Sharp Painful Farts: Causes, Symptoms, and Effective Treatments
What causes sharp painful farts. How to identify symptoms of painful gas. What are the most effective treatments for painful flatulence. When should you see a doctor for painful gas.
Understanding Painful Gas: Causes and Symptoms
Painful gas is a common digestive issue that can cause discomfort and concern for many individuals. While intestinal gas is a normal part of the digestive process, it can sometimes be accompanied by sharp pains or cramping. To better understand this condition, it’s important to examine its causes and symptoms.
What Causes Painful Gas?
Several factors can contribute to the development of painful gas:
- Swallowing excess air
- Consuming gas-producing foods
- Underlying digestive disorders
- Chronic pain or tension
- Postnasal drip
- Constipation
Swallowing excess air can occur when eating or drinking too quickly, consuming carbonated beverages, or wearing ill-fitting dentures. Additionally, certain foods are known to cause gas, such as beans, dairy products, and high-fiber vegetables.
Recognizing Symptoms of Painful Gas
Painful gas can manifest in various ways, including:
- Sharp, stabbing pains in the chest or abdomen
- Dull aches in the digestive tract
- Cramping sensations
- Bloating and abdominal discomfort
- Excessive flatulence
Can painful gas be accompanied by other symptoms? Yes, it’s not uncommon for painful gas to occur alongside other digestive issues such as nausea, belching, or changes in bowel movements.
Underlying Health Conditions Associated with Painful Gas
While occasional painful gas is usually not a cause for concern, recurrent episodes may indicate an underlying health condition. Several digestive disorders can contribute to painful gas and related symptoms.
Food Intolerances and Their Impact on Gas
Food intolerances can significantly contribute to painful gas. Common intolerances include:
- Celiac disease: An autoimmune disorder triggered by gluten consumption
- Lactose intolerance: Difficulty digesting lactose found in dairy products
- Fructose intolerance: Trouble processing fructose, a sugar found in fruits and some vegetables
How do food intolerances cause painful gas? When the body cannot properly digest certain components of food, it can lead to fermentation in the gut, producing excess gas and causing discomfort.
Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth (SIBO)
SIBO occurs when there is an excessive amount of bacteria in the small intestine. This condition can result from low stomach acid or reduced muscle contractions in the small intestine. Symptoms of SIBO may include:
- Abdominal bloating and expansion
- Abdominal pain or discomfort
- Diarrhea
- Weakness and fatigue
Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)
GERD is a chronic condition characterized by stomach acid regularly flowing back into the esophagus. While heartburn and acid reflux are the most common symptoms, GERD can also cause:
- Chest or abdominal pain
- Bloating and belching
- A sensation of food getting stuck in the throat
- Sour taste in the mouth
- Bad breath
- Chronic sore throat
Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)
IBS is a chronic condition affecting the intestines. While its exact cause is unknown, factors such as gut motility issues, nerve sensitivity, stress, and genetics may play a role. Symptoms of IBS can include:
- Abdominal pain and cramping
- Bloating and swelling
- Excessive flatulence
- Alternating constipation and diarrhea
- Urgent need to pass stools
Effective Treatments for Painful Gas
Fortunately, there are various treatment options available to alleviate painful gas and its associated symptoms. These range from over-the-counter medications to lifestyle changes and natural remedies.
Over-the-Counter Medications
Several medications can help manage painful gas:
- Alpha-galactosidase: An enzyme that aids in breaking down sugars found in beans, grains, and vegetables
- Simethicone: A drug that helps gas move more quickly through the digestive tract
- Lactase: An enzyme that assists in breaking down lactose for those with lactose intolerance
How do these medications work to relieve painful gas? Alpha-galactosidase and lactase help break down specific sugars that can cause gas, while simethicone helps consolidate gas bubbles, making them easier to pass.
Lifestyle Changes and Natural Remedies
In addition to medications, several lifestyle modifications and natural remedies can help prevent or treat painful gas:
- Quitting smoking to reduce air swallowing
- Eating smaller, more frequent meals
- Avoiding trigger foods such as beans, dairy, and high-fiber vegetables
- Increasing physical activity through gentle exercises like walking or yoga
- Applying heat to the abdomen with a heating pad or warm bath
Can dietary changes significantly impact painful gas? Yes, identifying and eliminating trigger foods can greatly reduce the occurrence of painful gas for many individuals.
Tracking and Managing Painful Gas
For those experiencing frequent bouts of painful gas, keeping a food and symptom diary can be incredibly helpful. This practice allows individuals to identify potential trigger foods and patterns in their digestive discomfort.
The Benefits of Food Tracking
Maintaining a food diary can offer several advantages:
- Identifying specific foods that trigger gas pain
- Recognizing patterns in symptom occurrence
- Assisting healthcare providers in diagnosis and treatment
- Empowering individuals to make informed dietary choices
How detailed should a food diary be? It’s beneficial to record not only what you eat but also when you eat, portion sizes, and any symptoms that follow. This comprehensive approach provides a clearer picture of your digestive patterns.
When to Seek Medical Attention for Painful Gas
While occasional painful gas is usually not a cause for concern, there are instances where medical attention may be necessary. Understanding when to consult a healthcare professional is crucial for maintaining digestive health and overall well-being.
Red Flags and Warning Signs
Consider seeking medical advice if you experience any of the following:
- Persistent or severe abdominal pain
- Bloody stools
- Unexplained weight loss
- Chronic diarrhea or constipation
- Frequent nausea or vomiting
- Symptoms that interfere with daily life
Should you see a doctor for recurring painful gas? If painful gas occurs frequently or is accompanied by other concerning symptoms, it’s advisable to consult a healthcare provider for proper evaluation and treatment.
Preventing Painful Gas: Dietary and Lifestyle Strategies
While treating painful gas is important, prevention is often the best approach. By implementing certain dietary and lifestyle changes, individuals can significantly reduce their likelihood of experiencing painful gas.
Dietary Modifications
Consider the following dietary strategies to minimize gas production:
- Gradually increasing fiber intake to allow the digestive system to adapt
- Choosing low-FODMAP foods when possible
- Staying hydrated to support healthy digestion
- Avoiding chewing gum and hard candies, which can lead to air swallowing
- Limiting consumption of artificial sweeteners
How can you identify your personal trigger foods? Keeping a food diary and systematically eliminating suspect foods can help pinpoint individual triggers.
Lifestyle Adjustments
In addition to dietary changes, consider these lifestyle modifications:
- Practicing mindful eating by chewing slowly and thoroughly
- Managing stress through relaxation techniques or meditation
- Maintaining a regular exercise routine to promote healthy digestion
- Avoiding tight-fitting clothing that can put pressure on the abdomen
- Getting adequate sleep to support overall digestive health
Can stress management techniques help reduce painful gas? Yes, stress can significantly impact digestive function, so incorporating stress-reduction practices may help alleviate gas-related discomfort.
Understanding Gas Production in the Body
To better manage painful gas, it’s helpful to understand how and why gas is produced in the body. This knowledge can inform more effective prevention and treatment strategies.
The Digestive Process and Gas Formation
Gas is a natural byproduct of the digestive process. It occurs when:
- Bacteria in the large intestine break down undigested carbohydrates
- Air is swallowed during eating, drinking, or talking
- Chemical reactions occur during digestion
How much gas is considered normal? The average person produces between 0.6 to 1.8 liters of gas daily and passes gas 12-25 times a day.
Factors Influencing Gas Production
Several factors can influence the amount and type of gas produced in the body:
- Diet composition, particularly the intake of fermentable carbohydrates
- Digestive enzyme levels and efficiency
- Gut microbiome composition and health
- Rate of intestinal motility
- Presence of underlying digestive disorders
Can probiotics help regulate gas production? Some studies suggest that certain probiotic strains may help balance the gut microbiome and reduce excessive gas production in some individuals.
Special Considerations: Painful Gas in Infants and Children
While this article primarily focuses on painful gas in adults, it’s worth noting that infants and children can also experience gas-related discomfort. Understanding the unique aspects of gas in younger populations can help parents and caregivers manage these issues effectively.
Causes of Gas in Infants
Infants may experience gas due to various factors:
- Swallowing air during feeding
- Immature digestive systems
- Sensitivity to certain components in breast milk or formula
- Introduction of new foods during weaning
How can parents help relieve gas in infants? Techniques such as proper burping after feedings, baby massage, and gentle leg exercises can help alleviate gas discomfort in babies.
Managing Gas in Older Children
For older children experiencing painful gas, consider the following strategies:
- Encouraging slower eating and thorough chewing
- Limiting carbonated beverages and gas-producing foods
- Promoting regular physical activity
- Teaching relaxation techniques to manage stress-related digestive issues
When should parents seek medical advice for a child’s gas pain? If gas pain is severe, persistent, or accompanied by other symptoms such as fever, vomiting, or changes in bowel habits, it’s advisable to consult a pediatrician.
In conclusion, while painful gas can be uncomfortable and sometimes concerning, it is often manageable through a combination of dietary adjustments, lifestyle changes, and appropriate treatments. By understanding the causes and implementing preventive strategies, individuals can significantly reduce the occurrence and severity of painful gas episodes. However, it’s important to remember that persistent or severe symptoms warrant medical attention to rule out underlying health conditions and ensure proper treatment.
Painful gas: Symptoms and treatments
Gas is a product of healthy digestion. It occurs when bacteria break down carbohydrates in the large intestine.
