also help reduce indigestion, trapped gas, and bloating. Drinking chamomile tea before meals and at bedtime may reduce symptoms for some people.

3. Activated charcoal

Activated charcoal is another type of over-the-counter medication that helps eliminate gas trapped in your colon. You take tablets right before and one hour after meals.

4. Apple cider vinegar

Drinking apple cider vinegar may help fight against bacteria that can cause abdominal gas accumulation and discomfort. Dilute a tablespoon of apple cider vinegar in a beverage, like water or tea. Drink right before meals or up to three times daily as long as needed to reduce symptoms.

5. Physical activity

Exercise can help release trapped gas and gas pain. Try walking after meals as a way to avoid gas. If you have gas pain, jumping rope, running, or walking may help you expel it.

6. Lactase supplements

Lactose is a sugar in milk. People with lactose intolerance can’t digest this sugar. Lactase is the enzyme the body uses to break down lactose. Lactase supplements are available over the counter and can help your body digest lactose.

7. Cloves

Cloves are an herb used in cooking. Clove oil may help reduce bloating and gas by producing digestive enzymes. Add two to five drops to an 8-ounce glass of water and drink after meals.

8. Over-the-counter medications

Simethicone (Gas-X. Mylanta Gas, Phazyme) is an over-the-counter medication that works by consolidating gas bubbles in your stomach, allowing you to expel them more easily.

Follow dosing instructions, and make sure to discuss this medication with your doctor if you’re taking other medications or pregnant.

Another option is Beano, which is an OTC digestive aid containing an enzyme that breaks down sugars in beans and certain vegetables, which can help reduce abdominal gas. It comes as a liquid or a pill. People with galactosemia should ask their doctor before using it.

9. Prescription medications

Depending on the cause of your abdominal gas, there are many medications that your doctor may prescribe.

This includes medications for gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), and Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD).

10. Diet

If your gas isn’t caused by an underlying medical condition, it may be caused by what you eat. Food is digested primarily in your small intestine. What is left undigested is fermented in your colon with bacteria, fungi, and yeast as part of digestion. This process produces methane and hydrogen, which are expelled as flatus.

For many people, changing dietary habits is enough to alleviate gas and its accompanying symptoms. One way to determine which foods are giving you gas is by keeping a food diary. Common culprits include high fat or high fiber food, carbonated beverages, and beans and lentils.

Here are 10 foods that can cause gas. Once you figure out what food is causing the gas, you can modify your diet to avoid the culprit.

Some conditions can cause excess gas. They include:

• gastroenteritis
• lactose intolerance
• celiac disease
• Crohn’s disease
• diabetes
• peptic ulcer
• irritable bowel syndrome

If no medical condition is causing the problem, preventing gas may best be accomplished by altering lifestyle habits and diet:

• Sit down during each meal and eat slowly.
• Try not to take in too much air while you eat and talk.
• Stop chewing gum.
• Avoid soda and other carbonated beverages.
• Avoid smoking.
• Find ways to work exercise into your routine, such as taking a walk after a meal.
• Eliminate foods known to cause gas.
• Avoid drinking through straws.

How do you get rid of gas quickly?

One thing that may help abdominal relieve gas a bit faster is to change your body position. Positions to reduce gas can include , for example, which can help push the gas out of the body. Other than that, medications and remedies may take some time to work, depending on the cause of your gas.

How long can trapped gas last?

Usually, trapped gas is released within a few hours. If it’s not, you should seek medical treatment in case you have another more serious medical condition.

What does trapped gas feel like?

Typically you would feel some discomfort and even pain in your stomach. It can affect the left, the right, the upper, or the lower part of your abdomen.

Gas can be painful, but it typically isn’t dangerous. If gas pain or bloating are issues for you, look to your diet and lifestyle to see what changes you can make. In many cases, lifestyle and diet modification may be able to eliminate the issue completely.

Make an appointment with your doctor if you don’t notice a difference after several weeks of lifestyle and diet changes. They can run tests to see if your symptoms are caused by a medical condition.

10 Tips to Get Rid of Gas, Pains, and Bloating

We include products we think are useful for our readers. If you buy through links on this page, we may earn a small commission Here’s our process.

Healthline only shows you brands and products that we stand behind.

