About all

Treatment for excessive flatulence: 7 Easy Ways to Tame Excessive Gas or Flatulence

Содержание

7 Easy Ways to Tame Excessive Gas or Flatulence

When it comes to what factors cause gas, there are several main culprits:

  • Eating high-fiber foods like beans, legumes, fruits, vegetables, and whole grains
  • Drinking carbonated beverages
  • Chewing gum
  • Eating too quickly or talking while chewing, which results in swallowing more air
  • Drinking through a straw
  • Consuming artificial sweeteners
  • Chronic intestinal diseases like diverticulitis or inflammatory bowel disease
  • Food intolerances like celiac disease or lactose intolerance
  • Bacterial overgrowth in the small bowel

It’s common to experience some gas after eating — and to release it through belching or flatulence. According to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK), passing gas about 13 to 21 times a day is normal.

But if you’re experiencing painful gas and the embarrassment of chronic and foul-smelling flatulence, you can start to play detective and try to eliminate the cause with the following steps.

1. Avoid Foods Known to Cause Gas

One way to manage flatulence and belching is to eat fewer of the well-known gassy foods. Common culprits include:

  • Fruits like apples and pears
  • Vegetables such as broccoli, Brussels sprouts, and onions
  • Whole grains like bran
  • Dairy products, including milk, cheese, and ice cream.

These items contain fiber, sugars, and starches that don’t digest or absorb easily, eventually causing intestinal gas.

Foods containing sorbitol, a naturally occurring sugar found in fruit, are on some people’s gassy foods list. Other people are bothered by carbonated soft drinks and fruit drinks. If you discover that these foods are causing you excess gas, eliminate them from your diet or consume them in smaller portions. When it comes to foods to avoid, moderation is key, says Stephen Bickston, MD, a professor of internal medicine and the director of the inflammatory bowel disease program at the Center for Digestive Health at Virginia Commonwealth University in Richmond.

Keep in mind that almost any food or combination of foods can cause gas.

“Certain foods don’t get along well in certain people,” says Donald Novey, MD, an integrative medicine physician in Poulsbo, Washington. “Some people find they are gassy if they eat fruits with proteins, or if they eat starches and proteins together. It’s personal and requires a little experimentation to find out what the culprits are.”

Dr. Novey suggests keeping a food diary and noting when you feel gassy. “If you find you’re gassy after eating a certain food, eliminate it from your diet and see if it helps,” he says.

Cooking may help break down some of the offending ingredients, too, Dr. Bickston says. “But the style of cooking can also decrease healthy chemicals found in vegetables. Boiling seems to break down chlorophyll and other desirable ingredients.” Look for recipes that call for steaming, as that seems to be a better cooking method for gassy foods.

2. Drink Before Meals

If you drink liquids with your meals, you lose stomach acids and can’t break down food as well, Novey says. Try drinking about 30 minutes before a meal to help your stomach digest better.

3. Eat and Drink Slowly

When you eat or drink fast, you can swallow a lot of air, which can cause gas, says Bickston. The simple solution? Slow down when you eat. If you have dentures, check with your dentist to be sure they fit properly so you’re not gasping air while eating.

4. Take Over-the-Counter Digestive Aids

Digestive enzymes are available as over-the-counter supplements. “I recommend going to the health food store and getting a digestive enzyme,” says Novey. “You can take one or two. You will know very rapidly — within a few weeks — if it makes a difference.” But antacids won’t do much for excessive gas, says Bickston.

Another over-the-counter digestive aid, Beano, contains an enzyme that breaks down the complex carbohydrates in beans and many vegetables into more easily digestible sugars. Take two to three Beano tablets or one Beano Meltaway (a dissolving tablet) before each meal. Note that Beano won’t help if excessive gas is caused by fiber or lactose.

5. Try Activated Charcoal

While research is still limited, researchers believe activated charcoal may help reduce and treat excess gas and bloating. Unlike the charcoal you find in your grill or fireplace, activated charcoal undergoes a special treatment that makes it safe for human consumption. Once you take activated charcoal (via liquid or pill), it attaches to fluid in your gut, potentially reducing gas and bloating and creating firmer stools.

In a small study published in the Journal of Ultrasound, 42 people with a history of excessive gas in their intestines took 448 milligrams (mg) of activated charcoal for two days before a medical exam and then 672 mg on the day of the exam. The researchers found that they had a better ultrasound view of certain organs that normally would have been obscured by excessive gas.

In a study published in August 2017 in PLoS One, patients who were given 45 mg of simethicone (an over-the-counter digestive aid) and 140 mg of activated charcoal reported significant improvements in abdominal pain.

6. Don’t Fill Up on Air

Habits like smoking, chewing gum, and drinking through a straw may cause your stomach to fill with air, leading to gas.

7. Avoid Artificial Sweeteners

Sorbitol and related sugar alcohols used in many sugar-free versions of foods can also aggravate gas. “Sorbitol is often the first ingredient in any brand of sugar-free gum I’ve found at local grocery stores,” says Bickston. “One to two sticks is akin to eating a prune.” But the sugar substitutes that are found at a typical coffee stand or in popular soft drinks are not the kind that cause gas. The various packet sweeteners — yellow (sucralose), pink (saccharine), and blue (aspartame) — are not associated with gas or laxative effects.

8. Try Herbs for Gas Relief

Some research suggests a number of herbs may help relieve excess gas. For example, a review published in April 2015 in European Review for Medical and Pharmacological Studies found ginger helps speed digestion. This is helpful because if the stomach empties faster, gas can move more quickly to the small intestine to relieve bloating and discomfort.

A review published in 2014 in the Journal of Clinical Gastroenterology found that peppermint oil significantly improved symptoms of IBS, including abdominal pain.

Chamomile is thought to aid in a number of digestive issues, including upset stomach, bloating, and intestinal gas, by relaxing GI muscles and improving digestion.

When Gas Is a Symptom of Something Else

If excessive gas is persistent or severe, consult your doctor — it could be a sign of a more serious digestive condition, such as:

  • Lactose intolerance This is the inability to digest lactose, the sugar found in milk and milk products. “I test with a milk challenge,” says Bickston. “The patient drinks a pint or two of milk — it can be any percent fat. What follows tells the patients whether they should limit their milk intake. ” If avoiding milk reduces your symptoms you may be lactose intolerant.
  • Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) “Patients who meet the diagnostic checklist for irritable bowel syndrome suffer more pain at the lower levels of the abdominal cavity,” he says.
  • Colon cancer “Excess gas is rarely the main symptom of patients with colon cancer,” Bickston notes. “But it does trigger my reflex to remind patients to get screened for colorectal cancer.”
  • Upper gastrointestinal disorders Occasional belching is normal, but frequent belching may be a sign of an upper gastrointestinal disorder. These include peptic ulcers, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), or gastroparesis, also called delayed gastric emptying.

Also, warns Bickston, if you’ve had abdominal surgery, a hernia, or significant weight loss or weight gain, never dismiss your gas-like symptoms as normal. Get them checked out.

As annoying as it might be, some gas is a natural by-product of the body’s digestive system. But if your gas is excessive, painful, or chronic, talk to your doctor about possible causes and remedies.

Home Remedies to Relieve Gas and Reduce Bloating

Other herbs and spices that may provide gas relief include:

  • Chamomile
  • Dill
  • Fennel
  • Basil
  • Caraway
  • Cumin
  • Parsley
  • Peppermint
  • Spearmint

A combination of caraway and peppermint oils is the active ingredient in FDgard, a nonprescription formulation designed to help manage functional dyspepsia; some doctors recommend it for gas and bloating.

Lemond notes that you should always get approval from your doctor before taking an herbal supplement. She suggests trying to gain the benefit of carminatives from the food you eat rather than by taking supplements, which she says should be taken with caution. “Some people think of herbal supplements as natural or straight from the earth, so they may be taken at will, but a lot of them have pharmaceutical effects and could interact with medication.

Probiotics for Gas and Bloating

Probiotics may also help aid digestion and reduce excessive gas. Probiotics are live microorganisms, mostly “good” bacteria, similar to the bacteria found in the human gut. They’re available as dietary supplements, but Lemond notes that a number of foods also have natural probiotics, including:

  • Yogurt
  • Kefir
  • Tempeh
  • Kimchi
  • Sauerkraut

Research published in December 2016 in the World Journal of Gastroenterology found that the probiotic Lactobacillus acidophilus decreased abdominal pain among participants with irritable bowel syndrome after 12 weeks.

And according to a review published in March 2015 in the World Journal of Gastroenterology, patients with irritable bowel syndrome have experienced improvement in bloating and flatulence when taking probiotics.