Experts estimate that the average person produces 0.6 to 1.8 liters of gas every day. Gas leaves the digestive tract when a person burps or passes gas, which a typical healthy person does 12–25 times a day.
Though intestinal gas is not usually painful, painful gas is not necessarily a cause for concern.
This article describes what painful gas feels like and some of the short- and long-term causes. It also explores ways to reduce the amount of gas and ease any associated pain in adults and babies.
Painful gas can occur with cramping. A person may feel a dull ache or a series of sharp, stapping pains in the chest or abdomen.
Gas can also occur with:
A number of factors can cause painful gas, including:
- swallowing excess air, as a result of:
- eating or drinking too fast
- drinking carbonated beverages
- wearing ill-fitting dentures
- eating foods that can cause gas, such as:
- postnasal drip
- constipation
- chronic pain or tension
People who experience frequent bouts of gas may find it helpful to track what and when they eat and drink. Keeping a record can help a person identify and avoid foods and drinks that trigger abdominal discomfort.
For some people, painful gas is a recurrent problem. It may result from any of the following health issues.
Food intolerances
A food intolerance involves difficulty digesting a particular component of food. For example, a person may have:
- Celiac disease: This autoimmune disorder causes inflammation in the small intestine whenever the person consumes gluten. It can cause the small intestine to absorb fewer nutrients from the diet.
- Lactose intolerance: This involves difficulty digesting lactose, a sugar in most dairy products.
- Dietary fructose intolerance: This involves trouble digesting fructose, a sugar in most fruits and some vegetables.
Small intestinal bacterial overgrowth
Small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO) is the medical name for having excess bacteria in the small intestine.
It result from having low stomach acid or reduced muscle contractions or coordination within the small intestine.
The symptoms of SIBO can differ from person to person, but some include:
- abdominal bloating or expansion
- abdominal pain or discomfort
- diarrhea
- weakness
- fatigue
GERD
Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) involves stomach acid regularly traveling up from the stomach into the esophagus. The esophagus is the tube that connects the mouth to the stomach.
The most common symptoms of GERD are heartburn and acid reflux, but it can also cause:
- pain in the chest or abdomen
- bloating
- belching
- a sensation of food getting stuck in the esophagus
- a sour taste in the mouth
- bad breath
- a chronic sore throat
Irritable bowel syndrome
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a chronic condition that affects the intestines. Experts are not sure of the exact cause, but it may involve:
- food passing through the large intestine too quickly or too slowly
- oversensitivity of the nerves in the intestines
- stress
- a genetic predisposition
The symptoms of IBS may be constant or may come and go. Bouts of symptoms may last days, weeks, or even months and involve:
- abdominal pain and cramping, which may pass after a bowel movement
- abdominal bloating or swelling
- excessive flatulence
- constipation
- diarrhea
- an urgent need to pass stool
Over-the-counter medications can help alleviate painful gas. Some examples include:
Alpha-galactosidase
Alpha-galactosidase is an enzyme that the body needs to break down naturally occurring sugars in beans, grains, and vegetables. A person takes it before eating.
Alpha-galactosidase is available under the following brand names:
Simethicone
Simethicone is a drug that helps gas move more quickly through the digestive tract. This can help ease bloating and abdominal pain and discomfort.
Simethicone is available under the brand names Mylanta Gas and Gas-X. The latter is available by prescription for children and infants.
Lactase
Lactase is an enzyme that helps the body break down lactose.
People who are lactose intolerant may benefit from taking lactase pills or drops with meals or snacks that contain dairy.
However, lactase may not be suitable for children under 3 years of age or women who are pregnant or breastfeeding.
To prevent or treat episodes of painful gas, a person can try:
- Quitting smoking: Smoking causes a person to swallow excess air.
- Changing eating habits: Aim to eat smaller meals throughout the day, and go slowly. Also, it can help to avoid or eliminate foods and drinks that trigger gas, such as:
- beans
- dairy
- foods high in fiber
- broccoli and cauliflower
- foods high in difficult-to-digest carbs, called FODMAP foods
- carbonated drinks
- Walking or moving around: Gentle activity can help gas travel within the body and pass. Yoga, walking, stretching can help.
- Heat: A heating pad or a warm bath can relax the abdominal muscles, allowing gas to escape more easily.
Babies can also experience painful gas. A 2011 study suggested a connection between excessive crying, colic, and high levels of intestinal gas in infants.
A baby who is experiencing gas may:
- fuss
- cry
- draw their legs into their belly
- arch their back
- clench their fists
The 2011 study also found that switching colicky infants to a low-lactose formula resulted in an improvement in symptoms.
To prevent painful gas in babies, try:
- feeding infants before they get too hungry, so that they do not swallow excess air as a result of crying
- making sure that the baby is in a good position and has a good latch during feeding, to prevent them from swallowing excess air
- burping babies during and after feedings
Gas can collect in different parts of the colon. The location of the gas can cause symptoms that mimic those of certain health problems.
For example, gas in the upper right colon can mimic gallbladder pain, while gas in the upper left colon can cause symptoms that resemble those of a heart attack.
Other conditions that cause symptoms that resemble painful gas include:
- Abdominal adhesions: These scar-like formations of tissue often develop after surgery. They can cause pain and bloating and may require specialist treatment.
- Abdominal hernia: This is a point of weakness in the abdominal wall, and muscle or fat may bulge out of it. It can cause bloating and pain and may require surgical repair.
- Colon cancer: Persistent abdominal pain and cramping can be symptoms of colon cancer.
- Ovarian cancer: Abdominal pain and bloating can indicate ovarian cancer. If symptoms continue daily for more than a few weeks, consult a doctor.
It is normal for gas to cause occasional discomfort or pain, which usually resolves on its own or with home care techniques.
However, severe or persistent painful gas may indicate an underlying medical issue.
Also, see a doctor if painful gas accompanies:
- difficulty eating
- changes in bowel habits
- blood in urine or stool
- unexplained weight loss
- fatigue
- the onset of any new symptoms
Gas is a normal product of healthy digestion, but it can sometimes trigger pain, bloating, belching, and flatulence. This typically goes away on its own, with home care, or with over-the-counter medication.
However, if painful gas is severe or persistent, see a doctor. This is especially important because gas-related symptoms can mimic those of more serious health issues.
Painful gas: Symptoms and treatments
Gas is a product of healthy digestion. It occurs when bacteria break down carbohydrates in the large intestine.
Experts estimate that the average person produces 0.6 to 1.8 liters of gas every day. Gas leaves the digestive tract when a person burps or passes gas, which a typical healthy person does 12–25 times a day.
Though intestinal gas is not usually painful, painful gas is not necessarily a cause for concern.
This article describes what painful gas feels like and some of the short- and long-term causes. It also explores ways to reduce the amount of gas and ease any associated pain in adults and babies.
Painful gas can occur with cramping. A person may feel a dull ache or a series of sharp, stapping pains in the chest or abdomen.
Gas can also occur with:
A number of factors can cause painful gas, including:
- swallowing excess air, as a result of:
- eating or drinking too fast
- drinking carbonated beverages
- wearing ill-fitting dentures
- eating foods that can cause gas, such as:
- postnasal drip
- constipation
- chronic pain or tension
People who experience frequent bouts of gas may find it helpful to track what and when they eat and drink. Keeping a record can help a person identify and avoid foods and drinks that trigger abdominal discomfort.
For some people, painful gas is a recurrent problem. It may result from any of the following health issues.
Food intolerances
A food intolerance involves difficulty digesting a particular component of food. For example, a person may have:
- Celiac disease: This autoimmune disorder causes inflammation in the small intestine whenever the person consumes gluten. It can cause the small intestine to absorb fewer nutrients from the diet.
- Lactose intolerance: This involves difficulty digesting lactose, a sugar in most dairy products.
- Dietary fructose intolerance: This involves trouble digesting fructose, a sugar in most fruits and some vegetables.
Small intestinal bacterial overgrowth
Small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO) is the medical name for having excess bacteria in the small intestine.
It result from having low stomach acid or reduced muscle contractions or coordination within the small intestine.
The symptoms of SIBO can differ from person to person, but some include:
- abdominal bloating or expansion
- abdominal pain or discomfort
- diarrhea
- weakness
- fatigue
GERD
Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) involves stomach acid regularly traveling up from the stomach into the esophagus. The esophagus is the tube that connects the mouth to the stomach.
The most common symptoms of GERD are heartburn and acid reflux, but it can also cause:
- pain in the chest or abdomen
- bloating
- belching
- a sensation of food getting stuck in the esophagus
- a sour taste in the mouth
- bad breath
- a chronic sore throat
Irritable bowel syndrome
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a chronic condition that affects the intestines. Experts are not sure of the exact cause, but it may involve:
- food passing through the large intestine too quickly or too slowly
- oversensitivity of the nerves in the intestines
- stress
- a genetic predisposition
The symptoms of IBS may be constant or may come and go. Bouts of symptoms may last days, weeks, or even months and involve:
- abdominal pain and cramping, which may pass after a bowel movement
- abdominal bloating or swelling
- excessive flatulence
- constipation
- diarrhea
- an urgent need to pass stool
Over-the-counter medications can help alleviate painful gas. Some examples include:
Alpha-galactosidase
Alpha-galactosidase is an enzyme that the body needs to break down naturally occurring sugars in beans, grains, and vegetables. A person takes it before eating.
