How can you relieve gas pain fast at home. What are the most effective natural remedies for trapped gas. Which foods should you avoid to prevent bloating and discomfort. How does eating slowly help reduce gas buildup. Why is it beneficial to let gas out rather than holding it in.

Understanding Gas Pain and Its Causes

Gas pain can be an uncomfortable and sometimes embarrassing condition that affects many people. It occurs when gas builds up in the digestive tract, causing bloating, discomfort, and pain. While gas is a normal part of the digestive process, excessive gas can lead to significant discomfort. Understanding the causes of gas pain is crucial for finding effective remedies.

Common Causes of Gas Pain

• Swallowing air while eating or drinking
• Consuming gas-producing foods
• Digestive disorders such as IBS or lactose intolerance
• Certain medications
• Constipation

Do certain activities increase the likelihood of gas pain? Yes, eating too quickly, chewing gum, drinking through straws, and smoking can all contribute to increased gas in the digestive system.

Simple Lifestyle Changes to Reduce Gas Pain

Making small adjustments to your daily habits can significantly reduce the occurrence of gas pain. These changes are easy to implement and can provide quick relief.

Release Gas Naturally

Is it beneficial to let gas out rather than holding it in? Absolutely. Holding in gas can cause bloating, discomfort, and pain. The easiest way to avoid these symptoms is to simply let out the gas when you feel the need. While it might seem embarrassing, it’s a natural bodily function and can provide immediate relief.

Slow Down Your Eating

How does eating slowly help reduce gas buildup? When you eat too quickly, you’re more likely to swallow air along with your food, which can lead to gas-related pain. By slowing down and chewing each bite thoroughly (aim for about 30 chews per bite), you can improve digestion and reduce the risk of gas formation.

Avoid Gas-Inducing Habits

Can certain habits contribute to gas pain? Indeed, several common habits can increase gas production or trap air in your digestive system. These include:

• Chewing gum (especially sugar-free gum with artificial sweeteners)
• Drinking through straws
• Smoking (both traditional and electronic cigarettes)
• Consuming carbonated beverages

By avoiding these habits, you can significantly reduce your chances of experiencing gas pain and bloating.

Dietary Adjustments for Gas Pain Relief

Your diet plays a crucial role in gas production. Making informed choices about what you eat and drink can help alleviate gas pain and prevent future discomfort.

Identifying and Eliminating Trigger Foods

Which foods should you avoid to prevent bloating and discomfort? While individual tolerances vary, some common gas-producing foods include:

• Artificial sweeteners (aspartame, sorbitol, maltitol)
• Cruciferous vegetables (broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower)
• Dairy products (especially for those with lactose intolerance)
• Legumes (beans and lentils)
• High-fat foods
• Garlic and onions
• Prunes and prune juice

Keeping a food diary can help you identify your personal trigger foods. Once identified, you can either eliminate these foods or find alternative preparation methods that reduce their gas-producing effects.

Incorporating Gas-Reducing Foods and Beverages

Are there foods and drinks that can help reduce gas? Yes, certain foods and beverages can aid digestion and reduce gas production. Consider incorporating the following into your diet:

• Herbal teas (peppermint, ginger, chamomile, anise)
• Fennel seeds
• Apple cider vinegar (diluted in water)
• Probiotic-rich foods

These natural remedies can help soothe your digestive system and reduce the likelihood of gas pain.

Natural Supplements for Gas Relief

In addition to dietary changes, certain natural supplements can provide relief from gas pain and bloating.

Peppermint Oil Capsules

How effective are peppermint oil capsules for gas relief? Peppermint oil has been shown to be effective in reducing bloating, constipation, and trapped gas. When choosing peppermint oil supplements, opt for enteric-coated capsules to prevent heartburn. It’s important to note that peppermint oil can interfere with iron absorption, so it should be avoided by those with anemia or taking iron supplements.

Clove Oil

Can clove oil help with digestive issues? Clove oil has traditionally been used to treat various digestive complaints, including bloating, gas, and indigestion. Consuming clove oil after meals may increase digestive enzymes and reduce intestinal gas. Some studies also suggest that clove oil may have ulcer-fighting properties.