Our team thoroughly researches and evaluates the recommendations we make on our site. To establish that the product manufacturers addressed safety and efficacy standards, we:

• Evaluate ingredients and composition: Do they have the potential to cause harm?
• Fact-check all health claims: Do they align with the current body of scientific evidence?
• Assess the brand: Does it operate with integrity and adhere to industry best practices?

We do the research so you can find trusted products for your health and wellness.

Read more about our vetting process.

Was this helpful?

Abdominal gas is quite typical. Often, certain home remedies and supplements can help you release it from your stomach. But if you’re still experiencing discomfort, you may want to see a doctor.

The average adult passes gas between 13 and 21 times a day. Gas is a healthy part of the digestion process. But if gas builds up in your intestines and you’re unable to expel it, you may start to feel pain and discomfort.

Gas pain, bloating, and flatus frequency can be exacerbated by anything that causes diarrhea or constipation. Gas can also be caused by:

• overeating
• swallowing air while you eat or drink
• gum chewing
• smoking cigarettes
• eating certain foods

Make an appointment with your doctor if your gas symptoms:

• cause you distress
• change suddenly
• are accompanied by constipation, diarrhea, or weight loss

Your doctor can determine the underlying cause.

If changing your diet doesn’t completely do the trick, you have several options to try.

1. Peppermint

Research has shown that peppermint tea or peppermint supplements can help reduce symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome, including gas.

Talk with your doctor before you start using supplements. Peppermint can interfere with iron absorption and certain medications. It may also cause heartburn in some people.

Supplements will have directions about how much you should take on the bottle. For peppermint tea, drink one cup before each meal for the best results.

2. Chamomile tea

Chamomile tea can also help reduce indigestion, trapped gas, and bloating. Drinking chamomile tea before meals and at bedtime may reduce symptoms for some people.

3. Activated charcoal

Activated charcoal is another type of over-the-counter medication that helps eliminate gas trapped in your colon. You take tablets right before and one hour after meals.

4.

Apple cider vinegar

Drinking apple cider vinegar may help fight against bacteria that can cause abdominal gas accumulation and discomfort. Dilute a tablespoon of apple cider vinegar in a beverage, like water or tea. Drink right before meals or up to three times daily as long as needed to reduce symptoms.

5. Physical activity

Exercise can help release trapped gas and gas pain. Try walking after meals as a way to avoid gas. If you have gas pain, jumping rope, running, or walking may help you expel it.

6. Lactase supplements

Lactose is a sugar in milk. People with lactose intolerance can’t digest this sugar. Lactase is the enzyme the body uses to break down lactose. Lactase supplements are available over the counter and can help your body digest lactose.

7. Cloves

Cloves are an herb used in cooking. Clove oil may help reduce bloating and gas by producing digestive enzymes. Add two to five drops to an 8-ounce glass of water and drink after meals.

8. Over-the-counter medications

Simethicone (Gas-X. Mylanta Gas, Phazyme) is an over-the-counter medication that works by consolidating gas bubbles in your stomach, allowing you to expel them more easily.

Follow dosing instructions, and make sure to discuss this medication with your doctor if you’re taking other medications or pregnant.

Another option is Beano, which is an OTC digestive aid containing an enzyme that breaks down sugars in beans and certain vegetables, which can help reduce abdominal gas. It comes as a liquid or a pill. People with galactosemia should ask their doctor before using it.

9. Prescription medications

Depending on the cause of your abdominal gas, there are many medications that your doctor may prescribe.

This includes medications for gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), and Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD).

10. Diet

If your gas isn’t caused by an underlying medical condition, it may be caused by what you eat. Food is digested primarily in your small intestine. What is left undigested is fermented in your colon with bacteria, fungi, and yeast as part of digestion. This process produces methane and hydrogen, which are expelled as flatus.

For many people, changing dietary habits is enough to alleviate gas and its accompanying symptoms. One way to determine which foods are giving you gas is by keeping a food diary. Common culprits include high fat or high fiber food, carbonated beverages, and beans and lentils.

Here are 10 foods that can cause gas. Once you figure out what food is causing the gas, you can modify your diet to avoid the culprit.