Alpha-galactosidase is available under the following brand names:
Simethicone
Simethicone is a drug that helps gas move more quickly through the digestive tract. This can help ease bloating and abdominal pain and discomfort.
Simethicone is available under the brand names Mylanta Gas and Gas-X. The latter is available by prescription for children and infants.
Lactase
Lactase is an enzyme that helps the body break down lactose.
People who are lactose intolerant may benefit from taking lactase pills or drops with meals or snacks that contain dairy.
However, lactase may not be suitable for children under 3 years of age or women who are pregnant or breastfeeding.
To prevent or treat episodes of painful gas, a person can try:
- Quitting smoking: Smoking causes a person to swallow excess air.
- Changing eating habits: Aim to eat smaller meals throughout the day, and go slowly. Also, it can help to avoid or eliminate foods and drinks that trigger gas, such as:
- beans
- dairy
- foods high in fiber
- broccoli and cauliflower
- foods high in difficult-to-digest carbs, called FODMAP foods
- carbonated drinks
- Walking or moving around: Gentle activity can help gas travel within the body and pass. Yoga, walking, stretching can help.
- Heat: A heating pad or a warm bath can relax the abdominal muscles, allowing gas to escape more easily.
Babies can also experience painful gas. A 2011 study suggested a connection between excessive crying, colic, and high levels of intestinal gas in infants.
A baby who is experiencing gas may:
- fuss
- cry
- draw their legs into their belly
- arch their back
- clench their fists
The 2011 study also found that switching colicky infants to a low-lactose formula resulted in an improvement in symptoms.
To prevent painful gas in babies, try:
- feeding infants before they get too hungry, so that they do not swallow excess air as a result of crying
- making sure that the baby is in a good position and has a good latch during feeding, to prevent them from swallowing excess air
- burping babies during and after feedings
Gas can collect in different parts of the colon. The location of the gas can cause symptoms that mimic those of certain health problems.
For example, gas in the upper right colon can mimic gallbladder pain, while gas in the upper left colon can cause symptoms that resemble those of a heart attack.
Other conditions that cause symptoms that resemble painful gas include:
- Abdominal adhesions: These scar-like formations of tissue often develop after surgery. They can cause pain and bloating and may require specialist treatment.
- Abdominal hernia: This is a point of weakness in the abdominal wall, and muscle or fat may bulge out of it. It can cause bloating and pain and may require surgical repair.
- Colon cancer: Persistent abdominal pain and cramping can be symptoms of colon cancer.
- Ovarian cancer: Abdominal pain and bloating can indicate ovarian cancer. If symptoms continue daily for more than a few weeks, consult a doctor.
It is normal for gas to cause occasional discomfort or pain, which usually resolves on its own or with home care techniques.
However, severe or persistent painful gas may indicate an underlying medical issue.
Also, see a doctor if painful gas accompanies:
- difficulty eating
- changes in bowel habits
- blood in urine or stool
- unexplained weight loss
- fatigue
- the onset of any new symptoms
Gas is a normal product of healthy digestion, but it can sometimes trigger pain, bloating, belching, and flatulence. This typically goes away on its own, with home care, or with over-the-counter medication.
However, if painful gas is severe or persistent, see a doctor. This is especially important because gas-related symptoms can mimic those of more serious health issues.
Painful gas: Symptoms and treatments
Gas is a product of healthy digestion. It occurs when bacteria break down carbohydrates in the large intestine.
Experts estimate that the average person produces 0.6 to 1.8 liters of gas every day. Gas leaves the digestive tract when a person burps or passes gas, which a typical healthy person does 12–25 times a day.
Though intestinal gas is not usually painful, painful gas is not necessarily a cause for concern.
This article describes what painful gas feels like and some of the short- and long-term causes. It also explores ways to reduce the amount of gas and ease any associated pain in adults and babies.
Painful gas can occur with cramping. A person may feel a dull ache or a series of sharp, stapping pains in the chest or abdomen.
Gas can also occur with:
A number of factors can cause painful gas, including:
- swallowing excess air, as a result of:
- eating or drinking too fast
- drinking carbonated beverages
- wearing ill-fitting dentures
- eating foods that can cause gas, such as:
- postnasal drip
- constipation
- chronic pain or tension
People who experience frequent bouts of gas may find it helpful to track what and when they eat and drink. Keeping a record can help a person identify and avoid foods and drinks that trigger abdominal discomfort.
For some people, painful gas is a recurrent problem. It may result from any of the following health issues.
Food intolerances
A food intolerance involves difficulty digesting a particular component of food. For example, a person may have:
- Celiac disease: This autoimmune disorder causes inflammation in the small intestine whenever the person consumes gluten. It can cause the small intestine to absorb fewer nutrients from the diet.
- Lactose intolerance: This involves difficulty digesting lactose, a sugar in most dairy products.
- Dietary fructose intolerance: This involves trouble digesting fructose, a sugar in most fruits and some vegetables.
Small intestinal bacterial overgrowth
Small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO) is the medical name for having excess bacteria in the small intestine.
It result from having low stomach acid or reduced muscle contractions or coordination within the small intestine.
The symptoms of SIBO can differ from person to person, but some include:
- abdominal bloating or expansion
- abdominal pain or discomfort
- diarrhea
- weakness
- fatigue
GERD
Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) involves stomach acid regularly traveling up from the stomach into the esophagus. The esophagus is the tube that connects the mouth to the stomach.
The most common symptoms of GERD are heartburn and acid reflux, but it can also cause:
- pain in the chest or abdomen
- bloating
- belching
- a sensation of food getting stuck in the esophagus
- a sour taste in the mouth
- bad breath
- a chronic sore throat
Irritable bowel syndrome
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a chronic condition that affects the intestines. Experts are not sure of the exact cause, but it may involve:
- food passing through the large intestine too quickly or too slowly
- oversensitivity of the nerves in the intestines
- stress
- a genetic predisposition
The symptoms of IBS may be constant or may come and go. Bouts of symptoms may last days, weeks, or even months and involve:
- abdominal pain and cramping, which may pass after a bowel movement
- abdominal bloating or swelling
- excessive flatulence
- constipation
- diarrhea
- an urgent need to pass stool
Over-the-counter medications can help alleviate painful gas. Some examples include:
Alpha-galactosidase
Alpha-galactosidase is an enzyme that the body needs to break down naturally occurring sugars in beans, grains, and vegetables. A person takes it before eating.
Alpha-galactosidase is available under the following brand names:
Simethicone
Simethicone is a drug that helps gas move more quickly through the digestive tract. This can help ease bloating and abdominal pain and discomfort.
Simethicone is available under the brand names Mylanta Gas and Gas-X. The latter is available by prescription for children and infants.
Lactase
Lactase is an enzyme that helps the body break down lactose.
People who are lactose intolerant may benefit from taking lactase pills or drops with meals or snacks that contain dairy.
However, lactase may not be suitable for children under 3 years of age or women who are pregnant or breastfeeding.
To prevent or treat episodes of painful gas, a person can try:
- Quitting smoking: Smoking causes a person to swallow excess air.
- Changing eating habits: Aim to eat smaller meals throughout the day, and go slowly. Also, it can help to avoid or eliminate foods and drinks that trigger gas, such as:
- beans
- dairy
- foods high in fiber
- broccoli and cauliflower
- foods high in difficult-to-digest carbs, called FODMAP foods
- carbonated drinks
- Walking or moving around: Gentle activity can help gas travel within the body and pass. Yoga, walking, stretching can help.
- Heat: A heating pad or a warm bath can relax the abdominal muscles, allowing gas to escape more easily.
Babies can also experience painful gas. A 2011 study suggested a connection between excessive crying, colic, and high levels of intestinal gas in infants.
A baby who is experiencing gas may:
- fuss
- cry
- draw their legs into their belly
- arch their back
- clench their fists
The 2011 study also found that switching colicky infants to a low-lactose formula resulted in an improvement in symptoms.
To prevent painful gas in babies, try:
- feeding infants before they get too hungry, so that they do not swallow excess air as a result of crying
- making sure that the baby is in a good position and has a good latch during feeding, to prevent them from swallowing excess air
- burping babies during and after feedings
Gas can collect in different parts of the colon. The location of the gas can cause symptoms that mimic those of certain health problems.
For example, gas in the upper right colon can mimic gallbladder pain, while gas in the upper left colon can cause symptoms that resemble those of a heart attack.
Other conditions that cause symptoms that resemble painful gas include:
- Abdominal adhesions: These scar-like formations of tissue often develop after surgery. They can cause pain and bloating and may require specialist treatment.
- Abdominal hernia: This is a point of weakness in the abdominal wall, and muscle or fat may bulge out of it. It can cause bloating and pain and may require surgical repair.
- Colon cancer: Persistent abdominal pain and cramping can be symptoms of colon cancer.
- Ovarian cancer: Abdominal pain and bloating can indicate ovarian cancer. If symptoms continue daily for more than a few weeks, consult a doctor.
It is normal for gas to cause occasional discomfort or pain, which usually resolves on its own or with home care techniques.
However, severe or persistent painful gas may indicate an underlying medical issue.
Also, see a doctor if painful gas accompanies:
- difficulty eating
- changes in bowel habits
- blood in urine or stool
- unexplained weight loss
- fatigue
- the onset of any new symptoms
Gas is a normal product of healthy digestion, but it can sometimes trigger pain, bloating, belching, and flatulence. This typically goes away on its own, with home care, or with over-the-counter medication.