The Link Between Gas, Stress, and Probiotics

Gas can be worsened by stress. “There are nerves up and down the GI tract,” Lemond says. “People who have a tendency to be nervous can develop gas, diarrhea, or constipation.” When dietary changes aren’t effective, other treatments, such as relaxation therapy, may help.

Life stress can cause spasms in the colon and abdominal discomfort, according to a review published in the journal Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine. Reviewers noted that progressive muscle relaxation, meditation, yoga, counseling, or changes to daily stressful situations can help reduce stress and have a positive effect on digestive health.

Researchers are devoting more and more time to exploring the direct connections between the gut, brain, and probiotics, what’s called the gut-brain axis. For instance, a report published in April 2015 in the journal Annals of Gastroenterology looked at the way that microbiota, the bacteria in the gut, interact with the central nervous system, by “regulating brain chemistry and influencing neuroendocrine systems associated with stress response, anxiety, and memory function.

More studies are beginning to explore the role of stress and psychological factors, and their impact on irritable bowel syndrome, according to a review of studies published in January 2015 in the journal Gastroenterology Research and Practices. Reviewers noted that hypnotherapy, cognitive-behavioral therapy, and mind-body therapy may improve IBS symptoms. They added these therapies could provide a more cost-effective alternative with fewer side effects than pharmaceuticals.

Over-the-Counter Gas Remedies That May Help

If gas doesn’t move quickly enough through the digestive system, it can cause bloating and discomfort. A few changes to your daily routine and habits can bring relief from gas and bloating. The Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston suggests these behaviors to help decrease bloating:

  • Eating slowly, and chewing your food thoroughly
  • Eating smaller meals, more frequently
  • Sitting up straight after a meal
  • Walking after a meal
  • Drinking room temperature beverages

Products you can buy at your local pharmacy to reduce gas and bloating generally contain simethicone, activated charcoal, or a food enzyme known as alpha-galactosidase (the active ingredient in Beano) to help break down hard-to-digest foods, like beans and certain vegetables. Although some people find these drugs to be effective, others don’t.

Alpha-galactosidase contains the enzyme that the body lacks to digest certain carbohydrates in beans and certain vegetables, but the enzyme has no effect on gas caused by fiber or lactose. But lactase tablets or drops may provide gas relief for those with lactose intolerance. The tablets are taken right before consuming milk or milk products.

“Occasional excessive gas is normal,” Lemond says. But when gas continues to be a problem despite dietary adjustments and home or over-the-counter gas remedies, it’s a good idea to see your doctor.

Activated Charcoal 101: Functions, Benefits, Risks, Where to Buy

In general, activated charcoal may be safe for occasional use, but tread carefully, experts say. According to a seven-year observational study published in July 2010 in Medicina Clinica, adverse reactions to active charcoal are infrequent, but this study looked at activated charcoal use only in hospital settings — not as an everyday solution you might use in your own home. (22)

May Affect Gut Health

One of the risks of taking activated charcoal outside of a clinical setting is that, in the process of trapping and eliminating “toxins,” the supplement may also remove important nutrients from the digestive tract. That could harm the balance of gut bacteria, posing health risks, notes a review published in April 2015 in the International Journal of Molecular Science. Alternatively, it may reduce or prevent the absorption of medications, Bochi warns. (23)

What’s more, activated charcoal can cause some unpleasant side effects, such as nausea, constipation, and vomiting, Bochi adds.

May Harm Your Teeth

In addition to the risks of ingesting activated charcoal, there are also risks associated with using it to clean or whiten your teeth.

Supposedly, activated charcoal has antibacterial, antifungal, antiviral and oral detoxification properties, but a November 2017 review published in the Journal of the American Dental Association reveals there’s not enough evidence to substantiate these claims. What’s more, three of the studies included in the review reported negative outcomes, such as increased caries and enamel abrasion, which can contribute to cavities. Authors advise dentists to warn patients about using charcoal and charcoal-based teeth products. (24)

May Affect Skin Well or Poorly (More Studies Needed)

Beauty companies are also adding activated charcoal to skin-care products. Researchers who incorporated activated charcoal into a skin-care formula claim the substance drew bacteria, dirt, and other microparticles to the surface of the skin, helping fight acne. The authors published their statements in the November 2017 issue of the European Journal of Pharmaceutical and Medical Research. (25)

But no research has been done in humans to test these statements, so it’s unknown whether activated charcoal offers any skin-care benefits. The risks are also unknown.

Effects Are Unclear When Charcoal Is Ingested for Hangovers or Other Issues

There’s no research to substantiate the benefits of adding activated charcoal to foods, either. Black ice cream and hamburger buns may look cool, but it’s doubtful whether all that activated charcoal is actually doing your body any good. And, by the way, if you’re using activated charcoal to prevent or treat a hangover, the effects in that case are also unclear. Most of the research on this topic was published decades ago, and the U.S. National Library of Medicine notes that the body doesn’t appear to trap activated charcoal well, meaning it’s unlikely a panacea for your aches and pains before or after an indulgent night. (8)

 

How to stop farting: 12 tips and remedies

While farting can seem embarrassing to some people, it is a natural part of the digestion cycle. Everybody does it, and it is a sign that a person’s digestive system is working as it should.

It is, in fact, essential that the gas produced by the body is released. If it is not, it can build up and become very uncomfortable.

People can expect to fart between 5 and 15 times per day. This may seem like a lot, but it is entirely normal. Most farts do not smell and are not noisy, and so they go unnoticed.

Many people may feel as though they are unusually gassy, but it is probably just because they are more aware of their farts than anybody else’s. It is usual to pass 1–3 pints of gas per day.

For those who feel as though they have excessive gas, there are several steps to reduce flatulence. Here, we look at 12 possible remedies.

Share on PinterestEating quickly causes excess air to enter the body, which can lead to trapped wind.

There is usually no need to worry about farting. While some people do it more than others, it is a regular part of how the body works.

However, if a person feels that their farting has changed, or it is making them feel particularly embarrassed and uncomfortable, there are some things they can try to reduce the amount they fart:

1. Eat meals and snacks slowly and carefully

The majority of gas produced by the body forms because of swallowed air. A person cannot completely avoid swallowing air, but certain habits can cause excess air to enter the body. Eating too quickly is one of them.

Eating slowly with the mouth closed will reduce the amount of air a person swallows at mealtimes. People should try to sit down and take time over food rather than eating on the go.

2. Stop chewing gum

Many people chew gum to keep their breath fresh and to help avoid snacking. However, those that do may find they have more gas than others. Chewing gum means continually swallowing air, which builds up and increases the number of times a person needs to fart.

3. Look out for food intolerances and allergies

Different people may be sensitive to different foods and may have allergies that bring about a reaction in the body. These can lead to gas and other unpleasant symptoms, such as bloating, nausea, and diarrhea.

A person with excessive gas may find that an elimination diet helps. An elimination diet is where a person would cut out all of the known gas-causing foods before introducing them back in, one at a time, to find out which ones cause the problems.

4. Avoid tight-fitting clothes

Loose clothing helps to ensure a person remains as comfortable as possible should bloating occur. Wearing clothes that are not too tight also helps when gas does occur, allowing it to pass freely out of the body.

5. Avoid or reduce intake of gas-producing foods

Some foods are known to increase gas production. Carbohydrates that contain fructose, lactose, insoluble fiber, and starch ferment in the large intestine. Gas releases as they ferment.

Cutting these foods out entirely, however, is not recommended, as they are an essential part of a healthful, balanced diet.

Fruit and vegetables can often cause gas, but eating several portions of fruit and vegetables a day is more important than eliminating gas. However, reducing the amount of these gas-producing foods may help to minimize a person’s flatulence.

Foods to eat less of include:

  • Beans, green leafy vegetables, such as cabbage, Brussel sprouts, broccoli, and asparagus. These vegetables contain complex sugars that are difficult for the body to break down.
  • Soft drinks, fruit juice, and other fruits, as well as onions, pears, and artichokes. All of these foods contain fructose, a gas-producing ingredient.
  • Dairy products as dairy foods and drinks contain lactose, which can also cause gas to build up.
  • Fruits, oat bran, peas, and beans. These foods all contain insoluble fiber.
  • Starchy foods, such as potatoes, pasta, corn, and products that contain wheat.

6. Give up smoking

People who smoke swallow more air than those who do not. The more frequently a person smokes, the more air they swallow. There are, of course, lots of other health benefits to giving up smoking, too.

People who use e-cigarettes also swallow more air than people who do not, so avoiding e-cigarettes could also help when a person has excess gas.

7. Do more exercise

Regular exercise helps keep the digestive system in good shape. A gentle walk after large meals can also help kick the digestive system into action and move the food along smoothly.

