Gases in the digestive system, flatulence: What's it, causes, symptoms, diagnostics, treatment, prevention

Gas – flatulence; Flatulence; Blow

Flatulence – What's it?

Flatulence is a medical term, denoting excessive gas formation in the stomach or intestines. This is commonly referred to as "gassing" or "farting". Flatulence is usually caused by the breakdown of food in the digestive system.. Gas formation is normal and occurs naturally. But, if you experience excessive gas, it could be a symptom of a more serious digestive disorder. Understanding, what causes flatulence, and available treatments can help you manage your symptoms.

Gas, which exits the digestive tract through the mouth, called a burp .

Causes of flatulence

Flatulence is usually caused by the natural breakdown of food in the digestive system.. When food moves through the digestive tract, bacteria break down certain foods. This process may produce carbon dioxide., hydrogen and methane, as well as sulfur compounds.

In some cases, flatulence may be caused by an underlying digestive disorder.. These conditions include irritable bowel syndrome (CPK), lactose intolerance or allergies or sensitivities to certain foods. These conditions may lead to, that your digestive system will become more sensitive to certain foods.

Gas can be caused by certain foods, which do you eat. You may have gas, if you:

• eat food, which are difficult to digest, eg, fiber. Sometimes adding more fiber to your diet can cause temporary gas.. The body can adjust and stop producing gas over time.
• Eat or drink it, that the body cannot digest. For Example, some people are lactose intolerant, and they cannot eat or drink dairy products.

Other potential causes of flatulence include swallowing excess air (aerofagija), consuming too much fiber or eating foods, which are not easily digested.

Symptoms of flatulence

The most common symptom of flatulence is frequent gas, often accompanied by an unpleasant odor. Some people may experience other symptoms, associated with flatulence, such as abdominal discomfort or cramps, bloating and belching.

When to see a doctor

It is important to contact a healthcare professional, if you experience excessive gas, and symptoms affect your daily life. Excessive flatulence may be a symptom of a more serious digestive problem., such as IBS. Your doctor may recommend tests to diagnose and treat the underlying condition.

Questions, that your doctor may ask

The doctor will perform a physical exam and ask questions about your medical history and symptoms, such as:

• What foods do you usually eat?
• Has your diet changed recently??
• Has the amount of fiber in the diet increased??
• How fast do you eat, chew and swallow food?
• Do you think, that gas is associated with eating dairy products or certain other foods?
• What medications do you take?
• Do you have other symptoms, such as abdominal pain, diarrhea, early satiety (premature feeling of fullness after eating), bloating or weight loss?
• Whether you chew artificially sweetened gum or eat artificially sweetened candy? (They often contain indigestible sugars, which can lead to gas formation.)

Diagnosis of flatulence

Your doctor will use the information, collected from your medical history and questions, to diagnose. He may also refer you to a specialist for tests..

Tests, which can be fulfilled, include:

• CT of the abdomen
• Abdominal ultrasound
• X-ray with barium enema
• X-ray with barium swallow
• Blood tests, such as a complete blood count or differential blood count
• Sigmoidoscopy
• Esophagogastroduodenoscopy (ESOPHAGOGASTRODUODENOSCOPY)
• breath test

Flatulence treatment

Flatulence treatment depends on the underlying cause. If flatulence is caused by food sensitivities or intolerances, dietary adjustments may be needed. Your doctor may recommend certain foods, to minimize symptoms and make dietary adjustments.

If flatulence causes underlying digestive upset, the doctor may recommend medication, helping to manage symptoms.

Home treatment for intestinal gas

In addition to any medical treatment, there are several home remedies., which you can try at home, to manage symptoms. These include:

1. Gradually increase your fiber intake

Products, rich in fiber, can help digestion, but too much intake can cause gas and bloating. Gradually increase your fiber intake, to reduce symptoms.

2. Limit high fiber foods

Fiber may be good for digestion, but some people experience more symptoms from certain high fiber foods. Try eliminating these foods from your diet, to reduce symptoms.

3. Exercise regularly

Regular exercise can help reduce gas and bloating.

4. Avoid trigger foods

When it comes to stomach gas, it is important to identify and avoid any trigger foods. If food causes symptoms, better to avoid it.

5. Get enough rest

Getting enough rest is important for overall health and may help reduce flatulence symptoms..

6. Relaxation exercises

Relaxation exercises can help reduce stress and relieve flatulence symptoms.

Prevention of flatulence

There are several lifestyle modifications, which you can contribute, to reduce the occurrence of flatulence. These include:

1. Avoid trigger foods

Identifying and Avoiding Trigger Foods Can Help Reduce Flatulence Symptoms.

2. Eat small meals

Eating smaller meals more frequently can help digestion and reduce gas and bloating..

3. Chew food thoroughly

Chewing food thoroughly can help the digestion process and reduce the amount of gas produced..

4. Avoid carbonated drinks

Carbonated drinks can increase the amount of gas in the intestines and lead to flatulence.

5. Avoid artificial sweeteners

Artificial sweeteners are difficult to digest and can cause gas and bloating.

6. Drink plenty of water

Drinking plenty of water can help keep your gut healthy and reduce symptoms of flatulence..

7. Limiting the intake of high fiber foods

High-fiber foods are hard to digest and can lead to gas and bloating. Limit these foods or try introducing them gradually..

8. Smoking cessation

Smoking can interfere with digestion and can lead to flatulence.

9. Product use, rich in probiotics

Foods rich in probiotics, such as yogurt and sauerkraut, may help improve digestion and reduce gas and bloating.

10. Exercise regularly

Regular exercise can help reduce flatulence symptoms.

realizing, what causes gas in the intestines and available treatments, you can effectively manage your symptoms. Many of the lifestyle modifications described above can help reduce flatulence and improve digestion.. If you are still experiencing symptoms after making lifestyle changes, it is important to see a doctor.

Used sources and literature

Azpiroz F. Intestinal gas. In: Feldman M, Friedman LS, Brandt LJ, eds. Sleisenger and Fordtran’s Gastrointestinal and Liver Disease. 11th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2021:chap 17.

Hall JE, Hall ME. Physiology of gastrointestinal disorders. In: Hall JE, Hall ME, eds. Guyton and Hall Textbook of Medical Physiology. 14th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2021:chap 67.

McQuaid KR. Approach to the patient with gastrointestinal disease. In: Goldman L, Schafer AI, eds. Goldman-Cecil Medicine. 26th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2020:chap 123.