However, if painful gas is severe or persistent, see a doctor. This is especially important because gas-related symptoms can mimic those of more serious health issues.
Painful gas: Symptoms and treatments
Gas is a product of healthy digestion. It occurs when bacteria break down carbohydrates in the large intestine.
Experts estimate that the average person produces 0.6 to 1.8 liters of gas every day. Gas leaves the digestive tract when a person burps or passes gas, which a typical healthy person does 12–25 times a day.
Though intestinal gas is not usually painful, painful gas is not necessarily a cause for concern.
This article describes what painful gas feels like and some of the short- and long-term causes. It also explores ways to reduce the amount of gas and ease any associated pain in adults and babies.
Painful gas can occur with cramping. A person may feel a dull ache or a series of sharp, stapping pains in the chest or abdomen.
Gas can also occur with:
A number of factors can cause painful gas, including:
- swallowing excess air, as a result of:
- eating or drinking too fast
- drinking carbonated beverages
- wearing ill-fitting dentures
- eating foods that can cause gas, such as:
- postnasal drip
- constipation
- chronic pain or tension
People who experience frequent bouts of gas may find it helpful to track what and when they eat and drink. Keeping a record can help a person identify and avoid foods and drinks that trigger abdominal discomfort.
For some people, painful gas is a recurrent problem. It may result from any of the following health issues.
Food intolerances
A food intolerance involves difficulty digesting a particular component of food. For example, a person may have:
- Celiac disease: This autoimmune disorder causes inflammation in the small intestine whenever the person consumes gluten. It can cause the small intestine to absorb fewer nutrients from the diet.
- Lactose intolerance: This involves difficulty digesting lactose, a sugar in most dairy products.
- Dietary fructose intolerance: This involves trouble digesting fructose, a sugar in most fruits and some vegetables.
Small intestinal bacterial overgrowth
Small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO) is the medical name for having excess bacteria in the small intestine.
It result from having low stomach acid or reduced muscle contractions or coordination within the small intestine.
The symptoms of SIBO can differ from person to person, but some include:
- abdominal bloating or expansion
- abdominal pain or discomfort
- diarrhea
- weakness
- fatigue
GERD
Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) involves stomach acid regularly traveling up from the stomach into the esophagus. The esophagus is the tube that connects the mouth to the stomach.
The most common symptoms of GERD are heartburn and acid reflux, but it can also cause:
- pain in the chest or abdomen
- bloating
- belching
- a sensation of food getting stuck in the esophagus
- a sour taste in the mouth
- bad breath
- a chronic sore throat
Irritable bowel syndrome
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a chronic condition that affects the intestines. Experts are not sure of the exact cause, but it may involve:
- food passing through the large intestine too quickly or too slowly
- oversensitivity of the nerves in the intestines
- stress
- a genetic predisposition
The symptoms of IBS may be constant or may come and go. Bouts of symptoms may last days, weeks, or even months and involve:
- abdominal pain and cramping, which may pass after a bowel movement
- abdominal bloating or swelling
- excessive flatulence
- constipation
- diarrhea
- an urgent need to pass stool
Over-the-counter medications can help alleviate painful gas. Some examples include:
Alpha-galactosidase
Alpha-galactosidase is an enzyme that the body needs to break down naturally occurring sugars in beans, grains, and vegetables. A person takes it before eating.
Alpha-galactosidase is available under the following brand names:
Simethicone
Simethicone is a drug that helps gas move more quickly through the digestive tract. This can help ease bloating and abdominal pain and discomfort.
Simethicone is available under the brand names Mylanta Gas and Gas-X. The latter is available by prescription for children and infants.
Lactase
Lactase is an enzyme that helps the body break down lactose.
People who are lactose intolerant may benefit from taking lactase pills or drops with meals or snacks that contain dairy.
However, lactase may not be suitable for children under 3 years of age or women who are pregnant or breastfeeding.
To prevent or treat episodes of painful gas, a person can try:
- Quitting smoking: Smoking causes a person to swallow excess air.
- Changing eating habits: Aim to eat smaller meals throughout the day, and go slowly. Also, it can help to avoid or eliminate foods and drinks that trigger gas, such as:
- beans
- dairy
- foods high in fiber
- broccoli and cauliflower
- foods high in difficult-to-digest carbs, called FODMAP foods
- carbonated drinks
- Walking or moving around: Gentle activity can help gas travel within the body and pass. Yoga, walking, stretching can help.
- Heat: A heating pad or a warm bath can relax the abdominal muscles, allowing gas to escape more easily.
Babies can also experience painful gas. A 2011 study suggested a connection between excessive crying, colic, and high levels of intestinal gas in infants.
A baby who is experiencing gas may:
- fuss
- cry
- draw their legs into their belly
- arch their back
- clench their fists
The 2011 study also found that switching colicky infants to a low-lactose formula resulted in an improvement in symptoms.
To prevent painful gas in babies, try:
- feeding infants before they get too hungry, so that they do not swallow excess air as a result of crying
- making sure that the baby is in a good position and has a good latch during feeding, to prevent them from swallowing excess air
- burping babies during and after feedings
Gas can collect in different parts of the colon. The location of the gas can cause symptoms that mimic those of certain health problems.
For example, gas in the upper right colon can mimic gallbladder pain, while gas in the upper left colon can cause symptoms that resemble those of a heart attack.
Other conditions that cause symptoms that resemble painful gas include:
- Abdominal adhesions: These scar-like formations of tissue often develop after surgery. They can cause pain and bloating and may require specialist treatment.
- Abdominal hernia: This is a point of weakness in the abdominal wall, and muscle or fat may bulge out of it. It can cause bloating and pain and may require surgical repair.
- Colon cancer: Persistent abdominal pain and cramping can be symptoms of colon cancer.
- Ovarian cancer: Abdominal pain and bloating can indicate ovarian cancer. If symptoms continue daily for more than a few weeks, consult a doctor.
It is normal for gas to cause occasional discomfort or pain, which usually resolves on its own or with home care techniques.
However, severe or persistent painful gas may indicate an underlying medical issue.
Also, see a doctor if painful gas accompanies:
- difficulty eating
- changes in bowel habits
- blood in urine or stool
- unexplained weight loss
- fatigue
- the onset of any new symptoms
Gas is a normal product of healthy digestion, but it can sometimes trigger pain, bloating, belching, and flatulence. This typically goes away on its own, with home care, or with over-the-counter medication.
However, if painful gas is severe or persistent, see a doctor. This is especially important because gas-related symptoms can mimic those of more serious health issues.
My fart and 911. : funny
Long, I know, but I think it’s worth it.
One time on a summer break in college, I was over at a friend’s house. A few of us were hanging out, watching TV, or whatever. Nothing exciting.
At one point I looked around the room and noticed my friend, Al, was missing. I spoke up-
“Guys, where’d Al go?”
At this moment, Al sprung at me from behind the doorframe in the hall. He had been waiting for someone to say that. His arm was outstretched towards my face, with something in his hand. Before I could see what it was, there was some salty, chemical taste in my mouth, and Al was landing on me. I pushed him off and pulled an open stick of deodorant out of my mouth. I reached out to hit him, but then I realized that an open, used stick of deodorant had been shoved into my mouth. I rushed to the bathroom.
After boiling the inside of my mouth, I came back to the room, where everyone was calming down from laughing. The look on my face sent them back over the top. As their cackles were dying down again, one friend looked at the back of the casing.
“If ingested, contact Poison Control immediately.”
Awkward silence.
“…Sean, how much did you swallow?”
“Not much… Not much I don’t think… I feel fine.”
We decided it wasn’t anything to seriously worry about, and if I did start feeling pain, they’d call the number immediately. We all forgot about it soon after I smacked Al in the back of the head a few times.
The night eventually came to an end, and it was time to go home. This was around 2:30 in the morning. I had borrowed my parents’ van and I was already out way past when they wanted it home. So I started on my way. About five minutes into the drive, I started to feel an uneasiness in my stomach. I thought nothing of it, but it persisted, and soon turned into a very sharp pain. I started to get nervous, then remembered the wording on the back of the deodorant casing: “If ingested, contact Poison Control immediately.”
Full-scale panic set on. My friend’s armpit was killing me. The DNA of the armpit lice I had ingested mixed with the chemicals from the deodorant in the protein-rich, primordial enzyme soup of my gut and transformed the creatures into hideous, Sean-eating mutates.
I pulled out my phone to call Poison Control, but realized I didn’t think to take their number down. So I called the next best thing I could think of- 911.
[Note: The conversations from here on out are largely paraphrased. It’s been six years, I don’t remember what they said, but take my word for it- these events all happened.]
“911, what is your emergency?”
“Hi, I- I think I’ve been poisoned.”
“Sir?”
“I think my friend poisoned me.”
“My have your name, sir?”
“Accidentally.”
“Your first name, Mr. Accidentally?”
“No, he accidentally poisoned me.”
“I see. What is your name, sir?”
“Sean. Sean Curry.”
“Thank you Mr. Curry. Where are you now?”
“I’m driving home.”
“You’re driving?”
“Yes, ma’am.”
“And you’ve been poisoned?”
“…yes, that’s correct.”
“Well, pull your vehicle over as soon as possible, sir.”
“Oh… yeah. Yeah! Ok.”
The next parking lot was that of the local Elks Club or VFW hall. I pulled in.
“Where are you sir?”
“The parking lot of the local Elks Club or VFW hall.”