Share on PinterestStaying hydrated reduces the likelihood of constipation, by allowing waste to pass smoothly through the digestive system.

8. Drink plenty of fluids

Staying well-hydrated encourages waste to pass smoothly through a person’s digestive system. This helps keep their stools soft, and so drinking enough through the day is essential.

Also, a lack of fluid may cause constipation, which can result in smelly wind.

People should try to drink a glass of water with every meal to help the body digest foods more easily.

9. Avoid carbonated beverages

Carbonated beverages contain air bubbles, and a person who drinks a lot of carbonated beverages may find they burp and fart more than others.

When someone reduces or removes these types of drinks from their diet, it may help cut the amount of gas they have.

10. Take probiotics

Probiotics are supplements that contain the healthy bacteria already found in a person’s digestive tract. These good bacteria help to break down food, and can even work to break down the hydrogen gas that is produced during digestion.

Occasionally, probiotics may cause an increase in gas and bloating. This is usually short-lived, and it will probably lessen when the body gets used to the new bacteria.

Many probiotic supplements are available online.

11. Try enzyme supplements

Research suggests that enzyme supplements can aid the breakdown of proteins and complex carbohydrates. This means they could help with numerous digestive diseases and their symptoms.

If complex carbohydrates can be broken down in the small intestine, a person will produce less gas.

However, if they do not break down in the small intestine and move to the large intestine, it is the gas-producing bacteria that work to break them down. This means more gas will develop that will need to be released.

Lactase enzyme supplements may help people whose excess gas is caused by lactose intolerance. Lactase is the enzyme that helps people digest dairy products, and so can make people less gassy after eating meals that include dairy. These supplements are also available to purchase online.

Share on PinterestPeppermint tea can settle the stomach and aid digestion, which may reduce excess gas.

12. Tackle constipation

Constipation could be a cause of excess gas. If stool remains in the colon for extended periods of time, it will continue to ferment inside the body. This produces extra gas that can smell particularly foul.

Treatment for constipation varies. However, drinking lots of water and increasing fiber intake can help to reduce the risk of it occurring.

Certain medications and stool softeners, which are available online, can also help.

General tips

Do

  • eat little and often, and avoid huge meals
  • take time to chew food and take sips rather than large gulps of drinks
  • take regular exercise, which will help to improve digestion
  • eat a healthful, balanced diet
  • drink peppermint tea, which is thought to aid digestion and settle the stomach

Do not

  • smoke
  • chew gum, suck pen tops, or hard sweets
  • wear dentures that do not fit properly
  • eat any trigger foods that are hard to digest, or foods known to cause farts

If a person is embarrassed about excessive wind or farts that smell, they can speak to a pharmacist. A pharmacist may recommend specific medication or remedies to help.

Charcoal tablets are thought to absorb excess gas in the stomach, which could reduce flatulence.

A person who has smelly wind could also try special underwear and pads that absorb the smells.

Gas (Burping, Belching, Flatulence): Causes & Treatments



Overview

Is having gas normal or is it a sign of a medical problem?

Everyone has gas and gets rid of it by burping and by passing it through the rectum. Many people think they have too much gas, when most of the time they really have normal amounts. Most people produce about 1 to 3 pints a day and pass gas about 14 to 23 times a day.

Gas is made primarily of odorless vapors — carbon dioxide, oxygen, nitrogen, hydrogen, and sometimes methane. The unpleasant odor of gas comes from bacteria in the large intestine that release small amounts of gases that contain sulfur.

Although having gas is common, it can be uncomfortable and embarrassing. Understanding causes, ways to reduce symptoms, and treatment will help most people find relief.

What are some symptoms and problems of gas?

The most common symptoms of gas are belching, flatulence, abdominal bloating, and abdominal pain. However, not everyone experiences these symptoms. The determining factors probably are how much gas the body produces, how many fatty acids the body absorbs, and a person’s sensitivity to gas in the large intestine. Chronic symptoms caused by too much gas or by a serious disease are rare.

Belching

An occasional belch during or after meals is normal and releases gas when the stomach is full of food. However, people who belch frequently may be swallowing too much air and releasing it before the air enters the stomach. Sometimes a person with chronic belching may have an upper GI disorder, such as peptic ulcer disease, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), or gastritis.

Believing that swallowing air and releasing it will relieve the discomfort of these disorders, this person may unintentionally develop a habitual cycle of belching and discomfort. Frequently, the pain continues or worsens, leading the person to believe he or she has a serious disorder. An extreme example of this is Meganblase syndrome, which causes chronic belching. This syndrome is characterized by severe air swallowing and an enlarged bubble of gas in the stomach following heavy meals. The resulting fullness and shortness of breath may mimic a heart attack.

This gas syndrome is usually correctable by making behavioral changes. Gas-bloat syndrome may occur after surgery to correct GERD. The surgery creates a one-way valve between the esophagus and stomach that allows food and gas to enter the stomach, but often prevents normal belching and the ability to vomit. Surgery may be needed to correct gas-bloat syndrome.

Flatulence

Another common complaint is passage of too much gas through the rectum (flatulence). However, most people do not realize that passing gas 14 to 23 times a day is normal. Although rare, too much gas may be the result of carbohydrate malabsorption or overactive bacteria in the colon.

Abdominal bloating

Many people believe that too much gas causes abdominal bloating. However, people who complain of bloating from gas often have normal amounts and distribution of gas. They actually may be unusually aware of gas in the digestive tract.

Doctors believe that bloating is usually the result of an intestinal motility disorder, such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Motility disorders are characterized by abnormal movements and contractions of intestinal muscles. These disorders may give a false sensation of bloating because of increased sensitivity to gas.

Any disease that causes intestinal obstruction (for example, Crohn’s disease or colon cancer) may also cause abdominal bloating. In addition, people who have had many operations, adhesions (scar tissue), or internal hernias may experience bloating or pain. Finally, eating a lot of fatty food can delay stomach emptying and cause bloating and discomfort, but not necessarily too much gas.

Abdominal pain and discomfort

Some people have pain when gas is present in the intestine. When gas collects on the left side of the colon, the pain can be confused with heart disease. When it collects on the right side of the colon, the pain may feel like the pain associated with gallstones or appendicitis.



Possible Causes

What causes gas?

Gas in the digestive tract (that is, the esophagus, stomach, small intestine, and large intestine) comes from the following two sources:

  • Normal breakdown of certain undigested foods by harmless bacteria naturally present in the large intestine (colon).
  • Air swallowing (aerophagia) is a common cause of gas in the stomach. Everyone swallows small amounts of air when eating and drinking. However, eating or drinking rapidly, chewing gum, smoking, or wearing loose dentures can cause some people to take in more air.

Burping, or belching, is the way most swallowed air –which contains nitrogen, oxygen, and carbon dioxide–leaves the stomach. The remaining gas moves into the small intestine where it is partially absorbed. A small amount travels into the large intestine for release through the rectum.

The body does not digest and absorb all carbohydrates (the sugar, starches and fiber found in many foods) in the small intestine because of a shortage or absence of certain enzymes.This undigested food then passes from the small intestine into the large intestine. In the large intestine, harmless and normal bacteria break down the food, producing hydrogen, carbon dioxide and–in about one-third of all people–methane. Eventually, these gases exit through the rectum.

A person who produces methane will have stools that consistently float in water. Research has not shown why some people produce methane and others do not.

Foods that produce symptomatic gas in one person may not cause symptoms in another. Some common bacteria in the large intestine can destroy the hydrogen that other bacteria produce. The balance of the two types of bacteria may explain why some people have more gas than others. Furthermore, most people who have symptomatic gas do not have more gas than other people, but rather more sensitivity to symptoms caused by this gas.

Which foods cause gas?

Most foods that contain carbohydrates can cause gas. In contrast, fats, and proteins cause little gas.

Sugars

The sugars that cause gas are raffinose, stachyose, verbascose, lactose, fructose, and sorbitol:

  • Raffinose, stachyose, verbascoce are indigestible oligosaccharides present in large amounts in legumes, especially beans. Smaller amounts of this complex sugar are found in cabbage, brussels sprouts, broccoli, asparagus, other vegetables and whole grains.
  • Lactose is the natural sugar in milk. It is also found in milk products, such as cheese and ice cream, and processed foods, such as bread, cereal, and salad dressing. Many people, particularly those of African, Native American, or Asian background, have low levels of the enzyme lactase needed to digest lactose. Also, as people age, their enzyme levels decrease. As a result, over time people may experience increasing amounts of gas after eating food containing lactose.
  • Fructose is naturally present in onions, artichokes, pears, and wheat. It is also used as a sweetener in some soft drinks and fruit drinks.
  • Sorbitol is a sugar alcohol found naturally in fruits, including apples, pears, peaches, prunes, and some liquid forms of medications. Excess amounts can lead to diarrhea. It is also used as an artificial sweetener in many dietetic foods and sugar-free candies and gums.
Starches

Most starches, including potatoes, corn, noodles and wheat, produce gas. They are broken down in the large intestine. Rice is the only starch that does not cause gas.