Some conditions can cause excess gas. They include:

• gastroenteritis
• lactose intolerance
• celiac disease
• Crohn’s disease
• diabetes
• peptic ulcer
• irritable bowel syndrome

If no medical condition is causing the problem, preventing gas may best be accomplished by altering lifestyle habits and diet:

• Sit down during each meal and eat slowly.
• Try not to take in too much air while you eat and talk.
• Stop chewing gum.
• Avoid soda and other carbonated beverages.
• Avoid smoking.
• Find ways to work exercise into your routine, such as taking a walk after a meal.
• Eliminate foods known to cause gas.
• Avoid drinking through straws.

How do you get rid of gas quickly?

One thing that may help abdominal relieve gas a bit faster is to change your body position. Positions to reduce gas can include , for example, which can help push the gas out of the body. Other than that, medications and remedies may take some time to work, depending on the cause of your gas.

How long can trapped gas last?

Usually, trapped gas is released within a few hours. If it’s not, you should seek medical treatment in case you have another more serious medical condition.

What does trapped gas feel like?

Typically you would feel some discomfort and even pain in your stomach. It can affect the left, the right, the upper, or the lower part of your abdomen.

Gas can be painful, but it typically isn’t dangerous. If gas pain or bloating are issues for you, look to your diet and lifestyle to see what changes you can make. In many cases, lifestyle and diet modification may be able to eliminate the issue completely.

Make an appointment with your doctor if you don’t notice a difference after several weeks of lifestyle and diet changes. They can run tests to see if your symptoms are caused by a medical condition.

Flatulence: norm and pathology | #02/08

The human gastrointestinal tract, in addition to solid and liquid components, contains a gaseous component in significant volumes. Intestinal gases are distributed in a more or less dense mass of chyme and are enclosed in vesicles of various sizes with mucus membranes. The increased content of gases in the intestines and the clinical disorders associated with it are included in the concept of “flatulence”. An increase in the volume of intestinal gases can lead to symptoms that give the patient very noticeable discomfort in the form of a feeling of fullness in the abdomen, rumbling and pain. There may also be an increase in the abdomen, rapid discharge of gases. Severe flatulence can disrupt a person’s normal lifestyle, significantly affect his mental state, lead to anxiety, anxiety, and even depression. In children of the first year of life, flatulence can lead to disruption of sleep, nutrition of the child, and affect psychomotor and physical development.

Normally, the intestines of an adult contain about 200 ml of various gases. The composition of these gases is very variable: they include nitrogen (11–92%), oxygen (up to 11%), carbon dioxide (up to 50%), hydrogen (up to 10%), methane (up to 60%), hydrogen sulfide (up to thirty%). ammonia and some others.

A relatively large part of the gases enter the intestine during swallowing, including nitrogen, oxygen and carbon dioxide. An increase in gas in the intestines may be due to increased swallowing of air (aerophagia) during meals, which is facilitated by hasty eating, talking while eating, drinking through a straw, and chewing gum. A large amount of carbon dioxide enters the gastrointestinal tract with carbonated drinks. Some carbon dioxide can form in the stomach as a result of the reaction of food carbonates with hydrochloric acid in gastric contents. In children of the first months of life, swallowing increased volumes of air during feeding is often observed and is associated with insufficient maturity of the nervous system and an incompletely formed swallowing reflex (especially in premature and immature children at the time of birth), which can cause regurgitation and even profuse vomiting only that of the food eaten. Perinatal disorders of the central nervous system also contribute to dyskinesia of the digestive system, one of the manifestations of which may be aerophagia. In this regard, in order for excess air to escape from the stomach without taking its contents with it, it is recommended that infants be kept upright for some time after feeding. Aerophagia, due to the peculiarities of nutrition, is relatively physiological and is quite easily corrected. At the same time, aerophagia, as a symptom of a serious disease of the nervous system and / or digestive organs, may require both a serious examination and long-term treatment.

Most of the gas from the stomach, along with food, enters the intestines.

The second important source of intestinal gases is the metabolic activity of intestinal microorganisms, most actively represented in the large intestine. Under normal conditions, the saccharolytic microflora that prevails in the intestine utilizes carbohydrates that are not digested and absorbed in the small intestine to a large extent for their energy needs. First of all, we are talking about dietary fiber and some oligo- and disaccharides. As a result of fermentation processes, the microbe receives ATP, and its environment (i.e., intestinal contents) receives a number of metabolites, including gaseous ones.