Physical Remedies for Quick Gas Pain Relief

Sometimes, simple physical remedies can provide fast relief from gas pain.

Heat Application

How can heat help alleviate gas pain? Applying a hot water bottle or heating pad to your stomach can help relax the muscles in your gut, facilitating the movement of gas through your intestines. The warmth can also help reduce the sensation of pain, providing quick relief.

Gentle Exercise

Can physical activity help relieve gas pain? Yes, gentle exercise can help stimulate digestion and promote the movement of gas through your system. Walking, yoga, or light stretching can be particularly effective in providing relief from gas pain and bloating.

Addressing Underlying Digestive Issues

Sometimes, persistent gas pain may be a symptom of an underlying digestive issue that requires attention.

Identifying Digestive Disorders

Are certain digestive disorders more likely to cause gas pain? Yes, conditions such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), and lactose intolerance can all lead to increased gas production and pain. If you experience frequent and severe gas pain, it’s important to consult with a healthcare professional to rule out these conditions.

Managing Lactose Intolerance

How can individuals with lactose intolerance manage gas pain? People with lactose intolerance often experience bloating and gas after consuming dairy products. Managing this condition may involve avoiding lactose-containing foods or taking lactase supplements before consuming dairy. There are also many lactose-free alternatives available for those who enjoy dairy products.

When to Seek Medical Attention for Gas Pain

While most cases of gas pain can be managed with home remedies, there are situations where medical attention may be necessary.

Warning Signs

When should you be concerned about gas pain? Seek medical attention if you experience:

• Severe or persistent abdominal pain
• Gas pain accompanied by other symptoms like fever, nausea, or vomiting
• Unexplained weight loss
• Changes in bowel habits
• Blood in your stool

These symptoms could indicate a more serious underlying condition that requires professional medical evaluation and treatment.

By implementing these natural remedies and making mindful lifestyle changes, most people can effectively manage and reduce gas pain. Remember that everyone’s digestive system is unique, so it may take some trial and error to find the strategies that work best for you. If gas pain persists or is accompanied by other concerning symptoms, don’t hesitate to consult with a healthcare professional for personalized advice and treatment options.

How to get rid of gas pain fast: 20 natural home remedies

Luckily, many home remedies can help to release trapped gas or prevent it from building up. Twenty effective methods are listed below.

1. Let it out

Holding in gas can cause bloating, discomfort, and pain. The easiest way to avoid these symptoms is to simply let out the gas.

2. Pass stool

A bowel movement can relieve gas. Passing stool will usually release any gas trapped in the intestines.

3. Eat slowly

Eating too quickly or while moving can cause a person to take in air as well as food, leading to gas-related pain.

Quick eaters can slow down by chewing each bite of food 30 times. Breaking down food in such a way aids digestion and can prevent a number of related complaints, including bloating and indigestion.

4. Avoid chewing gum

As a person chews gum they tend to swallow air, which increases the likelihood of trapped wind and gas pains.

Sugarless gum also contains artificial sweeteners, which may cause bloating and gas.

5. Say no to straws

Often, drinking through a straw causes a person to swallow air. Drinking directly from a bottle can have the same effect, depending on the bottle’s size and shape.

To avoid gas pain and bloating, it is best to sip from a glass.

6. Quit smoking

Whether using traditional or electronic cigarettes, smoking causes air to enter the digestive tract. Because of the range of health issues linked to smoking, quitting is wise for many reasons.

7. Choose non-carbonated drinks

Carbonated drinks, such as sparkling water and sodas, send a lot of gas to the stomach. This can cause bloating and pain.

8. Eliminate problematic foods

Share on PinterestCarbonated drinks such as sparkling waters and soda send a lot of gas to the stomach, which can cause bloating and pain.

Eating certain foods can cause trapped gas. Individuals find different foods problematic.