Fiber

Many foods contain soluble and insoluble fiber. Soluble fiber dissolves easily in water and takes on a soft, gel-like texture in the intestines. Found in oat bran, beans, peas and most fruits, soluble fiber is not broken down until it reaches the large intestine, where digestion causes gas.Insoluble fiber, on the other hand, passes essentially unchanged through the intestines and produces little gas. Wheat bran and some vegetables contain this kind of fiber.



Care and Treatment

How are gas problems evaluated?

Although gas is very common, at times medical evaluation is necessary. Weight loss, anemia, fevers, diarrhea, or blood in the stool should result in early evaluation.

  • The evaluation usually begins with a review of dietary habits and symptoms. Your doctor may ask you to keep a diary of foods and beverages consumed for a specific time period.
  • If lactase deficiency is the suspected cause of gas, your doctor may suggest avoiding milk products for a period of time. A blood or breath test may be used to diagnose lactose intolerance.
  • Other breath tests may be obtained to determine if there is fructose malabsorption or overgrowth of intestinal bacteria.
  • Careful review of diet and the amount of gas passed may help relate specific foods to symptoms and determine the severity of the problem.
  • If a patient complains of bloating, the doctor may examine the abdomen for the sound of fluid movement to rule out ascites (build-up of fluid in the abdomen). The doctor also may do an exam for signs of inflammation to rule out diseases of the colon.
  • The possibility of colon cancer is usually tested in people 50 years of age and older. This possibility also is tested in those with a family history of colorectal cancer, especially if they have never had a colon examination (sigmoidoscopy or colonoscopy). These tests may also be appropriate for someone with unexplained weight loss, diarrhea, or blood not visible (occult blood) in the stool.
  • For those with chronic belching, the doctor will look for signs or causes of excessive air swallowing. If needed, an upper GI series (X-ray to view the esophagus, stomach, and small intestine) may be performed to rule out disease.

How is gas treated?

Most of the time, treatment of the symptoms of gas requires an approach that includes both dietary adjustment and medication. The most common ways to reduce the discomfort of gas are changing diet, taking medication, and reducing the amount of air swallowed.

Diet

Your doctor may tell you to eat fewer foods that cause gas. However, for some people this may mean cutting out healthy foods, such as fruits and vegetables, whole grains, and milk products.Your doctor may also suggest limiting high-fat foods to reduce bloating and discomfort. This helps the stomach empty faster, allowing gases to move into the small intestine.Unfortunately, the amount of gas caused by certain foods varies from person to person. Effective dietary changes depend on learning through trial and error how much of the offending foods one can handle.

Non-prescription medicines

Many non-prescription, over-the-counter medicines are available to help reduce symptoms. Such medicines include antacids with simethicone and activated charcoal. Digestive enzymes, such as lactase supplements, actually help digest carbohydrates and may allow people to eat foods that normally cause gas. Medicines available include:

  • Antacids, such as Mylanta II®, Maalox II® and Di-Gel®, contain simethicone, a foaming agent that joins gas bubbles in the stomach so that gas is more easily belched away. The recommended dose is 2 to 4 tablespoons of the simethicone preparation taken 1/2 to 2 hours after meals.
  • Activated charcoal tablets may provide relief from gas in the colon. Studies have shown that intestinal gas is greatly reduced when these are taken before and after a meal. The usual dose is two to four tablets taken just before eating and one hour after meals.
  • For those with lactose intolerance, enzyme lactase–which aids with lactose digestion–is available in liquid and tablet form without a prescription (Lactaid®, Lactrase®, and Dairy Ease®). Adding a few drops of liquid lactase to milk before drinking it or chewing lactase tablets just before eating helps digest foods that contain lactose. Also, lactose-reduced milk and other products are available at many grocery stores.
  • Bismuth subsalicylate (Pepto-Bismol®) can reduce odor that comes from the breakdown to hydrogen sulfide. It may also be helpful for some other malodorous forms of flatus. Excess or long-term use is not suggested as it can cause bismuth toxicity in patients allergic to aspirin.
  • Beano®, an over-the-counter digestive aid, contains the sugar-digesting enzyme that the body lacks to digest the sugar in beans and many vegetables. The enzyme comes in liquid form. Three to 10 drops per serving are added to food just before eating to break down the gas-producing sugars. Beano has no effect on gas caused by lactose or fiber.
  • Probiotics are healthy bacteria that can be found in yogurt and over-the-counter supplements. It may also improve gas symptoms by changing the bacterial flora that is responsible for producing some of the gas.
  • If one experiences constipation, treatment of this disorder will be important to improve gas passage from the intestinal tract.
  • As for the discomfort of gas related to failure to advance the gas through the gastrointestinal tract, gentle exercise is important to stimulate the intestines to pass the gas through. At times, abdominal massage may also improve symptoms.
Prescription medicines

Doctors may prescribe medicines to help reduce symptoms, especially for people with a motility disorder, such as IBS. If bacterial overgrowth in the small intestines is demonstrated by testing, antibiotics to reduce these bacteria may be prescribed.

Reducing swallowed air

For those who have chronic belching, doctors may suggest ways to reduce the amount of air swallowed. Recommendations are to avoid chewing gum and to avoid eating hard candy. Eating at a slow pace and checking with a dentist to make sure dentures fit properly should also help.

Although gas may be uncomfortable and embarrassing, it is not life-threatening. Understanding the causes, ways to reduce symptoms, and treatment will help most people find some relief.

What’s important to remember about gas?

  • Everyone has gas in the digestive tract.
  • People often believe normal passage of gas to be excessive.
  • Gas comes from two main sources: swallowed air and normal breakdown of certain foods by harmless bacteria naturally present in the large intestine.
  • Many foods with carbohydrates can cause gas. Fats and proteins cause little gas.
  • Foods that may cause gas include the following:
    • Beans
    • Vegetables, such as broccoli, cabbage, brussels sprouts, onions, artichokes, and asparagus
    • Fruits, such as pears, apples, and peaches
    • Whole grains, such as whole wheat and bran
    • Soft drinks and fruit drinks
    • Milk and milk products, such as cheese and ice cream, and packaged foods prepared with lactose, such as bread, cereal, and salad dressing
    • Foods containing sorbitol, such as dietetic foods and sugar-free candies and gum
  • The most common symptoms of gas are belching, flatulence, bloating, and abdominal pain. However, some of these symptoms are often caused by an intestinal motility disorder, such as irritable bowel syndrome, rather than too much gas.
  • The most common ways to reduce the discomfort of gas are changing diet, taking nonprescription or prescription medicines, and reducing the amount of air swallowed.
  • Digestive enzymes, such as lactase supplements, actually help digest carbohydrates and may allow people to eat foods that normally cause gas in specific individuals with lactose intolerance.

How To Decrease Bloating | Natural Remedies for Gas and Bloating

Natalie Egan, MS, RD, LDN
Brigham and Women’s Hospital

Previously published on Intelihealth.com

We all have gas. Yet, we’re embarrassed to mention it to health-care providers and friends in social conversation. Ten percent to 20 percent of adults have the digestive complaints of belching or flatulence. Here’s the good news: bloating or gas doesn’t necessarily mean there is something wrong with digestion. But to minimize gas and its embarrassment, the first areas to focus on are diet and eating habits.

The Passing Of Gas

The three most common ways of expelling gas are burping, abdominal bloating, and flatus. Swallowed air, which may stay in the stomach for a period of time, is released by belching. Bloating typically occurs with air that is trapped in the colon or small bowel. Air passed through the bowel is typically passed as flatus. A normal individual emits flatus from 12 to 25 times per day, with more gas in the intestine later in the day than earlier.

Intestinal gas is made up of oxygen, nitrogen, carbon dioxide, hydrogen and methane. The composition varies depending on the type of intestinal gas. Gas is caused by various factors, the most common of which are eating behaviors and the bacterial fermentation of certain foods.

Bacterial Fermentation

The colon is filled with bacteria, yeasts and fungi, which break down the foods not digested by the small intestine, mostly different forms of carbohydrates. These bacteria particularly enjoy undigested carbohydrates, and the fermentation leads to gas production, hydrogen and methane expelled as flatus. Lactose is one of the most common sources of gas-causing carbohydrate, affecting people who are “lactose intolerant,” meaning they do not have the enzyme lactase needed to digest the carbohydrate. Typically, lactose is found in dairy products. Beans are the second most common carbohydrate implicated in gas production. The indigestible carbohydrate in beans that typically causes flatus is raffinose.