“I’m dispatching an ambulance now. An officer will be with you soon to take your statement and stay with you until medical help arrives.”
“An officer?”
“Yes sir, a police officer will be-“
“I don’t really think that’s necce-“
“Standard procedure, sir.”
“Ok, I’ll be here. “
“Would you like me to stay on the phone, sir?”
“I’ll be ok, I’ll get some fresh air and see if I feel better.”
“Probably a good idea, sir. Sit tight.”
I hung up as I opened the door and stepped out of the van to take in some fresh air and stretch my legs. As I stood up fully, my intense pain in my stomach was instantly relieved by the loudest and longest fart I had had in my life up to that point. It honestly went so long I was almost getting nervous, but as it ended, I felt every tense part of my body relax, and the pain in my stomach just evaporated. It was glorious. I laughed when I thought about the police officer and ambulance on their ways to deal with my developing poison situation. The instant of release and following moment of relief were cut short, however, by the realization that a police officer and ambulance were on their ways to deal with my developing “poison” situation.
I began to panic, trying to think of how I was going to explain this, right as the squad car pulled into parking lot. I waved as he rolled up to me and got out of the car.
“How are you doing tonight, sir?”
“Oh, hi! Fine, just fine, I-“
“Are you the poison victim?”
“Ha, kind of, you see… I’m the one who called it in, yes.”
“Where’s the victim?”
“Well, it is me, I’m the ‘victim’, but this actually just a huge-“
“Have you been drinking tonight, sir?”
“What? No, I haven’t been drinking-“
“Are you under the influence of any illegal substances, sir?”
“No, no I haven’t. Nothing crazy like that, I was just at a friend’s house earlier-“
At this point, a second squad car pulled in. The second officer stepped out.
OFFICER 2: I got the APB, is this the poison victim?
OFFICER 1: Apparently.
ME: No, not a victim! I’m very much ok, I just-
OFFICER 1: Why did you call us down, then?
ME: Well, I thought I was being poisoned, but it turns out-
OFFICER 2: Wait, how did you think you were being poisoned?
ME: I was at a friend’s house earlier, and my one friend played a joke on me that ended up with me possibly ingesting a small amount of deodorant.
OFFICER 2: Deodorant?
ME: Yeah, deodorant.
OFFICER 2: Is that… poisonous?
ME: Well, the back of the packaging said-
OFFICER 1: I don’t think that’s poisonous.
ME: I don’t think it is, either, or at least not the amount I ingested.
OFFICER 2: Then… why did you call us?
ME: Well, I panicked. You see, I was driving home and I started to feel this sharp pain-
At this point, a third squad car pulled in.
ME: -in the pit of my stomach-
OFFICER 1: Wait, start over for this guy. I don’t want you to have to do this twice.
ME: Ok…
The third officer walked over.
OFFICER 2: You got the APB?
OFFICER 3: Yeah. What’s going on?
OFFICER 1: Our victim here was just getting to that.
ME: So I was feeling this-
OFFICER 3: Mind starting over for me?
The officers made me start over for the third officer. So I started it again- I was at a friend’s house, prank ended up with deodorant in my mouth, I felt a sharp pain in the pit of my stomach on my way home.
ME: So I remembered the back of the casing said to call Poison Control if any was ingested. I didn’t have their number, so I called 911.
OFFICER 3: So are you poisoned?
ME: No, haha, see-
OFFICER 3: Are you still in pain?
ME: No, when I got here and parked, I got out and-
I swear to god, gods, fate, or whatever exists out there, this all happened.
At this point two more cop cars pulled into the parking lot. That brings the total to five.
ME: Oh god… Ok, I got out of the car and-
OFFICER 2: Wait, wait for these guys. They should hear this, too.
ME: No, you don’t under-
OFFICER 1: Is that everyone on call?
OFFICER 3: I think so. Not a lot going on tonight.
The final officers approached us, and were caught up to speed- I was at a friend’s house, possibly poisoned by deodorant, called 911, parked here, got out of the car to get some fresh air, and. ..
ME: …so I stepped out of the car, and as I did, I…
OFFICER 2: Yeah?
ME: I… broke wind.
OFFICER 3: What?
ME: I farted. Turns out it was just gas.
OFFICER 1: You farted.
ME: Yeah. Really big misunderstanding, I didn’t expect there to be all this-
[General stares of disbelief from the officers.]
ME: So, I am REALLY sorry about this, but I’m quite fine, could I just go?
OFFICER 4: No, the ambulance has already been dispatched. We’re required by the law to keep you here until the paramedics can clear you. You have to sign something.
ME: O god… so… should I just wait in the-
OFFICER 2: Just get in your car and wait.
So I cowered in my car until the ambulance came. The officers were furious, but kept it to themselves. When the ambulance got there, I had to retell the whole story again. Surprisingly, the paramedics thought it was hysterical. They ran some quick tests- blood pressure, flashlight-in-my-eyes, etc- had me sign something, and let me go.
TLDR – My fart brought out an ambulance and a town’s entire on-call police force.
Here’s What May Be Causing Your Digestive Gas Pain
Like it or not, everyone passes gas. “On average, an adult produces two pints of gas every day,” says Sari Acra, MD, MPH, a professor and director of the division of pediatric gastroenterology, hepatology, and nutrition at Vanderbilt University in Nashville, Tennessee. According to the National Institutes of Health, farting 13 to 21 times per day is normal.
Typically, gas in the digestive tract occurs as a result of swallowing air (aerophagia) and when bacteria in your large intestine break down certain foods.
A person can swallow large amounts of air by:
- Chewing gum
- Smoking
- Drinking carbonated beverages
- Eating or drinking too quickly
- Wearing loose-fitting dentures
- Sucking on hard candy
If the air isn’t burped back up, it will move down into your gastrointestinal tract and get released through the anus.
Food can also cause gas, although the type of food can vary from person to person. Known gas culprits include:
- Certain vegetables, such as asparagus, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, and broccoli
- Beans and lentils
- Milk products, like cheese, ice cream, and yogurt
- Drinks like apple juice, pear juice, and carbonated beverages with high-fructose corn syrup
Regular gas is a sign that you’re consuming adequate amounts of fiber and that you have healthy gut microbes.
But gas accompanied by other red flags — such as weight loss, anorexia, excessive diarrhea, vomiting, fever, prolonged bloating, and severe stomach pain — can be a sign of a digestive disorder or other gastrointestinal condition that needs attention. Problems include:
Trouble Passing Gas
The flipside of excessive gas is the inability to pass gas, which can also be a symptom of an underlying problem, like an abdominal obstruction. An intestinal blockage is a serious condition and occurs as a result of a partial or total blockage of the small or large intestine.
According to the Mount Sinai Medical Center, a tumor, scar tissue (adhesions), or narrowing of the intestines are all likely causes of abdominal obstruction.
If you’re experiencing gas pain and you either can’t pass gas or have excessive flatulence, speak to your healthcare provider. They may be able to offer at-home solutions to your digestive woes. Or your doctor may schedule tests to determine if your gas pain is caused by another, more serious problem.
Read on to learn more about some of the causes of gas pain.
What Your Gas Is Trying to Tell You About Your Health
We hate to break it to you, but gas is just a fact of life—sure, it can be uncomfortable and embarrassing, but it happens to the best of us. But if you’re dealing with more frequent gas than usual, your body might be trying to send you some hints about how it’s functioning. Read on to see if one of these culprits is behind your sudden stinkiness.
“Bacteria ferments food that we’ve eaten,” explains Rebekah Gross, M.D., a gastroenterologist at the Joan H. Tisch Center for Women’s Health at NYU Langone Medical Center. “That can happen down in the colon, but some colon bacteria can make its way into the small intestine.” This is called small intestinal bacterial overgrowth. That bacteria then encounters food before it’s done digesting, and it all ferments together, leading to gas. If gas is being produced in the small intestine and colon, it tends to move down through the system and come out as flatulence,” says Gross. You could also have a bacterial imbalance in your gut, especially if you’ve recently had some sort of illness. “A lot of people who have the stomach flu or an infection clear it out, but then have a change in composition of flora in the gut and may have more gas than usual for a while,” says Gross.
If you have a bacterial imbalance, Gross says certain antibiotics, as well as diet low in fermentable carbohydrates, may help. This is known as a low-FODMAP (fermentable oligosaccharides, disaccharides, monosaccharides, and polyols) diet. FODMAPs are found in stone fruits like avocados, cherries, and plums; legumes like beans, lentils, and soybeans; and wheat, onions, and garlic, among others. Since they can cause bloating and gas, avoiding these foods can help keep your G.I. tract in better shape.
If you’re eating really quickly, eating while chatting in an attempt to multitask, or even chewing gum, you’re probably swallowing a lot of air. “Air is made up of gas,” says Gross. “When you’re taking in a lot of gas, you’re going to produce more gas.” Think of it as blowing up a balloon: the more air you pump into your system, the more inflated your stomach will get. The gas has to come out somehow, and it’ll probably be as a burp. “Burping is often more related to swallowing air because the stomach is higher up in the system,” says Gross.
RELATED: 4 Healthy Foods That Fight Gas
Even if you’ve always been able to handle milk and milk products, that can change as you get older. “Your system can diminish the amount of the lactate enzyme available to digest milk over the course of time,” says Gross. “It might become less comfortable for you to process.” If you notice an upset stomach every time you polish off a wedge of cheese, there’s an easy way to test whether dairy is really your issue. “Sometimes the best thing to do is just strictly eliminate all dairy from your diet for even just a few days and see if it makes you feel more comfortable,” says Gross. Your doctor can also test for it, but if you get gassy every time you take in dairy, that’s probably enough confirmation, says Gross.