However, the foods below frequently cause gas to build up:

• artificial sweeteners, such as aspartame, sorbitol, and maltitol
• cruciferous vegetables, including broccoli, cabbage, and cauliflower
• dairy products
• fiber drinks and supplements
• fried foods
• garlic and onions
• high-fat foods
• legumes, a group that includes beans and lentils
• prunes and prune juice
• spicy foods

Keeping a food diary can help a person to identify trigger foods. Some, like artificial sweeteners, may be easy to cut out of the diet.

Others, like cruciferous vegetables and legumes, provide a range of health benefits. Rather than avoiding them entirely, a person may try reducing their intake or preparing the foods differently.

9. Drink tea

Some herbal teas may aid digestion and reduce gas pain fast. The most effective include teas made from:

• anise
• chamomile
• ginger
• peppermint

Anise acts as a mild laxative and should be avoided if diarrhea accompanies gas. However, it can be helpful if constipation is responsible for trapped gas.

10. Snack on fennel seeds

Fennel is an age-old solution for trapped wind. Chewing on a teaspoon of the seeds is a popular natural remedy.

However, anyone pregnant or breast-feeding should probably avoid doing so, due to conflicting reports concerning safety.

11. Take peppermint supplements

Peppermint oil capsules have long been taken to resolve issues like bloating, constipation, and trapped gas. Some research supports the use of peppermint for these symptoms.

Always choose enteric-coated capsules. Uncoated capsules may dissolve too quickly in the digestive tract, which can lead to heartburn.

Peppermint inhibits the absorption of iron, so these capsules should not be taken with iron supplements or by people who have anemia.

12. Clove oil

Clove oil has traditionally been used to treat digestive complaints, including bloating, gas, and indigestion. It may also have ulcer-fighting properties.

Consuming clove oil after meals can increase digestive enzymes and reduce the amount of gas in the intestines.

13. Apply heat

When gas pains strike, place a hot water bottle or heating pad on the stomach. The warmth relaxes the muscles in the gut, helping gas to move through the intestines. Heat can also reduce the sensation of pain.

14. Address digestive issues

People with certain digestive difficulties are more likely to experience trapped gas. Those with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) or inflammatory bowel disease, for example, often experience bloating and gas pain.

Addressing these issues through lifestyle changes and medication can improve the quality of life.

People with lactose intolerance who frequently experience gas pain should take greater steps to avoid lactose or take lactase supplements.

15. Add apple cider vinegar to water

Apple cider vinegar aids the production of stomach acid and digestive enzymes. It may also help to alleviate gas pain quickly.

Add a tablespoon of the vinegar to a glass of water and drink it before meals to prevent gas pain and bloating. It is important to then rinse the mouth with water, as vinegar can erode tooth enamel.

16. Use activated charcoal

Activated charcoal is a natural product that can be bought in health food stores or pharmacies without a prescription. Supplement tablets taken before and after meals can prevent trapped gas.

It is best to build up the intake of activated charcoal gradually. This will prevent unwanted symptoms, such as constipation and nausea.

One alarming side effect of activated charcoal is that it can turn the stool black. This discoloration is harmless and should go away if a person stops taking charcoal supplements.

17. Take probiotics

Share on PinterestGentle exercises can relax the muscles in the gut, and yoga poses can be especially beneficial after meals.

Probiotic supplements add beneficial bacteria to the gut. They are used to treat several digestive complaints, including infectious diarrhea.

Some research suggests that certain strains of probiotics can alleviate bloating, intestinal gas, abdominal pain, and other symptoms of IBS.

Strains of Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus are generally considered to be most effective.

18. Exercise

Gentle exercises can relax the muscles in the gut, helping to move gas through the digestive system. Walking or doing yoga poses after meals may be especially beneficial.

19. Breathe deeply

Deep breathing may not work for everyone. Taking in too much air can increase the amount of gas in the intestines.

However, some people find that deep breathing techniques can relieve the pain and discomfort associated with trapped gas.

20. Take an over-the-counter remedy

Several products can get rid of gas pain fast. One popular medication, simethicone, is marketed under the following brand names:

• Gas-X
• Mylanta Gas
• Phazyme

Anyone who is pregnant or taking other medications should discuss the use of simethicone with a doctor or pharmacist.