Behaviors, Food Choices And Activity

Eating behaviors and other habits such as gum chewing, gulping foods and drinking with eating can cause us to swallow air. Bulky foods such as lettuce, cabbage, and dense breads not chewed into small enough pieces increase swallowed air.

Typically, swallowed air contains oxygen, nitrogen and carbon dioxide. It tends to not have a foul smell, but it does contribute to the discomfort associated with gas.

People vary widely in how sensitive they are to gas production. Keeping a food record to document incidences of gas in relation to foods eaten can shed light on whether food or behavior may be aggravating the situation.

Behaviors And Food Choices That Can Lead To Gas

Behaviors

  • Talking while eating
  • Eating when upset
  • Smoking or chewing tobacco
  • Using a straw or sports bottle
  • Overloading your stomach
  • Deep sighing
  • Drinking very hot or cold beverages
  • Chewing gum or eating hard candy
  • Drinking from a water fountain
  • Tight-fitting garments
  • Long-term use of medications for relief of cold symptoms

Foods

  • Carbonated beverages
  • Spicy, fried or fatty foods
  • Broccoli, cabbage, onions
  • Beans
  • Apple or prune juice
  • Dried fruits
  • Anything containing sorbitol, mannitol or maltitol, found in many low-carb or sugar-free foods

Beat The Bloat

Bloating is a sensation that makes the abdomen feel larger than normal. The abdomen doesn’t get physically bigger until its volume increases by one quart, so the bloated feeling may occur, but the abdomen is not distended. Intestinal gas may cause the feeling of bloating.

Here are additional suggestions to decrease bloating:

  • Eat slowly, and consume smaller, more frequent meals
  • Chew your foods well
  • Drink beverages at room temperature
  • Have your dentures checked for a good fit
  • Increase physical activity during the day
  • Sit up straight after eating
  • Take a stroll after eating

It is important not to completely omit foods from the diet that may cause gas. As we know, a high-fiber diet is important for bowel regularity and colon health, so it is well worth the patience it may take to slowly build up tolerance to these types of carbohydrates. Start by adding the offending high-fiber food in smaller quantities, such as a half cup or less. Be sure that fluid intake and activity levels are adequate, as they help to move foods through the digestive tract.

Natural And Other Remedies For Gas

Many advertisements tout medications or remedies that reduce gas and bloating. Some have been shown to be of value in clinical studies, others have not yet been proven scientifically but are anecdotally helpful. Before trying anything, you may want to consult with your physician.

Two products on the market can help with food-related gas and bloating. Both products are packaged forms of the enzymes needed to break down the problematic carbohydrates. Lactase, found in products such as Dairy Ease and Lactaid, can be taken with dairy foods to help break down lactose and lessen gas. Beano helps digest the indigestible carbohydrate in beans and other gas-producing vegetables.

Natural remedies for gas include:

  • Peppermint tea
  • Chamomile tea
  • Anise
  • Caraway
  • Coriander
  • Fennel
  • Turmeric

Over-the-counter gas remedies include:

  • Pepto-Bismol
  • Activated charcoal
  • Simethicone
  • Lactase enzyme (Lactaid or Dairy Ease)
  • Beano

When To Be Concerned

In most situations, occasional gas and abdominal discomfort does not require medical attention. Over- the-counter products, or a self-assessment of habits and changes in eating behaviors can help remedy the situation. However, you should seek medical attention when there is an increase in frequency, location or severity of the symptoms, or if they are accompanied by weight loss, diarrhea, vomiting or heartburn.

Treatment for Gas in the Digestive Tract

How can I reduce or prevent excess gas?

To reduce or prevent excess gas and gas symptoms, your doctor may suggest the following:

Swallow less air

Your doctor may suggest that you take steps to swallow less air. For example, eat more slowly, avoid gum and hard candies, and don’t use a straw. If you wear dentures, check with your dentist to make sure they fit correctly. Swallowing less air may help ease gas symptoms, especially if you burp a lot.

Quit smoking

If you smoke, quit smoking. Your doctor can help you find ways to quit smoking. Studies show that people who get help quitting have a better chance of succeeding.

If you smoke, quit.

Change your diet

To reduce gas, your doctor may suggest you eat smaller, more frequent meals and eat less of the foods that give you gas. Learn more about changing your diet to reduce gas.

Take medicines

Some over-the-counter medicines may reduce gas or gas symptoms:

  • Alpha-galactosidase (Beano, Gas-Zyme 3x) contains the enzyme the body lacks to digest sugars in beans, grains, and many vegetables. You can take this enzyme just before eating to break down gas-producing sugars. Doctors recommend the enzyme for adults and for children ages 12 and older.
  • Simethicone (Gas-X, Mylanta Gas) can relieve gas-related bloating and pain or discomfort in your abdomen by helping gas pass through your digestive tract. Doctors may recommend simethicone for infants and children.
  • Lactase tablets and drops are available for people with lactose intolerance. The lactase enzyme digests the lactose in the food or drink and reduces the chances of developing symptoms such as bloating, gas, or diarrhea. Lactose-free and lactose-reduced milk and milk products are available at most supermarkets and are identical nutritionally to regular milk and milk products. Check with your doctor before using lactase products. Some people, such as children younger than age 3 and pregnant and breastfeeding women, may not be able to take these products.

For safety reasons, talk with your doctor before using supplements or any complementary or alternative medicines or medical practices.

Your doctor may prescribe medicines to help reduce gas or gas symptoms, especially if you have small intestinal bacterial overgrowth or irritable bowel syndrome.


This content is provided as a service of the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases
(NIDDK), part of the National Institutes of Health. The NIDDK translates and disseminates research findings to increase knowledge and understanding about health and disease among patients, health professionals, and the public. Content produced by the NIDDK is carefully reviewed by NIDDK scientists and other experts.

90,000 What is flatulence? Symptoms, causes, treatment, recommendations – Sorbex – official site | Sorbex

This is an excessive accumulation of gas in the intestines, which is manifested by bloating, abdominal discomfort and belching. Flatulence is not a separate disease, but a condition that occurs in various pathologies of the digestive system.

Flatulence – a pathology, with the manifestation of which there is an excessive accumulation of gases in the intestines. The violation is accompanied by discomfort in the abdominal cavity and other unpleasant symptoms:

  • in the presence or absence of a current / chronic gastrointestinal disease;
  • from provoking gassing or low-quality food products.

Signs of increased gas production

In some cases, we can say that a person has flatulence, the symptoms of pathology are as follows:

  • bloating;
  • Stool Disorder;
  • Frequent gas evolution;
  • discomfort and pain in the abdominal region.

In some cases, the disorder manifests itself due to a concomitant disease. For example, dysbiosis, gastritis, gastric ulcer, various intestinal pathologies in the body.

In some cases, a rumbling is felt in the intestines, regardless of the diet. A feeling of fullness is associated with flatulence, when clothes seem tight and it is difficult to make the usual movements.

Increased gas production, in most cases, if a person is healthy, can cause the following reasons:

  • Improper nutrition. Bowel flatulence occurs due to the presence in the diet of a large amount of food, which contains indigestible carbohydrates.
  • Drinking carbonated drinks. Due to the abundance of carbon dioxide, sugary drinks also often cause bloating and flatulence.
  • Conversation while eating. Food along with air enters the digestive tract system, which causes flatulence, bloating, gases. For this reason, flatulence often appears in infants.
  • Food intolerance. In individual cases, foods can cause intestinal discomfort, intestinal dysbiosis and gas. For example, with lactase deficiency, the body cannot support the digestion of a product such as milk lactose.
  • Frequent constipation. They cause a slowdown in the course of food through the intestines, the likelihood of fermentation increases due to the gases released. The violation can also lead to the development of hemorrhoids.

Flatulence as a symptom of a disease

Sometimes flatulence is not just a sign of an intestinal disorder due to improper food intake. The phenomenon is often associated with the development of gastrointestinal diseases. The most common disorders:

  • intestinal dysbiosis;
  • diseases of the cardiovascular system;
  • intestinal obstruction;
  • gastrointestinal tract diseases: pancreatitis, colitis, enteritis;
  • intestinal atony.

Few people know that flatulence in adults is also manifested due to an unstable psychological state: prolonged depression, constant fear. Therefore, with flatulence, in some cases, it is advisable to help not only a gastroenterologist, but also a psychologist.

How to treat flatulence

Planning the process of treating flatulence depends on the patient’s condition. If the cause of the disease is a disease, comprehensive measures should be taken to improve and alleviate the pathology in the body.