We asked men and women what they think of farting in relationships. Learn what they had to say:
If your body is having trouble breaking down certain foods, it’ll let you know via gas. “There can be real malabsorption problems that happen with celiac or other autoimmune disorders when people’s bodies don’t react well to gluten and start breaking down the lining of the small intestine,” says Gross. If you recognize these signs of gluten sensitivity or celiac disease, head to the doctor for a formal diagnosis.
When you’re going through menopause or have a condition that’s throwing your hormones off, your body might amp things up on the gas front. “It’s not clear whether estrogen or progesterone are predominantly responsible for it, but a lot of women whose hormones are changing feel like they’re not moving their bowels as they did when they were younger,” says Gross. No matter what the underlying cause of gas is, exercise can be helpful, as can keeping bowel movements regular and taking probiotics, says Gross. Not being able to poop can also translate into gas. Which leads us to…
RELATED: 11 Essential Farting Facts
As if being clogged up weren’t annoying (and painful!) enough, it can turn you into a farting machine. “When stool isn’t moving, people often feel like they make more gas—and more noxious smelling gas—than they did before,” says Gross. That’s because the poop is mainly made up of bacteria, so you have more of it just sitting around in your system, fermenting and releasing fumes out into the world. If you’re constipated, make sure to drink a ton of water, exercise, and include good sources of fiber in your diet, says Gross.
“Some people are very sensitive to normal amounts of gas they produce,” says Gross. While you might not necessarily make more gas than someone else, you could experience more irritation as a result of symptoms like bloating, sharp gas pains, and flatulence. If that’s true, you could be somewhere on the irritable bowel spectrum, says Gross. If you suspect that may be the case, your doctor can help you come up with a plan to relieve your symptoms as much as possible.
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90,000 Abdominal discomfort bloating. What to do?
Pains and cramps in the abdomen, a feeling of heaviness, “accelerated” bowel work in the form of diarrhea and, on the contrary, its “slowing down” in the form of constipation, flatulence – behind each of these symptoms some kind of illness can be hidden, and there is no reason to postpone a visit to the doctor.
WHAT TO DO – AND WHO’S GUILTY?
Any state of discomfort in the abdomen gives a person a lot of trouble. A person’s mood deteriorates sharply, working capacity falls, in a word – there are noticeably fewer reasons to enjoy life.
But each person can give a lot of descriptions and symptoms of this condition! This is a feeling of heaviness, and the need to urgently empty the intestines, and flatulence (increased gas production), and just “abdominal pain.” Of course, such a “variant” of discomfort in the abdomen as bloating also appears in this list, adding “solidity” and “heaviness” to it.
One of the natural causes of bloating is, of course, increased gas formation in the intestines, when “excess” gases simply do not find a way out and literally “tear” the stomach.But what is the reason for the “excessive” gassing?
Of course, if such cases are of a one-time nature in a person, it is most likely that the matter is in the use of certain products, for example, legumes, cabbage, radishes. Or drinks that already contain gas, that is, carbonated. It is possible that the “additional” portion of gas was obtained as a result of conversations over food: yes, the rule “when I eat, I am deaf and dumb” appeared not just like that, but as a preventive measure, preventing unpleasant sensations and awkward states from arising!
A reasonable way out in this case is to be more careful about the choice of the menu and not to burden your own intestines with “promising” products in the context of gas formation and other delicacy “weights”.
However, if the symptoms and discomfort of bloating and other discomfort in the abdomen become constant companions of a person, they appear as if by themselves, without a specific reason – this is, as they say, a completely different story.
Bloating and discomfort in the abdomen: a possible cause – IBS
Pains and cramps in the abdomen, a feeling of heaviness, “accelerated” bowel work in the form of diarrhea and, on the contrary, its “slowing down” in the form of constipation, flatulence – behind each of these symptoms some kind of illness can be hidden, and there is no reason to postpone a visit to the doctor. And gas formation in this series of symptoms is no exception, the cause of bloating, like any discomfort in the abdomen, must be identified.
However, it may also happen that even the most reliable research methods … will not reveal this cause. A strange condition will arise: neither infections nor pathologies are found in a person, while painful symptoms persist. There is no reason … but there must be one!
There really is a reason. A highly likely diagnosis in a similar condition is irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).In fact, this is his chronic functional disorder. And the disorder is quite “multifaceted”. It is quite capable of providing a person with abdominal pain, and a feeling of heaviness, and flatulence, and alternation of constipation with diarrhea, and other sensations and symptoms that just fit into the concept of “abdominal discomfort”. And bloating as well.
When treating irritable bowel syndrome, doctors recommend relieving the symptoms of the disease, and to eliminate the cause of the syndrome, the drug Kolofort.According to the instructions for use of Kolofort, the drug restores the nervous regulation of the intestine and normalizes its motility. With a course intake, Kolofort reduces the intensity and frequency of abdominal pain, reduces the manifestations of flatulence, and also normalizes the frequency and shape of stools both in case of constipation and diarrhea.
“MAN IS WHAT HE IS”
What is the reason that the intestine goes into a state of “irritation”?
According to experts, it is more correct to talk about a combination of several reasons.These are certain disorders of the nerve connections between the intestines and parts of the brain, and hereditary predisposition, and malnutrition and lack of physical activity.
Another serious risk factor is an unstable emotional state of a person. Yes, the “heaviness” of life in the form of constant stress, chronic overwork – it may well turn into the fact that there will be heaviness in the abdomen, flatulence, and other symptoms. To some extent, this is the reason for the “double action”: after all, the state of discomfort in the abdomen clearly affects a person’s emotions in an extremely negative way, and a kind of “vicious” circle arises.
Is it possible to escape from it, and best of all – not to fall at all?
As you know, nothing is impossible for a reasonable person. Form your diet, including taking into account the possible “production of gas” products. Observe the well-known rules of food intake. Learn to cope with the “hardships of life.”
And be sure to move more and smile. And then the reasons for the state of discomfort in the abdomen will become noticeably less.
Pain in the perineum ✚ Your Doctor
1. Pain or any discomfort in the perineum almost always indicates problems with the prostate gland, most often – chronic prostatitis or seminal vesicles. In acute prostatitis, the pain is sharp, pulsating in nature, given to the anus, sacrum, glans penis. In chronic prostatitis, the pain is not intense, long-lasting and pulling in nature.
2. In acute urethritis, pains are sharp and painful, in chronic urethritis they are less severe and are perceived as a burning sensation.The pain may not be associated with the act of urination and may be permanent – this is usually the case with colliculitis (i.e., inflammation of the seminal tubercle in the posterior urethra). Pain in diseases of this part of the urethra is localized in the perineum.
3. Ulcers (abscesses) appear more often in isolation in one lobe of the prostate gland, while the pain is most disturbing on the affected side. Almost always stool is delayed, gas does not go away, urination is difficult.In the stage of active formation of an abscess, severe pain in the perineum is observed, radiating to the sacrum, inner thighs, rectum with high body temperature.
4. Inflammation of the bulbous-urethral gland (cooperitis) most often accompanies urethritis of any origin, since the infection enters these glands directly from the urethra. If the outflow of secretion from the bulbous-urethral gland during its inflammation is not disturbed, then the patient feels moderate pain in the perineum, especially in the sitting position and during the act of defecation.
If the outflow of secretion is difficult, the gland suppuration occurs, the pain in the perineum and at the root of the penis sharply increases, the body temperature rises, and there may be chills.
5. Traumatic injuries of the urethra and prostate gland:
Closed injuries of the urethra occur most often as a result of direct exposure to traumatic force on the urethra (fracture of the pelvic bones, falling onto the perineum, forced insertion of a metal catheter, bougie or cystoscope, birth trauma, prostate surgery, etc.).P.). The main symptoms are shock, dull pain in the perineum, scrotum, sharp pain in the urethra, urethrorrhagia, acute urinary retention, frequent unsuccessful urge to urinate, bladder hyperextension, hematoma and urinary leakage on the perineum, scrotum, hips.
Open injuries of the urethra are divided into isolated and combined (gunshot, stabbed, cut, bruised, torn, bitten). Stab wounds are localized in the perineal region, and the penis is also damaged.Cut wounds can be complete or incomplete, and with bite wounds, it is mainly the spongy part of the urethra and the penis that is damaged. These injuries are manifested by acute urinary retention, frequent urge to urinate, urethrorrhagia, pain in the perineum and lower abdomen, an increase in the bladder, urine discharge from the wound during urination.
Among the closed injuries of the prostate gland and seminal vesicles, bruises and ruptures are distinguished, which often occur with fractures of the ischial bones, a strong blow to the perineum, falling on a hard object, as well as with the forced or incorrect introduction of metal catheters, bougie into the urethra, cystoscopes. Clinically, this type of injury is manifested by pain in the lower abdomen, in the anus and perineum, frequent painful urination, micro- or macrohematuria, hemospermia.