Trapped gas can be painful and distressing, but many easy remedies can alleviate symptoms quickly.

People with ongoing or severe gas pain should see a doctor right away, especially if the pain is accompanied by:

• constipation
• diarrhea
• fever
• rectal bleeding
• unexplained weight loss

While everyone experiences trapped gas once in a while, experiencing regular pain, bloating, and other gastrointestinal symptoms can indicate the presence of a medical condition or food sensitivity.

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Gas pain in the chest: Symptoms, causes, and treatment

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Gas pain in the chest can result from digestive problems or swallowing air, and dietary changes can often help relieve it. However, it may also indicate a more serious condition that needs medical attention, such as gallbladder disease.

This article looks at the various reasons a person might feel gas pain in their chest. It also discusses symptoms, treatments, and home remedies.

Share on PinterestGas pain can include tightness and stabbing pains in the chest.

People often describe gas pain in the chest as a tightness or discomfort in the chest area. As well as the pain, there may be a slight burning or stabbing sensation. The pain may also move to the abdomen.

Other symptoms of gas pain in the chest may vary in each case, depending on the cause, but can include:

• burping
• bloating
• indigestion
• excess flatulence
• loss of appetite
• nausea

The sensation of gas pain can be worrying, as it may be difficult to tell apart from heart-related pains, such as those of a heart attack.

Gas that gathers in the stomach or left part of the colon can feel like heart-related pain.

The following symptoms may suggest that chest pain is related to a heart attack:

• pain that resembles a strong pressure applied to the chest
• pain or discomfort in other areas of the upper body, including neck, back, shoulders, arms, or jaw
• a pain in the jaw is particularly common in women
• shortness of breath or inability to catch the breath
• profuse sweating
• feeling lightheaded or woozy
• nausea

A person experiencing symptoms of a heart attack should seek emergency medical attention.

Possible causes of gas pain in the chest include:

Heartburn

Heartburn is a type of indigestion that typically feels like a sharp, burning sensation in the chest. It is caused by stomach acid leaking up into the esophagus.

Food intolerance

When someone has a food intolerance, it can upset the digestive system, causing extra gas. Lactose intolerance and gluten intolerance are two known causes of gas buildup.

A person who lacks the enzymes needed to break down certain foods may experience bloating, abdominal pain, and excessive gas.

Food poisoning

Share on PinterestCarbon dioxide gas from fizzy drinks can be a cause of chest pain.

Eating contaminated food can cause food poisoning, which may also explain gas pain in the chest. This pain often comes on quickly and can be experienced alongside other symptoms, including:

• fever
• nausea
• vomiting
• diarrhea
• blood in the stool

Artificial sweeteners

A diet high in artificial sweeteners or sugar alcohols, such as sorbitol and xylitol, may cause digestive symptoms, including excess gas, in some people.

Excess carbonation

Carbonated drinks, for example, soda, tonic water, or sparkling water, have a fizz, provided by carbon dioxide gas.

Too much of this gas can make a person burp, but it might also build up in the digestive tract and cause discomfort or pain.

Swallowing air

Similarly to the carbon dioxide in fizzy drinks, the air we swallow when we eat, drink, or chew gum can become trapped in the digestive system.

Swallowing too much air can cause a buildup of gas in the gastrointestinal tract, which can lead to gas pain in the chest or abdomen.

Digestive conditions

Certain digestive conditions can lead to symptoms that resemble gas pain in the chest.

Inflammatory conditions, including inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) such as ulcerative colitis (UC) or Crohn’s disease, may cause gas to build up in the digestive system.

Other problems in the digestive tract, such as those due to diabetes mellitus, can cause similar symptoms.

Chronic inflammatory conditions can also produce the following symptoms:

• pain in the lower or upper abdomen
• excessive flatulence
• diarrhea
• constipation
• general fatigue
• gastrointestinal bleeding
• weight loss
• nausea

Too much fiber

While fiber-rich foods are beneficial for the digestive system, eating too much (well over the recommended intake of 25-38g) or increasing your intake too quickly can lead to excessive gas.