Gas formation, disturbance and disturbance of bowel function can also be prevented by quitting smoking.

And if flatulence is already bothering you, have drugs in your medicine cabinet to relieve the symptom, Sorbex® will work in a short time after ingestion.

Sorbex® and dietary supplement Sorbex® Ultra are based on advanced activated carbon. For adults, it is recommended to take Sorbex ® for flatulence 1-3 capsules 3-4 times, 1.5-2 hours before or after meals, or medicines.

Due to the special form in the form of granules, the duration of the drug’s action is 36-48 hours. Sorbex Ultra adults should take 1 capsule 2-3 times a day 1-1.5 hours before or after meals or medicines.

Sorbex®, Sorbex® Ultra reduce the absorption of gases, toxins and other substances, promote their elimination.

The second group of drugs – agents against gas formation – simethicone, chamomile, fennel, etc.

Treatment of flatulence should not be independent, it is developed by a doctor based on the anamnesis received. If the doctor ruled out the presence of diseases, it is possible to get rid of flatulence as follows:

  • Sorbex® enterosorbents – an additive that is safe for health, is not absorbed into the blood. Manufactured on the basis of activated carbon in granular form. Capsules for adults – Sorbex Duo, Sorbex Ultra, children – Sorbex Kid. The recommended number of capsules for adults with flatulence is up to 3 at a time, depending on the drug chosen.

    For children, the supplement is offered in the form of portioned sachets.The main effect of drugs is to bind and remove harmful substances from the body that provoke the formation of gases. Treatment with enterosorbents is not possible, but symptom relief can be achieved.

  • Non-absorbent antibiotics. These are medicines that are not absorbed into the bloodstream, but negatively affect harmful microorganisms that provoke the formation of gases, and then go out with the feces.
  • Power supply. If flatulence is a concern, treatment should also include developing a diet that excludes foods that trigger the onset of the symptom.

Foods that cause flatulence

Some foods, after a certain time after ingestion, cause increased gas formation in the intestines or upset, bloating.

Dairy products: any cheese, milk-based sweets (eg ice cream, yoghurts). Moreover, the process of gas formation is observed in a short time (up to several hours) after the use of these products.

  • Vegetables – bloating occurs after eating cabbage, onions, radishes, cucumbers, carrots, potatoes. Such a product must be thermally processed, then the process of gas production will be less intensive.
  • Fruits: peaches, apples, grapes, bananas, apricots. They must be present in the diet, but separate from the main food.
  • Bakery products – disorder and flatulence are caused by any food made on the basis of yeast dough (rolls, bread, pizza).
  • Legumes: any peas, beans, beans. They should be consumed in limited quantities.
  • Cereals – a disturbance in the work of the gastrointestinal tract is caused by oats, processed bran, wheat germ.
  • Other products: beer, food with mushrooms, raisins.

Before using these products, you should be prepared for possible disruptions in the functioning of the body and have a sorbent on hand or, if possible, consume the minimum amount of this food.

Why self-treatment of flatulence is dangerous

Increased gas formation is a reason to consult a doctor, especially if, when changing the diet and taking sorbents to restore the intestinal microflora, the state of the body has not stabilized.Flatulence can lead to the development of pathologies:

  • the formation of adhesions in the intestine;
  • worm infestations;
  • Intestinal stenosis.

In order to treat flatulence and to prevent complications, the doctor will prescribe a number of studies that will assess the general condition of the patient:

  • blood test;
  • Ultrasound of the abdominal organs.

Based on the results, the doctor prescribes inpatient or outpatient treatment, with periodic blood sampling for research and the appointment of other procedures that monitor the patient’s health.

How to prevent increased gas production: recommendations

If flatulence develops, the diet will undoubtedly bring a healing effect, but this is not enough for the human body. In general, a poor lifestyle leads to discomfort.

Therefore, so that flatulence does not bother, pay attention to the recommendations:

  • avoid stress;
  • Give your body good rest;
  • complete treatment of gastrointestinal diseases on time;
  • in the process of eating, one should not be distracted;
  • Power should not be “on the go”;
  • periodically arrange “fasting” days for the body, which will prevent disruptions in the work of the gastrointestinal tract;
  • Remember to be physically active every day.

If you are worried about flatulence after eating, gastroenterologists give the following advice:

  • food should be chewed qualitatively;
  • the number of meals – at least 4-5 times a day in small portions;
  • meals should be varied, each meal at a specific time;
  • Drinks should not be drunk through a straw;
  • The process of eating sweet food should be planned separately from the main intake, preferably 2-3 hours after the protein meal.

Gas and bowel dysfunctions and dysfunctions can also be prevented by stopping smoking. And if flatulence is already bothering you, have medicines in your medicine cabinet to relieve the symptom, Sorbex® will work in a short time after taking it.

Remember,

SELF-TREATMENT CAN HURT YOUR HEALTH!

On the topic: flatulence, flatulence in adults, flatulence causes, flatulence treatment, intestinal flatulence, flatulence in adults causes, flatulence causes and treatment, flatulence in adults treatment, flatulence in adults, causes and treatment, from flatulence and bloating, flatulence symptoms , diet for flatulence, severe flatulence, flatulence in the abdomen, how to get rid of flatulence, remedy for flatulence, intestinal flatulence treatment, drugs for flatulence, causes of intestinal flatulence, for flatulence and bloating, cure for flatulence, tablets for flatulence, flatulence in children how to treat flatulence, flatulence bloating, increased flatulence, flatulence in women, flatulence what to do, flatulence food, why flatulence, drugs for flatulence and bloating, constipation and flatulence, persistent flatulence, flatulence syndrome, flatulence after eating, gas in the intestines, gas in the intestines causes, gases in the intestines in an adult, how to get rid of gas in the intestines, gas in the intestines treatment


Bloating and gas – causes, symptoms and treatment of flatulence after eating

Number of views: 821

Last update date: 28.04.2021

Average reading time: 5 minutes

Bloating (flatulence or flatulence in the abdomen) is a fairly common condition that can develop as a reaction to an improper diet and an unbalanced diet. But it can also be a sign of dyspepsia – a digestive disorder due to improper gastric motility, as a result of which food lingers in it, causing a feeling of fullness, bloating and other symptoms.

Signs of bloating

Symptoms in the digestive system

With flatulence, the functioning of the entire digestive system is disrupted. The gases accumulated in the intestines interfere with the normal movement of food, which causes heartburn, belching, and an unpleasant taste in the mouth. In addition, gas during bloating leads to an increase in the intestinal lumen, to which it reacts with stabbing or aching pains, often in the form of contractions. The discharge of gases eases the discomfort for a while, but only until their next “portion” accumulates and causes the next cycle.This condition may be accompanied by upset stools (constipation or diarrhea), nausea, and decreased or no appetite.

Manifestations in children

In newborns and infants, flatulence manifests itself quite clearly. The child becomes irritable and moody, often wakes up. Appetite is impaired, bloating after eating increases. During feeding, the baby may greedily grab the nipple or breast, but immediately release it. Frequent regurgitation with milk or mixture and air may occur.


Back to top

Causes of bloating in a healthy person

  • Swallowing air during eating and drinking

Temporary bloating and gas are common when eating is not correct. Snacks “on the go” and talking while eating lead to the fact that air enters the stomach along with food.

Carbonated drinks, gum and smoking also contribute to this.

It should be understood that the air itself does not pose any threat – in a healthy person, it partially leaves the stomach in the form of belching, and the rest enters the intestines, from where it is excreted naturally.

  • Eating certain foods

Such favorite and “safe” sweets are one of the most common provocateurs of bloating. Easily digestible carbohydrates, which are part of baked goods, cookies, sweets and other goodies, cause the fermentation process, in which gases are released. Bloating after eating, if sweets were present on the menu, is a fairly characteristic sign of flatulence caused by fermentation.

Products containing starch and coarse fiber (potatoes, legumes, rye bread, cabbage, etc.)) can also lead to gassing.

The folk remedy for heartburn – regular baking soda – is not as safe as it seems. The gases formed in the stomach when baking soda reacts with hydrochloric acid can easily provoke symptoms of flatulence and aggravate the situation.

  • Influence of intestinal microflora

Microorganisms that inhabit the human intestine are essential for the normalization and maintenance of the correct digestion process. But even a slight “skew” in the composition of the microflora can cause bacteria that emit methane, hydrogen, hydrogen sulfide and carbon dioxide to prevail, and then, naturally, bloating occurs.

  • Psychological factors

The stomach and intestines are controlled and controlled by the nervous system in the same way as all other organs. It is not surprising that under stress, excessive psychoemotional stress and overwork, the work of these organs can be disrupted, as a result of which increased gas production is observed.