Among open injuries of the prostate gland and seminal vesicles, bruises, tangential, blind and perforating wounds are distinguished. The most common are gunshot and stab wounds, usually combined. Patients complain of pain in the perineum, urethrorrhagia and dysuria. Possible tamponade of the bladder with blood clots, urinary infiltration, rectal or perineal urine excretion
6.Pinching of the pudendal nerve, which can occur suddenly or develop over time. Long sitting, cycling. repetitive movements and leg exercises can pinch the pudendal nerve. Symptoms may include stabbing, cramping, or burning pain, tingling, numbness, or tenderness. Symptoms usually get worse while sitting and better when standing or lying down.
7. In case of prostate cancer, pain in the perineum is observed, which can radiate to the sacrum, lower back and thighs.
Why do we fart more often on board and what to do about it
- David Robson
- BBC Future
Photo author, Thinkstock
High-altitude flatulence causes inconvenience to many passengers. What are the reasons for it? Can you avoid things that make you feel awkward in front of other passengers? Correspondent
BBC Future spoke with a Danish professor who has some interesting ideas about this.
Dane Jacob Rosenberg became interested in the phenomenon of high-altitude flatulence during a long flight to New Zealand. He noticed that his belly was noticeably swollen in flight. Opening the bag and seeing an empty plastic water bottle in it, Rosenberg understood the reason for the phenomenon. The air in the bottle first expanded due to the low pressure in the aircraft cabin, and after landing again contracted, crushing the vessel. It dawned on Rosenberg that the gases in our stomach should behave in exactly the same way.
“Since then, I have begun to notice how common the problem of high-altitude flatulence is,” says Rosenberg, professor of clinical medicine at the University of Copenhagen. “Almost everyone I interviewed has had a bad odor on board at least once.” He began to seriously study this issue. As a result, scientific work was born that offers a number of ways to get rid of unpleasant sensations and feelings of awkwardness during flight.
Even when on earth, we all emit an astonishing amount of gases.According to some estimates, the average person blows the wind 10 times a day, getting rid of about 1 liter of gas in 24 hours. This gas is a mixture of nitrogen, carbon dioxide, hydrogen and foul-smelling sulfur compounds. They are produced by gastric and intestinal bacteria during the fermentation of incompletely digested and assimilated food.
Flatulence is common to all people, but Rosenberg found that a number of surprisingly persistent misconceptions were associated with this phenomenon.So, contrary to popular belief, medical research indicates that men suffer from flatulence no more than women (although they may more often talk about it openly). According to one such study, conducted in the late 1990s, women’s gases contain a higher concentration of foul-smelling sulfur compounds and, according to the subjective reviews of the subjects, they have a pungent odor.
Another myth says that the use of beans and beans leads to increased flatulence.A recent experiment found that there is no consistent relationship between eating legumes and the increased emission of gases – moreover, the effect is very individual and depends on the characteristics of the organism. It is known that the consumption of fish, rice, dairy products and fruit juices without pulp leads to a decrease in the production of intestinal gases, since these types of food are absorbed by the body practically without residue.
Pilots swell more often
In everyday life, flatulence symptoms mostly go unnoticed (or are delicately ignored by others), but in the confined space of an aircraft it can be an extremely undesirable problem.
The frequency with which we emit gases at altitude is explained by elementary physics, says Rosenberg: “As the pressure drops with increasing altitude, the gases expand and take up more volume.” That liter of gas that we carry in ourselves expands by 30% at altitude, which leads to discomfort from a bloated abdomen.
Photo author, STRAFPGetty Images
Photo caption,
At one time, NASA worried that flatulence in astronauts could lead to deaths in the confined space of a spacecraft.
The problem is very common in passenger aviation.More than 60% of pilots complain about the regular manifestation of symptoms of bloating – this figure is much higher than among office workers.
Of course, you can try to restrain yourself, but this is not always useful – according to Rosenberg, in addition to physical discomfort, there may be a certain health risk. “For a young, healthy passenger, trapping gas inside is not a problem, but for an older person it can put additional stress on the heart,” he says.
Farting at heights can be more dangerous than bad odor. A 1969 study investigated the possibility of a fire aboard a spacecraft due to the ignition of gases trapped in the atmosphere. Fortunately, no such incidents have been recorded so far. However, Canadian Space Agency officials recently proposed fermented soy as an ideal space food – it contains probiotic bacteria that can counteract gas-producing microflora and thus reduce bloating symptoms.
The worst effects of high-altitude flatulence on board an aircraft are physical discomfort and embarrassment in front of others. Airlines are trying to tackle this problem. As part of his research, Rosenberg spoke with Danish aeronautical engineers and found that many airlines are already using carbon filters in their air conditioning systems. Due to its high porosity, coal effectively absorbs unpleasant odors, preventing them from spreading through the cabin.
Photo by Thinkstock
Photo caption,
Food on board passenger aircraft: cabbage has not been offered for a very long time
In addition, airlines offer passengers on board low-fiber, high-carbohydrate foods that help reduce symptoms flatulence. It is not known exactly when airlines began to draw up menus taking this factor into account, but it can be assumed that Brussels sprouts and common cabbage have not been offered on board for a very long time.
Anti-odor underwear
Despite the measures taken, Rosenberg believes that more needs to be done, especially given the fact that with the ban on smoking on airplanes, other unpleasant odors have become more acute. He suggests placing carbon inlays directly into chairs, although research suggests this is not particularly effective – perhaps because the most common trousers and skirts create a “tunnel effect” by channeling gases away from the seat rather than directly into the seat cushion.
Rosenberg also suggests that airlines use carbon fiber blankets. For those who are especially concerned about the manifestations of their own flatulence, according to Rosenberg, now available
underwear created on a similar principle: according to an article in the American Journal of Gastroenterology, carbon-lined underwear absorbs almost 100% of the unpleasant odor, while the reusable tabs for trousers can only absorb about 70%.
Author of the photo, Thinkstock
Caption,
Jacob Rosenberg suggests seating sufferers of flatulence in certain places (for example, next to the toilet)
Rosenberg also has more radical ideas. People suffering from flatulence often emit gases from the mouth – special devices can detect the presence of these gases in the breathing of a passenger. According to the doctor, airlines could check passengers during check-in and seat sufferers of flatulence in certain places (for example, next to the toilet) – or even refuse them transportation at all.
However, the last sentence is clearly too much. Perhaps the best solution would be to stop being shy about emitting gases. “Farting is not such a rare occurrence, we just prefer not to talk about it,” concludes Rosenberg.
Gas in a dog: causes, diagnosis, treatment
Flatulence in dogs is common and poses a health hazard. If gas formation torments the pet constantly, it is possible that the animal has volvulus, displacement of internal organs.If treatment is not started on time, this problem will further lead to serious disruptions in the activity of the cardiovascular and respiratory systems, and in severe cases – to death.
Flatulence: causes of occurrence
Gases are formed during meals in small quantities and are normally released naturally. However, under the influence of some negative factors, they accumulate and penetrate into the intestines, this leads to flatulence.
Bloating in pets can be caused by:
air entering the esophagus during feed absorption;
an unbalanced diet, the predominance of fiber-rich foods in the menu, a sharp change in feed, overeating, the use of hot food;
food allergies;
worm infestation;
dysfunctions of the pancreas;
inflammatory diseases in the gastrointestinal tract;
constipation;
pathologies of the liver and other internal organs;
infectious diseases;
low mobility.
What is the danger of flatulence? Accumulating in the intestines, gases cause intoxication. The assimilation of slags and toxins takes place, which enter the body with blood streams.
Clinical picture of gas formation
It is not difficult to determine flatulence in a dog. The animal has rumbling, abdominal cramps, pain. The number of bowel movements increases, while mucus and blood are visible in the feces. Vomiting often occurs and, as a result, dehydration.Depletion of the body occurs.
The dog loses weight, while the abdomen remains swollen and tight, painful on palpation.
Diagnostics and treatment
In order to make the correct diagnosis, in addition to reading the medical history and examining the animal, the veterinarian conducts the necessary diagnostic tests. These include:
General and biochemical blood test – to establish a possible inflammatory process in the intestine.
Stool analysis – to detect undigested proteins and fats and to exclude intestinal invasion.
X-ray with contrast – in case of suspicion of intestinal obstruction, tumors.
Therapy includes measures aimed at eliminating diseases that caused flatulence, activating the gastrointestinal tract, and normalizing the intestinal microflora.
To normalize the number of intestinal microorganisms, the use of probiotics is shown, the dosage depends on the individual characteristics of the dog’s body, the severity of the condition.
To activate the gastrointestinal tract, conservative treatment is used. It includes taking enzyme preparations, as well as medicines that normalize the digestion process in general and the production of enzymes in particular.
To eliminate bloating, the stomach is washed with a probe through which sorbents are introduced.If the condition of the animal is very serious, it is advisable to pierce the abdominal cavity with a needle through which the accumulated gas exits.
Carminative drugs are used to reduce pressure in the abdominal cavity.
After removing gases from the digestive system, in order to normalize the microflora, beneficial bacteria are introduced into the intestines, which are contained in probiotics, natural yoghurts.
Dog food for flatulence
During the period of treatment and recovery, proper feeding is of great importance.It is advisable to include in the diet food that has the ability to gently envelop the walls of the stomach and create a protective barrier against the influence of negative factors. Flax seeds, rice porridge in water or liquid broth are very useful in this regard.
A decoction of chamomile has healing properties, which has an antiseptic and anti-inflammatory effect and has a beneficial effect on the gastrointestinal tract. However, not every dog wants to drink a healing infusion. In this case, the decoction can be injected with a syringe or added to liquid food (one tablespoon per day).