This excess production is because the fiber may stay in the gut for a longer time than other food components. It is broken down by bacteria, resulting in gas.

Gallbladder or biliary tree diseases

A condition in the gallbladder or biliary tree, such as gallstones, can cause chest pain and excess gas.

Other symptoms include:

• loss of appetite
• nausea
• vomiting
• chills
• off-colored stools, often light or pale color

Diagnosing gas pain in the chest is necessary to avoid serious complications.

A physical examination is usually not accurate enough for an exact diagnosis, so a doctor will usually recommend additional tests, such as an electrocardiogram (ECG). An ECG can look for heart problems.

Once heart concerns are ruled out, a doctor may recommend other tests to identify possible causes of the chest pain. These can include:

• blood or skin tests to check for allergies or food intolerance
• tests for chronic inflammatory conditions, such as Crohn’s disease or UC
• upper GI endoscopy (EGD) to check for damage to the esophagus, stomach, or duodenum
• abdominal ultrasound or CT scan to take images of abdominal organs

Share on PinterestDrinking ginger tea may help to relieve indigestion and other digestive symptoms.

Treatment for gas pain in the chest often begins at home.

The following home remedies may help to ease the pain of excess gas in the chest:

Drink warm liquids

Drinking plenty of liquids can help to move excess gas through the digestive system, which can ease gas pain and discomfort. Drinking non-carbonated beverages will avoid extra gas intake.

Warm water or herbal teas may help to ease pain and discomfort for some people.

Eat some ginger

Ginger root has traditionally been used to help with digestive issues. Research published in the European Journal of Gastroenterology and Hepatology suggests that ginger can help with certain digestive symptoms.

A small bit of the root may be eaten or made into ginger tea. Ginger products are available for purchase online, including chewable candies, drinks, and supplements.

Avoid possible triggers

If the exact cause of gas pain in the chest is not known, it may be best to avoid any possible digestive triggers. This could include carbonated drinks and sodas, milk and dairy products, and gluten.

Exercise

Exercise may help gas to move through the digestive system to be eliminated. Even a simple walk around the block may help.

Medical treatments

Medical treatment options are available to help with gas pain in the chest. Over-the-counter medications, such as bismuth subsalicylate (Pepto Bismol) may ease some indigestion symptoms.

Chronic conditions, for example, IBS, GERD, UC, or Crohn’s disease, may need to be treated with prescriptions from a doctor, though treatment will vary in each case.

In most instances of food poisoning, a person can recover with home treatment, such as hydration and rest. In worse cases, they may require antibiotics or time in the hospital.

In some cases, gallstones might be treatable with medication that may encourage the body to dissolve the stones over time.

Preventing gas pain can be as easy as avoiding common triggers, including:

• greasy and spicy foods
• caffeinated or carbonated beverages
• artificial sweeteners or sugar alcohols
• contaminated food
• foods that cause allergies or intolerances

Regular exercise can also help keep the digestive system working well.

Complications related to excess gas in the chest are mostly due to an underlying condition. For instance, people with severe food poisoning or food intolerances may be at risk of complications.

Symptoms of anaphylaxis or food poisoning need immediate medical care. These can include:

• rashes or feeling warm in the face
• swelling of the throat, face, or mouth
• bloody stools or vomit
• diarrhea and dehydration

When a person experiences chest pain along with these symptoms, they should seek emergency medical care.

There are many causes of gas pain in the chest, and many treatments or home remedies that may help relieve the feeling. The reason behind gas pain in the chest should be diagnosed by a doctor to determine the best treatment.

Harmless gas pain in the chest will typically go away quickly with home treatments or over-the-counter medicines. Taking preventative measures and seeking a medical diagnosis may help treat any underlying issues and avoid complications.

Anyone experiencing other symptoms related to more serious conditions should seek emergency medical attention.

Anyone who experiences persistent and severe symptoms of gas pain in the chest, or symptoms that last for more than 2 hours and do not respond to home treatment, should also seek medical attention.

Bloating and gas formation: causes, treatment

Why can flatulence and bloating occur?