So, as a result of homofermentative lactic fermentation, characteristic of lactobacilli and streptococci of the colon, lactic acid (up to 90%), carbon dioxide, hydrogen, and water are predominantly formed. Heterofermentative lactic fermentation, in which, in addition to lactic acid, other metabolites (including acetic acid) are formed, is inherent in bifidobacteria. Alcoholic fermentation, leading to the formation of carbon dioxide and ethanol, is a side metabolic pathway in some representatives of lactobacilli and clostridia. Individual strains Escherichia coli and Clostridium obtain energy from formic acid, propionic acid, butyric acid, acetonobutyl or homoacetate fermentation. At the same time, volatile fatty acids, carbon dioxide, hydrogen and water are formed during all fermentation options. Organic acids are utilized by macroorganisms, carbon dioxide is largely converted by other microorganisms into acetate, hydrogen is mainly absorbed and excreted through the lungs. An increased excretion of hydrogen with exhaled air is observed with an increase in the microbial population or with an increase in its saccharolytic activity, for example, with lactase deficiency.

Small amounts of methane can form in the intestines. Its presence in the composition of intestinal gases indicates the presence of Methanobrevibacter smithii in the intestinal microbiocenosis. Microbial metabolism of sulfur-containing compounds, primarily proteins (in particular, mucus proteins) causes the presence of hydrogen sulfide, however, its high concentrations are associated with excessive activity of the proteolytic flora, often as a result of a violation of the processes of digestion and absorption in the small intestine and the entry of undigested proteins into the large intestine . Also, as a result of microbial metabolism of proteins, ammonia is formed, which easily diffuses through the intestinal wall into the blood of the portal system and is mainly retained by the liver. Normal intestinal microflora helps to reduce the diffusion of ammonia into the blood by lowering the pH in the lumen of the colon, as a result of which ammonia is ionized to form ammonium ions, which bind in salt and are excreted in the feces.

Finally, a certain amount of gases enters the intestinal lumen from the blood, but their volumes are relatively small.

The gas contained in the intestines is mainly evacuated through the anus, although some of it is absorbed into the blood and excreted through the lungs or utilized by the body. A healthy adult per ani releases 0.2–2.5 L of gases per 5–15 passages per day [1, 2].

The main reason for the increased content of gases in the intestine is the increased metabolic activity of the intestinal microflora. Among the physiological reasons for this phenomenon, it should be noted the use of fiber-rich foods of plant origin, as well as raisins, beans, peas, black bread, kvass, and beer. Also, gas formation increases in many pathological conditions that lead to a violation of the composition of the intestinal microbiocenosis.

The increased content of gases in the intestine leads to stretching of the intestine, thereby stimulating peristalsis, causing pain symptoms. At the same time, there is no clear correlation between the content of gases in the intestine and the clinical manifestations of flatulence, which is associated with a significant individual variability in interoreception. In patients with a low response threshold of intestinal interoreceptors, a pronounced clinical picture can be observed with slight gas formation, and in patients with a high response threshold, complaints are not observed even with significant gas formation in the colon [3, 4].

A change in the composition of the intestinal microbiocenosis and, as a result, the development of flatulence can be facilitated by a violation of the processes of digestion, absorption, as well as a change in intestinal motility. In fact, with almost any disease of the digestive system, intestinal dysbacteriosis and flatulence as a manifestation of the latter can be observed.

A common cause of flatulence is lactase deficiency, an intolerance to the milk sugar lactose as a result of a deficiency of the small intestine enzyme lactase. Normally, lactase breaks down milk sugar into glucose and galactose, which are absorbed into the blood in the small intestine, but with lactase deficiency, milk sugar does not break down and reaches the large intestine unchanged, where it is utilized by microorganisms with an increase in gas production. In this regard, one of the tests for detecting lactase deficiency is the determination of an increased concentration of hydrogen in the exhaled air. In addition, undigested lactose in the colon stimulates the secretion of water, which leads to the development of thin, frothy stools with a sour smell. All these symptoms occur only against the background of the use of dairy products containing lactose, primarily whole milk. Fermented milk products contain less milk sugar and can be eaten with a slight decrease in lactase activity. Cottage cheese and cheese do not contain lactose, and their intake does not cause symptoms. Lactase deficiency can be primary, associated with the genetic characteristics of the individual and inherited, and secondary, that is, arising against the background of diseases of the small intestine, as well as constitutional. The latter is due to the fact that in some people (clinically healthy!) Lactase activity in the small intestine decreases with age and they no longer tolerate dairy products. This process can begin as early as the second half of the first year of life and is not considered pathological. In the world, there are entire regions and continents (for example, Africa), the adult population of which does not tolerate milk sugar.