Changes in a woman’s body during pregnancy are the most common cause of increased gas production that occurs during this period.The growth of the fetus and the enlargement of the uterus lead to squeezing of the intestinal walls, which disrupts the natural flow of gases.


Back to Top

How to deal with bloating?

Elimination of flatulence is a complex process. Treatment is developed and applied after the cause of the bloating has been identified and may include the following measures to address the source of the problem and relieve symptoms of the condition.

Lifestyle correction

Bloating after eating is often caused by poor food hygiene.A calm atmosphere during breakfast and lunch, leisurely chewing food, excluding carbonated drinks and chewing gum from the diet, quitting smoking – these measures will help prevent air from entering the stomach.

Diet correction

If gas production is caused by the consumption of provocative foods (potatoes, muffins, sweets, whole milk, legumes, cabbage, etc.), eliminating them from the diet will help eliminate this problem.

Fractional nutrition – the daily amount of food, divided into 5-6 small portions – also helps to normalize digestion and treat increased gas production.

Treatment of flatulence in Moscow | Metropolitan Medical Clinic

Diagnostic cost

Diagnostic EGDS (esophagogastroduodenoscopy without anesthesia)

Diagnostic colonoscopy (without the cost of anesthesia)

Ultrasound of the abdominal cavity organs (liver, bile ducts, gallbladder, pancreas, spleen)

Intravenous anesthesia for diagnostic anesthesia hours 2 degree of risk

Rn – metry for determining the acidity of gastric juice

Laboratory diagnostics

Analysis of feces for occult blood

until 9:00 the next day

Analysis of feces for helminth eggs

until 9:00 the next day

Giardia lamblia, antigen

before 9:00 the next day

Enterobiasis

until 9:00 the next day

Complete blood count (without leukocyte count and ESR)

until 9:00 the next day

Carbohydrate content in feces

ALT (alanine aminotransferase)

AST (aspartate aminotransferase transferase)

Leukocyte formula (with microscopy of a blood smear when pathological changes are detected)

until 9:00 the next day

The most characteristic signs of flatulence are severe flatulence and bloating.Most often, this problem is explained by the specifics of a person’s diet and a tendency to constipation. Food is retained for a long time in the intestinal region, which causes the development of putrefactive processes and the formation of gases. Excessive gas formation is a clear sign of the development of the disease.

What happens in the body with flatulence

Few people know, but even a healthy person contains about 200 ml of gases in the intestines. During the day, up to 20 liters of gases pass through the intestines.All these are natural processes that occur as a result of the digestion of food. Simultaneously with these processes, hydrogen, methane, some nitrogen and sulfur compounds are formed in the body (it is these compounds that create an unpleasant odor).

In addition, the body contains carbon monoxide, which is produced as a result of the interaction of stomach acid with pancreatic pancreatic juice. There is also air in the body that enters the body when swallowing. All of these gases are excreted from the body through the rectum, when belching or when you exhale.With a high density of feces, the dispersion of gases is difficult, which leads to their accumulation. For each person, the volume of gases and the frequency with which the body removes them are individual. The norm is considered to be from 13 to 21 passages of flatulence per day.

Why flatulence develops

Different people may have their own reasons for the predisposition to flatulence. But in general, it all comes down to violations in the composition of the microflora. The most common causes that can lead to flatulence:

  • Incorrect power supply
  • Changes in the emotional and psychological state (flatulence on a nervous basis)
  • Dysbacteriosis, disruptions in digestive processes
  • Motor dysfunction of the gastrointestinal tract
  • Disorders of intestinal excretory function
  • Increased pressure in the intestine

Flatulence, abdominal bubbling and other symptoms may be caused by the following foods:

  • ice cream
  • soft cheeses
  • carrot
  • cucumber
  • potatoes
  • bow
  • radish
  • cabbage
  • celery
  • apricots
  • pears
  • bananas
  • grapes
  • plum
  • peaches
  • apples
  • pizza
  • bagels
  • buns
  • bread and products with unrefined grain
  • legumes
  • beans
  • peas
  • beer
  • mushrooms
  • raisins
  • processed bran
  • maize and oat products
  • wheat germ, etc.d.

In addition, it is worth remembering that the common causes of flatulence are fatty foods, the habit of eating 1-2 times a day, but in large quantities. This significantly increases the load on the gastrointestinal tract, which leads to the formation of gases in an increased amount.

Note that chronic flatulence can be observed in patients suffering from other diseases. These are enzymatic insufficiency, violation of the intestinal-hepatic circulation of bile acid, dysbiosis. With flatulence, aerophagia (swallowing large portions of air), intoxication, and a decrease in intestinal motor activity are also noted.Moreover, aerophagia often manifests itself in people who try to eat as quickly as possible, talk while eating, consume nicotine and drink carbonated drinks, chew gum, candy. Among other reasons for the development of the disease, an unsuccessfully installed denture can also be.

Symptoms of flatulence

The main symptoms of the disease are very simple, and everyone can detect them:

  • Increased gas evacuation
  • Belching
  • Pain in the abdominal region
  • Abdominal distension, increase in its volume

When the abdomen is bloated, you can feel it expanding and your clothing suddenly becomes tight.You can also notice a constant rumbling in the abdomen, aching or dull pains in the abdominal region may bother you. At the same time, it is often difficult to determine the exact location of the source of pain. In the case of gas colic, painful attacks may have a cramping appearance. The pain goes away after the passage. In addition, flatulence can cause a number of other disorders: nausea, bad breath, impaired appetite.

Treatment of flatulence

Metropolitan Medical Clinic offers effective treatment of flatulence after examination by a gastroenterologist and diagnosis.To achieve the best result, it is important to correctly identify the root cause of the disease.

If the main cause is malnutrition, then diet will be the basis of the developed treatment strategy. The diet should include foods that have a minimum gas generating potential. Rice, citrus fruits and bananas, white meats, hard cheeses, eggs and yogurt are recommended. From drinks – still water. To determine as accurately as possible the product that causes flatulence, you can use the scheme of trial exclusion of each “suspicious” food from the diet.

Treatment of flatulence in adults is often reduced to the following recommendations:

  • Get rid of the habit of eating quickly
  • Avoid talking while eating
  • Give up lollipops, chewing gum
  • Do not drink drinks through a straw, exclude carbonated drinks
  • Quit smoking (or reduce the number of cigarettes)
  • Eat juices, fruits and sweet foods at least 2 hours after the main meal

If flatulence is activated due to nervous disorders, it is necessary to try to get rid of stress by eliminating or minimizing irritants that cause it.

In some cases, medicine resorts to medication for the treatment of flatulence. Especially individually, according to the results of the examination, your doctor may prescribe the intake of drugs of the following groups:

  • Enterosorbents (for binding and removing harmful substances that produce gases from the body)
  • Defoamers (the action of drugs is aimed at reducing the surface tension of gas bubbles)
  • Non-pancreatic enzymes (to facilitate the digestion of carbohydrates)

A drug such as Espumisan also demonstrates good efficiency in eliminating flatulence.It reduces discomfort, blocks blistering processes, relieves belching and relieves bloating.

In any case, self-medication is dangerous. No matter how great the medicine is, you can take it only on the recommendation and under the supervision of your doctor. You can choose a convenient time for an initial consultation with an experienced gastroenterologist at our clinic by calling +7 (495) 642-88-62. The polite, understanding and courteous staff of the Moscow medical clinic is waiting for you in Moscow at the address: Sretenka Street, 9.

Share on social media networks:

Facebook

Vkontakte

Twitter

Google+

DOCTORS OF THE DEPARTMENT Flatulence

Urakova Yana Chingizovna

Doctor – endoscopist. Candidate of Medical Sciences. Highest qualification category.

Chernova Anastasia Gennadievna

Physician – therapist – gastroenterologist

90,000 We are glad to welcome you to our website.

* By submitting the completed data in the registration form, I confirm that I am a healthcare worker of the Russian Federation and give specific, informed and conscious consent to the processing of personal data to the Personal Data Operator Pfizer Innovations LLC (hereinafter referred to as the “Operator”) registered at the address: St. Moscow, Presnenskaya embankment, house 10, 22nd floor.

I grant the Operator the right to carry out the following actions with my personal data, as well as information about my hobbies and interests (including by analyzing my profiles on social networks): collecting, recording, systematizing, accumulating, storing, updating (updating, changing), extraction, use, transfer (access, provision), deletion and destruction, by automated and (or) partially automated (mixed) processing of personal data.

Consent is granted with the right to transfer personal data to affiliated persons of Pfizer Innovations LLC, including Pfizer LLC (Moscow, Presnenskaya naberezhnaya, 10, 22nd floor), and with the right to order the processing of personal data, incl. h. LLC “Redox” (Moscow, Volgogradskiy prospect, house 42, building 42A, floor 3, room 3) and LLC “Supernova” (Moscow, Varshavskoe shosse, house 132), which processes and stores personal data.