Mechanisms for the development of these symptoms are varied. Sometimes they may
occur for functional reasons, and sometimes they are caused
by certain diseases ³ .

The everyday reasons why the stomach can swell are quite obvious – first of all, this is the consumption of a large number of foods that can cause active gas formation ³ .

Pathological conditions leading to bloating and gas formation may be different. Among them, for example, a deficiency of
digestive enzymes and disorders of the circulation of bile acids.
In addition, other diseases of the digestive system
can be the cause: Crohn’s disease, irritable bowel syndrome (
we will talk about it a little later), pancreatitis. Also, the cause of a swollen abdomen can
be a violation of the peristalsis of the intestinal walls after surgery on the gastrointestinal tract,
for chronic diseases or acute infections ^1-3 .

Belching with a swollen abdomen and against the background of excessive accumulation of gases
can also be a sign of illness. So, for example, “feeling of
accumulation of gases” in the chest in adults can occur with severe
heart pathologies, such as myocardial ischemia. Bitter or sour eructations not associated with food
may be associated with hiatal hernia
, GERD (gastroesophageal
reflux disease), peptic ulcer, biliary tract,
pancreas. But belching with an unpleasant odor can often occur due to stenosis of the gastric outlet. Also, belching
can be a side effect when taking certain medications
^{2, 3} .

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)

Abdominal hypersensitivity is one of the main causes of symptoms in IBS. With this pathology, there may be an increase in pain sensitivity in response to stretching of the intestinal wall, in which the metabolic disorder of painkillers produced in the body plays a role ⁴ .

Characteristically, in IBS, there is often a diffuse nature of pain perception disorders throughout the intestine, and an increase in sensitivity occurs selectively to mechanical stimuli ⁴ . Therefore, throughout the day, patients may complain of a swollen abdomen, which may be accompanied by rumbling and transfusion in the intestines. Such complaints are not confirmed by objective methods ⁵ .

Dysbacteriosis

As a result of changes in composition and quantity
normal intestinal microflora may
move microorganisms from the colon to the small intestine
. For this reason,
fermentation and putrefactive processes begin
earlier, at the level of the small intestine, due to which
the stomach may swell and diarrhea occurs,
absorption of nutrients is disturbed ⁶ .
Intestinal distention
without diarrhoea, which is the predominant symptom, may be due to overgrowth of
bacteria that process
carbohydrates to short chain fatty acids
and gas ⁷ .

Flatulence and bloating

in women

In the luteal phase of the menstrual cycle and
especially before the start and in the first days
of menstruation, women may experience
gas retention in the intestines and bloating.
This is due to an increase in the level of hormones
prolactin, vasopressin, which in turn
reduce the activity of prostaglandin
E. As a result, constipation may occur,
fluid retention, bloated abdomen,
and depression and irritability ⁸ .

Diagnosis

To find out the cause of bloating, you need to see a doctor. The main method confirming the accumulation of gases in the intestines is a survey radiography of the abdominal cavity. The study allows you to assess the amount of gas, its location, the presence or absence of intestinal obstruction ⁶ .

If, according to the results of the examination, the formation of gases with bloating and belching is not associated with diseases (functional disorder), the doctor can prescribe a diet and advise simple measures to help restore the normal functioning of the digestive organs ^{1, 3} .

How can you help yourself with excessive gas formation?

As a medical treatment for bloating, the doctor may
prescribe adsorbents that can absorb certain compounds and
defoamers that help break up small gas bubbles,
making them more comfortable to evacuate ³ .

Also, with symptoms of impaired digestion, which include
bloating,
enzyme preparations can help digest food. Their components are selected in such a way that
compensate for the deficiency of enzymes necessary for digestion in
various diseases, as well as to improve food digestion in

5 errors in nutrition, sedentary lifestyle

¹¹ . One of these
preparations is Festal® ^{11, 12} .

Festal® contains several active substances at once, which can
promote the digestion of food components. Pancreatin and its
enzymes facilitate the digestion of carbohydrates, fats and proteins, which
contributes to their more complete absorption in the small intestine.
Components of bile help to improve the absorption of fats.
Hemicellulase helps reduce gas formation by
breaking down fiber ^{11, 12} . The recommended dose of
Festal® is 1-2 tablets 3 times a day ¹² .

