Bloating from intestinal gas, flatulence: What's it, symptoms, diagnostics, treatment, prevention
Synonyms: Abdominal distention; Flatulence; Accumulation of gases in the intestines
Abdominal bloating; Bloating; Meteorism
What is flatulence
Flatulence (abdominal distention) - it's a bad feeling, which occurs due to excessive accumulation of gases in the intestines. Possibly abundant ("explosive") release of large amounts of digestive gases (so-called flatulence).
Causes of flatulence
- Common causes of flatulence include:
- Swallowing air
- Constipation
- Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
- Irritable Bowel Syndrome
- Lactose intolerance and trouble digesting other foods
- Overeating
- Overgrowth of bacteria in the small intestine
- Overweight
You may have bloating, if you are taking acarbose, oral medicine for diabetes. Certain other medicines or products, containing lactulose or sorbitol, can also cause bloating.
More serious illnesses, which can cause bloating, are:
- Ascites and tumors
- Celiac disease
- Dumping
- Ovarian Cancer
Problems with the pancreas, which does not produce enough digestive enzymes (pancreatic insufficiency)
What can be done at home with flatulence
You can take the following steps:
- Avoid consumption of chewing gum or carbonated drinks. Stay away from foods high in fructose or sorbitol.
- Avoid food consumption, that can cause gas, like Brussels sprouts, turnip, cabbage, beans and lentils.
- Don't eat too fast.
- stop smoking.
Be treated for constipation, if you have it. Supplement Consumption, high in fiber, such as psyllium or 100% Bran, may exacerbate flatulence symptoms.
You can try simethicone and other medicines., which you will find in the pharmacy, to deal with stomach gas. It may also help to take activated charcoal at the rate of one tablet per ten kilograms of your weight..
Follow for products, that cause bloating, to avoid using them.. These may include:
- Milk and other dairy products, contain lactose
- Some carbohydrates, containing fructose, known as FODMAPs.
When to see a doctor for flatulence
Contact your doctor, if you have flatulence:
- Abdominal pain
- Blood in stool or dark, tarry stools
- Diarrhea
- Heartburn, which is getting worse
- Vomiting
- Weight loss
Sources
- Healthline, „11 proven ways to reduce or eliminate bloating”: https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/11-proven-ways-to-reduce-bloating
- WebMD, „Why am I bloated?”: https://www.webmd.com/digestive-disorders/ss/slideshow-bloating-reasons
- Medical News Today, „What causes abdominal bloating?”: https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/321869
- Medical News Today, „Eighteen ways to reduce bloating”: https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/322525
- Everyday health, „Seriously bloated: Warning signs you shouldn’t ignore”: https://www.everydayhealth.com/columns/health-answers/seriously-bloated-warning-signs-you-shouldnt-ignore/
- MedicineNet, „Why am I so gassy and bloated? Relief and causes”: https://www.medicinenet.com/why_am_i_so_bloated/article.htm
- Johns Hopkins, „Bloating: causes and prevention tips”: https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/wellness-and-prevention/bloating-causes-and-prevention-tips
- Mayo Clinic, „Understanding and managing chronic abdominal bloating and distension”: https://www.mayoclinic.org/medical-professionals/digestive-diseases/news/understanding-and-managing-chronic-abdominal-bloating-and-distension/mac-20511032