Another common cause of flatulence is irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), which is manifested by a combination of abdominal pain with a change in the nature of the stool and / or with flatulence. IBS belongs to the group of functional disorders of the digestive system, in which the nervous and / or humoral regulation of the motility of the gastrointestinal tract is impaired, and the organic pathology of the intestine is not detected. One of the causes of IBS may be a disorder of the intestinal nervous system, expressed in a decrease in the sensitivity threshold of the intestinal interoreceptors. Clinical features in favor of IBS are the variability and variety of complaints, lack of progression, normal weight, increased complaints with stress, no symptoms at night, and association with other functional disorders. Most often, pain occurs before a bowel movement and disappears after it.

The main clinical manifestations of IBS include abdominal pain or discomfort for at least 3 months of the last year, which improves after defecation, is associated with a change in the frequency of stools (more than 3 times a day or less than 3 times a week) and / or form stool (either hard, dry lumps – like “sheep feces”, or unformed – mushy). In addition to the main ones, additional symptoms are also distinguished: difficulty in the act of defecation or a feeling of incomplete emptying of the rectum, copious secretion of mucus, rumbling or bloating.

By the nature of the chair, there are three main clinical variants of IBS: IBS with pain and flatulence; IBS with constipation; IBS with diarrhea. Flatulence can be observed with any variant of IBS, but is most pronounced with the first.

The cause of flatulence in IBS is a violation of intestinal motility, which leads to a change in the composition of the intestinal contents and, as a result, the composition of the intestinal microflora. Under certain conditions, the gas-forming activity of the latter increases, which is clinically manifested in the form of flatulence [3, 4]. On the other hand, it has been shown that the reason for the development of a sensation of “bloating” of the abdomen in IBS can be not only and not so much an increased intestinal gas filling, but a slowdown in intestinal motility. One of the reasons for this slowdown may be a violation of the reflex regulation of motility at the level of the intestinal nervous system, in particular, a violation of the reflex to stretch the intestine [5, 6].

To effectively eliminate flatulence, you should understand the cause that causes it. Very often, flatulence is associated with the peculiarities of nutrition and the patient’s regimen, which in most cases is quite realistic to eliminate. In this regard, regular nutritious meals in a calm environment should be recommended. It is advisable to include Activia probiotic fermented milk products in the diet. Their regular use contributes to the restoration of the composition and metabolic activity of the intestinal microflora, as well as the normalization of the motor function of the intestine [9].]. In controlled clinical studies, it was shown that regular use of these products for 14 days was accompanied by a decrease in the severity of bloating, flatulence, and the appearance of regular (at least 6 times a week) independent stools [10]. The amount of gas-forming products must be selected individually. When diseases of the gastrointestinal tract are detected, these diseases should be treated first. The diet for flatulence is determined by the main pathological process. With lactase deficiency, it is mandatory to follow a lactose-free or low-lactose diet with the exclusion or reduction of milk sugar in the diet. For children of the first year in this case, low-lactose milk formulas or special lactase preparations should be used. In IBS with flatulence, the amount of plant products should be temporarily reduced, a neurologist and psychologist should be consulted, and antispasmodics can be used as a symptomatic remedy for pain (in older children and adults, for example, Duspatalin).

In order to correct the composition of the intestinal microflora, the appointment of probiotics is indicated – preparations containing live microorganisms that have a positive effect on the microbial balance of the intestine. These preparations may contain Lactobacillus acidophilus, Lactobacillus GG, Lactobacillus fermentum, Streptococcus (Enterococcus) faecium SF68, S. termophilus, Bifidobacterium bifidum , for which the probiotic effect has been proven in double placebo-controlled studies. It is desirable that the strains of microorganisms that are part of the preparations have antibiotic resistance and are protected from acidic gastric contents. On the other hand, the correction of intestinal microbiocenosis can be effectively carried out with prebiotic preparations, the most common component of which is lactulose (Duphalac). Low doses of lactulose contribute to the restoration of intestinal microflora in intestinal dysbacteriosis of various origins, by stimulating the growth of “own” microflora. Doses of the drug Duphalac are selected individually and vary depending on age, can be divided into two doses (table). In real practice, the combined use of pre- and probiotics is often used.