More about the drug

THERE ARE CONTRAINDICATIONS. IT IS NECESSARY TO CONSULT WITH A SPECIALIST.

Diet for flatulence and bloating

0005 to chew food thoroughly – the habit of eating on the run and prolonged use of chewing gum
can increase aerophagy, then
there is involuntary swallowing of air, in which the stomach can
swell. In addition, you should avoid
indigestible carbohydrates – legumes, cabbage, as well as fatty foods and products containing
artificial sweeteners. Carbonated drinks should also be excluded from the diet
, as they themselves are a source of
gas ^{1, 3, 13} .

It is worth eating 4-5 times a day – slowly, without talking,
chewing food thoroughly, without stuffing your mouth. Physical activity, including
walking and abdominal exercises ^{1, 3, 13} , is also worth using to normalize intestinal motility
.

Flatulence

Flatulence – the causes of occurrence, in which diseases it occurs, diagnosis and methods of treatment.

Excessive gas formation in the gastrointestinal tract leads to severe discomfort, especially if it is impossible to hold gases. Gaseous substances that fill the lumen of the stomach and intestines include hydrogen, methane, hydrogen sulfide and carbon dioxide. Together with food, air can enter the stomach, but mostly gases are a waste product of microorganisms, and also arise as a result of the interaction of hydrochloric acid of the stomach with bicarbonate coming from the pancreas. Increased gas formation is accompanied by bloating, a feeling of fullness and pain. This phenomenon is called flatulence.

In some cases, spastic conditions of the gastrointestinal tract interfere with the passage of gases, and sometimes a person cannot control this process even with a slight content of gases in the intestines.

Varieties of flatulence

Flatulence occurs with increased processes of gas formation and deterioration of intestinal motility.

Excess gas is removed from the stomach by belching , from the intestine – through the rectum . In addition, gases can enter the bloodstream and be released with exhaled air. Gases formed in the intestines are absorbed only in the small intestine, where their bubbles are mixed with liquid contents. In the large intestine, gases are not absorbed into the blood due to the high density of feces, so the only way out for them is through the rectum, which occurs on average 15-20 times a day. Participating in the regulation of the intestines, gases have a different effect on its function: methane slows down the passage of feces and contributes to the development of constipation, hydrogen reduces the motility of the ileum, but promotes the promotion of contents in the final sections of the colon.

Possible causes of increased gas production and incontinence

The reasons for the development of flatulence may be associated with: 1) dietary habits; 2) indigestion; 3) imbalance in the composition of the intestinal microflora; 4) impaired intestinal motility. Overflowing with gases of the stomach leads to eructation, which often bothers patients with incomplete closure of the cardiac sphincter in hiatal hernia, gastroesophageal reflux disease .

In addition, impaired motility of the gastrointestinal with gastric ulcer, biliary dyskinesia, and some intestinal diseases is also accompanied by rapid belching, sometimes even with regurgitation. With the development of putrefactive processes in the stomach with gastroparesis belching may have an unpleasant odor.

However, often belching is not a symptom of the disease, but an indicator of malnutrition.

For example, when eating food hastily, a person can swallow a large amount of air. Also, excess gas in the stomach occurs after drinking carbonated drinks.

If gases fill the intestines, there is a feeling of bloating.

It can occur due to an excessive content of gaseous substances, and be subjective due to the increased sensitivity of the intestinal mucosa.

Often this symptom occurs in functional disorders: irritable bowel syndrome, diseases of the pancreas accompanied by enzymatic deficiency, reproduction of pathological microflora. An increased formation of gases occurs when a large amount of legumes, cabbage, onions, carrots, raisins, bananas, apples, grapes, yeast dough products are consumed. Evidence of functional disorders is the appearance of swelling some time after eating. In the morning, before breakfast, this sensation is absent.

An unpleasant symptom is gas incontinence, which is possible even with their slight accumulation in the intestine. Such a problem may occur in patients with cracks and fistulas in the anus.