The processing of my personal data is carried out for the purpose of registering on the Operator’s website www.pfizerprofi.ru to provide me with access to information resources of the Pfizer company, as well as to interact with me by providing information through any communication channels, including mail, SMS, e-mail, telephone and other communication channels.

This consent is valid for 10 (ten) years.

I have been informed about the right to receive information regarding the processing of my personal data, in accordance with the Federal Law of July 27, 2006 No. 152-FZ “On Personal Data”.

This consent can be revoked by me at any time by contacting the address of the Operator-Pfizer Innovations LLC or by phone. 8 495 287 5000.

* By submitting the completed data in the registration form, I confirm that I am a healthcare worker of the Russian Federation and give specific, informed and conscious consent to the processing of personal data to the Personal Data Operator of Pfizer Innovations LLC (hereinafter referred to as the “Operator”) registered at the address: …Moscow, Presnenskaya embankment, house 10, 22nd floor.

I grant the Operator the right to carry out the following actions with my personal data, as well as information about my hobbies and interests (including by analyzing my social media profiles): collecting, recording, organizing, accumulating, storing, updating (updating, change), extraction, use, transfer (access, provision), deletion and destruction, by automated and (or) partially automated (mixed) processing of personal data.

Consent is granted with the right to transfer personal data to affiliates of Pfizer Innovations LLC, including Pfizer LLC (Moscow, Presnenskaya naberezhnaya, 10, 22nd floor), and with the right to order the processing of personal data, in incl. LLC “Redox” (Moscow, Volgogradskiy prospect, house 42, building 42A, floor 3, room 3) and LLC “Supernova” (Moscow, Varshavskoe highway, house 132), which processes and stores personal data.

The processing of my personal data is carried out for the purpose of registration on the Operator’s website www.pfizerprofi.ru to provide me with access to information resources of the Pfizer company, as well as to interact with me by providing information through any communication channels, including mail, SMS, e-mail, telephone and other communication channels.

This consent is valid for 10 (ten) years.

I have been informed about the right to receive information regarding the processing of my personal data in accordance with the Federal Law of July 27, 2006 No. 152-FZ “On Personal Data”.

This consent can be revoked by me at any time by contacting the address of the Operator-Pfizer Innovations LLC or by phone. 8 495 287 5000.

90,000 Treatment of bloating in Ufa

Frequent bloating may indicate the development of serious medical conditions. In order not to worry in vain or miss the progression of the disease, make an appointment with a gastroenterologist.

The formation of gases in the intestines is a natural process, the only question is their volume.The daily rate is about 600 ml of gas, while with flatulence, this figure increases to several liters. The most striking symptom of gastrointestinal problems is bloating.

In the process of gas formation, ammonia, hydrogen sulfide, carbon dioxide, oxygen, methane, hydrogen and dozens of other compounds are formed. The sooner you start treating bloating, the sooner you will get rid of the discomfort.

Root Causes

This symptom is not specific, therefore, complaints of flatulence are not enough to make a diagnosis.Increased gas production as a variant of the norm can be considered if it is caused by non-compliance with the diet or swallowing air. That is why doctors strongly recommend that you quit smoking, talking while eating, snacking on the go, and wearing poor quality prostheses.

Excessive gas formation may indicate the development of:

In addition to the reasons listed above, flatulence can be associated with lactose and gluten intolerance, irritable bowel syndrome, adnexitis, uterine fibroids, or ectopic pregnancy.

How to treat?

Treatment for bloating depends on the underlying cause. The doctor may prescribe enterosorbents, defoamers or gastric acid enzymes to the patient to facilitate the digestion of carbohydrates and proteins.

In addition to drug therapy, it is necessary to normalize nutrition by excluding foods that provoke gas formation from the diet – carbonated drinks, beer, legumes, milk and baked goods.

Don’t waste time and money on unnecessary examinations.Make an appointment with a gastroenterologist and start treatment under the guidance of a qualified specialist!

90,000 causes and treatment of the disease in children

Bloating is common in infants and older children. There are several reasons for this unpleasant phenomenon: indigestion, imbalance of intestinal microflora, weakening of the immune system. How to determine the source of the ailment and relieve the painful condition?

Symptoms of flatulence

Bloating is a problem that causes real suffering for babies.The accumulated gases swell the tummy, stretch the intestines, cause discomfort and often severe pain. At the same time, the child worries, cries, often wakes up.

The characteristic signs of infant colic are the loud crying of the baby, wheezing, and refusal to breastfeed. Attacks occur in the late afternoon, can last for several hours, and subside when the baby manages to release gas. Children do not react so sharply to the occurrence of bloating, they can also refuse to eat and be capricious, while complaining of pain, heaviness and distention in the abdomen.What to do in a similar situation?

Causes of flatulence in children

In fact, the formation of gas in the intestine is a natural state of the body. Air enters the stomach when babies suck on breast milk or when older children eat. Gas formation also occurs when the gastric juice is neutralized with alkaline secretions or when food is broken down by bacteria that inhabit the intestines. Usually, a healthy intestinal flora reduces the spread of gases that pass through the rectum.

Excessive gas formation occurs if the bacterial balance is disturbed for some reason. In this case, excessive amounts of gases fill the abdomen, they are difficult to expel and cause pain. This condition is called dysbiosis. The imbalance of the intestinal microflora, if improperly treated, provokes the activation of fermentation processes and causes upset stool.

Factors causing increased gas production in children may be: artificial feeding, excessive use of antibiotics, acute infections, cow’s milk intolerance, chronic gastrointestinal diseases.

In infants up to three months of age, the microflora balance is just being established. During this period, the occurrence of colic is frequent.

Prevention and treatment of bloating

Putting the baby on the tummy, applying a warm diaper to the painful area, using a gas tube will help to eliminate infant colic. After feeding, it is recommended to hold the baby in a “column” for several minutes, so that he regurgitates the swallowed air. Mom should stick to a diet: avoid smoked meats, fatty foods, legumes, peanuts.

During an attack, children of any age benefit from a gentle massage of the abdomen, which is a circular clockwise rotation. Warm cramps, fennel tea, and dill water are also helpful.

Of the drugs in moderation, sorbents are prescribed that absorb gases or antifoam agents – polymers that destroy the foam formed in the intestines, eliminating gases. Probiotics are also an effective remedy for bloating. These are preparations that contain beneficial, live bacteria (lactobacilli, bifidobacteria).They help to quickly restore healthy intestinal flora.

Children’s flatulence is a serious problem. To understand its causes, it is better to consult a specialist: a pediatrician or a gastroenterologist. The Orinmed clinic is attended by experienced doctors who quickly and accurately diagnose the causes of colic. In complex cases, additional laboratory diagnostics may be required. All tests can be taken in one place and the results can be obtained. Competently prescribed treatment will help get rid of painful manifestations in a short time and return a good mood to the baby and his parents.

Recent publications

90,000 Flatulence: Symptoms and Treatment

Flatulence is the excessive accumulation of gas in the intestines. This term has ancient Greek roots and means swelling or lifting up. Actually, in this way, the main symptoms of this disease appear. First of all, this is bloating, swelling or bursting pain in this area. Sometimes this disease is manifested by an abundant (“explosive”) release of a huge volume of digestive gases.

Let us clarify that it is considered normal for humans when there are approximately 0.9 liters of gases in the stomach and intestines, which are formed mainly as a result of the activity of microorganisms. This disease increases the volume of the evacuated gas to three or more liters. An unpleasant condition manifests itself as hiccups and belching, a feeling of heaviness, distention in the abdomen, and sometimes attacks of cramping pains, which gradually disappear after the gas passes. Diarrhea can be interspersed with constipation.

It is noteworthy that flatulence is a frequent symptom of many diseases, namely, some diseases of the gastrointestinal tract (pancreatitis, enteritis, colitis, liver cirrhosis), intestinal dysbiosis, acute intestinal infections, helminthiasis, neuroses and intestinal obstruction, gas discharge disorders, intestinal atony due to peritonitis and many other inflammatory processes in the intestine. Note that sometimes flatulence occurs as a result of excessive swallowing of air while eating (erophagia).

Treatment of flatulence is impossible without eliminating the causes that caused the disease.Mandatory diet with restriction of those foods that contribute to increased gas production. You need to exclude legumes from the diet, especially peas. Regularity of food with a tendency to flatulence is required, as well as the intake of adsorbents and so-called “defoamers” (surfactants). It will not be superfluous to carry out deworming, and to take certain medications, carminative herbs, dill water.