As an additional means to eliminate the symptom of flatulence and alleviate the patient’s condition, preparations containing simethicone, a mixture of dimethsiloxane polymer with silicon dioxide, have been widely used for many years. Simethicone is insoluble in water, quickly spreads through the medium and displaces foaming agents from the surface layer of the film. At the same time, it destroys the shells of gas bubbles in the intestinal contents and promotes the removal of gases from the intestines. Simethicone quickly and effectively eliminates signs of increased gas filling in the intestines, does not have side effects and age restrictions. The efficacy and safety of simethicone have been proven in a number of studies, and preparations based on it are recommended for use in many conditions accompanied by flatulence, in particular, in functional disorders [7, 8]. Since in almost all cases of flatulence there are violations of the digestive processes, it is advisable to combine the appointment of simethicone with pancreatic enzymes, which significantly increases the effectiveness of eliminating flatulence. Enzymatic preparations can be prescribed independently (for example, Creon) or as part of preparations combined with simethicone (Pancreoflat).

The positive effect of pancreatic enzymes is due to the improvement of digestion processes, which is reflected in the functional state of the intestinal microflora and a decrease in the intake of underdigested, in particular, gas-forming components into the colon. The use of microspherical preparations (Creon) turns out to be more effective, compared with conventional tablet preparations, firstly, due to the high degree of activity of the initial substrate (pancreatin), and secondly, a special dosage form of the drug (microspheres 1–1.2 mm in size) , which provides uniform mixing with gastric contents; thirdly, a pH-sensitive shell of microspheres that protects the enzyme from destruction in the stomach and ensures its maximum release in the duodenum [10–13].

Creon should be taken with food. The dose is selected individually, the daily dose depends on the severity of exocrine pancreatic insufficiency. In pediatric practice, to facilitate the administration of the drug, the capsule can be carefully opened and the microspheres taken, without chewing, with a small amount of water. If microspheres are mixed with food, they should be taken immediately after mixing: otherwise, damage to the enteric coating may occur.

Thus, increased gas formation can be associated with a wide variety of reasons and, therefore, the approach to correcting this condition should be strictly individual. In general, the main directions of this correction are diet therapy, treatment of the underlying disease (if any), correction of microbiocenosis and symptomatic therapy with the inclusion of preparations containing simethicone.

For literature, please contact the editor.

A. A. Kovalenko , Candidate of Medical Sciences
T. V. Gasilina , Candidate of Medical Sciences
S. V. Belmer , Doctor of Medical Sciences, Professor
Russian State Medical University , Moscow

Why do people pass gases

Gas formation is a natural process in our body. However, this process is very embarrassing for many people, since in society the release of gases is considered a sign of bad manners. Maybe you can get rid of gases forever?

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Biology

Anatomy

The topic of flatulence is a target for low jokes and bad comedies. But it’s a natural process!

Our intestines are constantly producing gas and emit from 500 to 2000 ml of gases daily. This number includes methane, nitrogen and carbon dioxide. The ratio of these gases depends on the food a person has eaten. However, they are different not only in content… What influences this?

Sound: intestinal gases come out with different sounds. Sometimes this process is very quiet, sometimes quite loud. When we release gas, the muscles in the intestines push the air through the tight ring of muscles in the anus. It is the volume of gas and the tension of the sphincter muscles that affect the sound. The more gas accumulated in the intestines and the more tense the muscles, the louder the sound will be.

Smell: This factor is influenced by the food we eat. For example, products containing sulfur can give the gas an unpleasant odor. Some bacteria in the gut produce methane or hydrogen sulfide, which also “smell”.

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All people pass gases, but sometimes this process is excessive. This is also influenced by many factors at once.

Air: We usually swallow a small amount of air with food and drink. Oxygen and nitrogen from this air are absorbed into the bloodstream from the small intestine, and the remaining gas is released naturally.

Normal digestion: stomach acid is neutralized by pancreatic secretion and carbon dioxide is formed as a by-product of this process.

Bacteria: There are many bacteria in the intestines that are necessary for good digestion.