Gas incontinence is also a concern for patients with anal sphincter insufficiency. As a rule, this condition accompanies other types of pathology – hemorrhoids, prolapse of the rectum. Sometimes insufficiency of the internal anal sphincter can be the result of neurological disorders, surgical interventions or injuries, accompanied by the formation of scars and strictures.

The sphincter muscles weaken with age, which is why the problem of gas incontinence is more common in older people.

With intestinal diverticula – sac-like protrusions of the mucous membrane and submucosa of the intestine – bloating and profuse discharge of gases are almost always noted.

In addition, there are feelings of fullness and heaviness in the abdomen, pain in the left iliac region and irregular, spastic stools (“sheep”). Often there is rumbling in the abdomen and rapid discharge of gases with an unpleasant odor.

In women, uncontrolled gas discharge develops in the last months of pregnancy, after childbirth due to pelvic floor dysfunction. The same problem occurs in a third of patients with uterine prolapse and prolapse and in a small percentage of cases with pathological lengthening of the cervix.

Gas incontinence occurs with lesions of the central nervous system due to injuries of the spine and head, and in this case it is accompanied by uncontrolled fecal and urination. With an epileptic seizure in the relaxation phase, urine, gases and feces can also occur. Gas control is lost at mental disorders (manic-depressive syndrome, dementia) and psycho-emotional stress.

Which doctors should I contact?

The problem of increased gas formation and uncontrolled discharge of gases can occur under different conditions of the body. In any case, you should visit
primary care physician. If the symptoms of flatulence bother a woman during pregnancy, after childbirth, or flatulence is accompanied by other symptoms, you should consult a
gynecologist. If bowel diverticula, anal sphincter insufficiency, or gastrointestinal dyskinesia are suspected, referral should be made to
gastroenterologist.

Diagnostics and examinations

If uncontrolled gas discharge occurs during pregnancy, after childbirth, as a rule, additional examination is not required. When complaining of a constant discharge of gases without symptoms of bloating, it is necessary to check the condition of the anal sphincter and intestines. For this, sigmoidoscopy and colonoscopy are performed.

Treatment

Bloating and increased gas can be both a sign of a disease and a consequence of an improper diet and lifestyle. You can cope with these symptoms only by establishing their cause.

In any case, it is necessary to normalize the diet and exclude gas-forming products from the diet.

Functional disorders involve correction of the motility of the gastrointestinal tract, microflora and elimination of enzymatic deficiency. It is also necessary to eliminate the causes of psycho-emotional stress. To reduce the pressure of gases in the intestine, adsorbents (activated carbon, etc.), carminatives, enzymatic preparations are used.

If the cause of uncontrolled gas passage is an insufficiency of the anal sphincter due to hemorrhoids, fissure or fistula, surgical treatment is necessary. For intestinal diverticula , non-drug treatment is possible, which involves changes in lifestyle and diet. Patients are not recommended cleansing enemas and the use of laxatives. Nutrition should include fiber-rich foods. Antispasmodics, phosphodiesterase inhibitors, non-selective calcium channel antagonists, and water-soluble fiber preparations are used as drug therapy.

What should be done with flatulence?

With increased gas formation and bloating, it is desirable to identify those foods that cause flatulence, and refuse them or reduce their number.

After the digestion processes are normalized, these products should be introduced into the diet gradually, helping the intestines with enzyme preparations. The improvement of peristalsis is facilitated by the consumption of a sufficient amount of liquid – up to 2-2.5 liters per day.

It is advisable not to eat foods containing a large amount of fat, and sweet dishes. Fermentation in the intestines is also facilitated by fruits and foods containing yeast. Before cooking legumes (which contribute to the occurrence of flatulence), you should first soak them in water.

It is very important to eat properly to prevent swallowing air while eating.

Eating should be done slowly, avoiding lying down. An active lifestyle and moderate physical activity contribute to the reduction of flatulence.

Sources:

1. Clinical guidelines “Irritable bowel syndrome”. Developed by: Russian Gastroenterological Association, Association of Coloproctologists of Russia.