The food of the dog should be fractional – 4-6 times a day, so that there is no overeating, the volume of portions is reduced. It is important that the dog chews the food thoroughly and does not swallow it whole. Place the bowl at the level of the animal’s head. Exclude milk, fish, legumes, cereals (except rice and buckwheat), treats, dry food from the diet.
For a speedy recovery of the dog, the walking time should be increased. When walking the dog, let the owner make sure that the pet does not eat spoiled food.
Eating carrots too often can cause bloating. The fact is that carrots are a high fiber product.Once in the intestines, bacteria begin to process fiber, the byproduct of which is gases. Therefore, nutritionists strongly advise to eat no more than 200 grams of carrots per week. | All types of cabbage can lead to increased gas production in the intestines. The reason for this is raffinose, which makes it difficult to digest food, which causes increased gas production in the intestines. |
Apples are known to be an excellent source of fructose, which often leads to bloating.The fact is that a large amount of fructose simply does not have time to enter the bloodstream through the intestinal wall. The rest of the fructose will begin to collect harmful bacteria around itself, which cause flatulence. | |
Blackberries are high in polyols that penetrate the intestines and cause bloating. The fact is that polyols are absorbed only partially, which inevitably leads to their entry into the intestines. As a result, the polyols begin to ferment by bacteria, which leads to increased gas production. | |
Artichokes are gaining in popularity lately. This product contains oligosaccharides that cannot be completely digested by our body. Excess of this substance enters the intestines, where it is attacked by intestinal bacteria. This leads to the formation of gas, which is accompanied by bad sensations in the lower abdomen. |
Correction of hormonal disorders
The imbalance of hormones in a woman’s body provokes a number of gynecological diseases and disorders of the body’s functions, and affects the emotional and physical well-being. The norm is when female and male hormones function harmoniously in a woman’s body at the same time.But at times there may be a malfunction of the sex hormones.
Violations of the menstrual cycle.
If in a woman’s body there is a violation of the hormonal background, then first of all, this is evidenced by violations of the menstrual cycle. This can manifest itself in painful menstruation, short-term, little or excessive discharge, and menstruation may also be absent altogether.
Determining whether there really are irregularities, it is worth paying attention to the regularity of the menstrual cycle, its duration, and how a woman feels during menstruation, before and after.The normal is the length of the menstrual cycle in 21-35 days. Menstruation itself can last from two to seven days. Regularity in cycle length is also an important factor. If there are fluctuations in one direction or the other, this may indicate the presence of a health disorder, including hormonal disorders.
Symptoms such as abrupt changes in blood pressure, especially increased soreness of menstruation, frequent sudden dizziness, noticeable swelling, bloating, a general state of weakness and weakness can indicate a violation of hormonal function.
Appearance. Externally, hormonal disorders in women also appear. You should pay attention to such a factor as changes in weight. The period when you gained or lost weight was possibly associated with stress or some kind of illness? Bear in mind that excess adipose tissue affects decreased ovarian function, as does a lack of weight. Take a close look at your skin. The presence of acne, increased oiliness, most likely, may indicate ovarian dysfunction, which is accompanied by excessive release of male hormones.Excessive hair growth also testifies to this. When stretch marks appear on the skin of women who have not yet given birth, this is also a clear sign that there are hormonal disorders.
Pregnancy. Very often hormonal disorders can be an obstacle to pregnancy. The reason for this is the lack of the hormone progesterone, which is involved in the processes of the onset and development of pregnancy. It’s not just that progesterone is considered the hormone of motherhood. It is because of its lack in a woman that it is impossible to become pregnant, or a fertilized egg cannot stay in the uterus for more than two or three days.It is characteristic that the lack of this hormone may not affect the menstrual cycle, it may be normal.
Breasts. Experts believe that the mammary glands are a target for female sex hormones. The norm when the breast does not have any pathological seals. The nipples should not leak any fluids during menstruation. During this time, it may be tender and swollen, but it should not hurt. If your chest hurts, then there is not enough progesterone in your body.
Menopause syndrome. The period of menopause can also be accompanied by hormonal disorders. During age-related restructuring in the body, the maturation of follicles and the ovulation process gradually cease. At the same time, the secretion of hormones in the body is not interrupted even after menstruation stops.
In the absence of hormonal disorders, menopause proceeds without painful manifestations and without any complications. However, if hormonal disorders are present, then the period of menopause is accompanied by the so-called climacteric syndrome, which is manifested by insomnia, hot flashes, nervousness, irritability, high blood pressure, and depression.In some cases, this condition can be aggravated by joint pain, called endocrine arthritis, and heart pain.
Causes of hormonal disorders
First of all, it may be due to heredity, genetic predisposition. In such cases, a lot of effort has to be made to reverse the process of violations.
Another reason is worry and stress. The influence of the central nervous system directly extends to the endocrine system, which is responsible for hormonal production.And if the load on the nervous system increases, then this is fraught with hormonal disorders. Accordingly, in the first place it damages the reproductive function, the process of follicle maturation, which is preparation for pregnancy. The female body is so arranged that in case of any violations, the first thing that fails is the ovaries.
Decreased immunity affects hormones. If little girls had a painful childhood, in particular, there were frequent guests such as tonsillitis and acute respiratory infections, then this negatively affects the hormonal sphere at an older age.Immunity, which is constantly “knocked out” by stress, disease, malnutrition, overwork, parasites, immediately fails in the reproductive system of a woman.
Past infections, including sexually transmitted infections, have a great influence on the hormonal sphere. If parasites are present in a woman’s body, then this also affects the immune defense negatively, in addition, parasites release a large amount of toxins that harm the entire body, including the reproductive system.
Any surgical interventions in the abdominal cavity and during operations on the female genital area also have a negative effect. It is especially important to remember that the most common cause of female hormonal disorders that lead to infertility is abortion, which is often accompanied by curettage of the uterus.
pain in the right side, flatulence
Hello. I would be very grateful for your answer. History: In the late 90s he became interested in raw food. I ate large portions of cabbage and carrot salads, peanuts, etc.After that, aching pains appeared in the right hypochondrium. I checked my liver for ultrasound several times. Found nothing. Also 6 years ago I did a colonoscopy in Borovlyany. Found nothing. Over the years, the pain under the liver became more and more frequent. I found that if you massage a painful area or successfully press on a certain point there, it causes a quick release of gases and a decrease or temporary cessation of pain. This continued until August 2019.In August of this year, I drank a lot of cold kvass. This probably provoked an exacerbation.There were quite severe pains throughout the abdomen, loosening of the stool, profuse gas formation. The enzyme pills didn’t help. Made a coprogram in August. Found undigested muscle and plant fibers. Since then (that is, for a year now), constant pain in the right hypochondrium, constant flatulence from any food and even during starvation, a feeling of a foreign body and adhesions, etc. (see full list of symptoms below). In autumn and winter, several analyzes in a row also recorded severe eosinophilia. Massage and pressure in the area of the right hypochondrium ceased to bring relief, on the contrary, they cause a sharp and prolonged exacerbation of pain and flatulence.At the end of November, there was the most severe exacerbation – severe pain, severe weakness, fever up to 37.2 (usually my temperature is low – 36.3). I felt really bad. I went to the district hospital. Even the X-ray didn’t work there, but at least they did a colonoscopy. Found nothing. In December – January he turned to a gastroenterologist at the regional polyclinic. He sent for tests for calpropectin, pancreatinase and dysbiosis. The tests were normal and on the basis of this the doctor declared that I had irritable bowel syndrome.My requests to conduct other necessary studies – (in particular, the barium passage recommended by the oncologist) was rejected by the doctor – they say for this you need to be hospitalized. Blood tests for major parasites are negative. Was examined by oncologists – blood test for markers, CT scan. No malignant lesions were found, although the oncologist agreed that such a large thickening in the caecum area should not be felt. He suggested that it was chronic appendicitis. In April, I had a coupon for a second consultation with a gastroenterologist, where I wanted to require hospitalization and examination, but an epidemic began and the appointment was canceled.The doctor prescribed remedies for stomach acidity and smecta. There is no effect. I drank espumisan on my own, but even double doses slightly reduced flatulence. A strict diet helps, but not much. Symptoms: Main: 1. Constant aching and stitching pains in the right side under the liver and frequent pains in the center of the abdomen. Apparently in the small intestine (or nearby). The pain increases immediately after eating, after drawing in the abdomen or taking a deep breath, with movements of the body. 2. Quite severe pain in the lower and middle part of the back on the right, especially in the morning.If you press lightly on the floating ribs from the back or side, it also hurts. 3. Periodically, there are small foci of burning pain in the anterior abdominal wall on the right side and in the posterior surface of the abdominal cavity on the right. 4. Constant flatulence from any food or fasting. When gases are released, the pain usually diminishes. 5. A massive thickening (tumor?) In the shape of a triangle is felt in the lower right abdominal cavity. The top of the triangle goes under the liver, where the main pains are felt. The thickening itself does not have tactile or pain sensitivity – that is, the fingers are felt as something inanimate, foreign.One doctor said that it is possible an accumulation of feces, but this is not so – before the colonoscopy he did a complete cleaning of the intestines with a laxative – the tumor (?) Did not disappear. 6. Feeling of a foreign body in the right hypochondrium, expanding the abdomen. Secondary (can be a consequence of other pathologies?): 7. Massage and pressure in the right hypochondrium have ceased to bring relief, on the contrary, they cause a sharp and prolonged exacerbation of pain and flatulence.