What is flatulence?
Flatulence occurs in your abdomen (stomach). It happens when your gastrointestinal (GI) tract is filled with air or gas. The digestive tract runs from the mouth to the anus (bottom). It covers your entire digestive system. When you have flatulence, you feel as if you have eaten a large meal and there is no room left in your stomach. Your stomach feels full and tight. It can be uncomfortable or painful. Your belly might actually look bigger. It can make your clothes fit better.
Symptoms.
Common symptoms of flatulence include stomach pain, discomfort, and flatulence. You may also burp frequently or have a rumbling or rumbling sound in your abdomen.
Severe flatulence can occur along with other serious symptoms, such as:
- Blood in your stool
- Visible weight loss (without trying)
- Vaginal bleeding (between periods or if you’re postmenopausal)
- nausea
- vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Heartburn is getting worse
- Fever (due to infection)
If you have any of these symptoms along with flatulence, call your doctor.
What causes flatulence?
flatulence occurs when the digestive tract is filled with air or gas. This can be caused by something as simple as the food you eat. Some foods produce more gas than others. It can also be caused by lactose intolerance (problems with milk). Other simple reasons for flatulence include:
- Swallowing air (this can happen when you chew gum, smoke, or eat too quickly)
- Constipation
- eat too much
- Reflux (GERD)
- weight gain
- Menstruation (in some women)
Other causes may include medical conditions, such as:
- infection
- Inflammation (such as a condition called diverticulitis)
- Irritable bowel syndrome
- Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID)
- Liver disease (an abnormal accumulation of fluid in your stomach or pelvis)
- Crohn’s disease
- A blockage in your bowel or bladder
- Cancer (ovary, uterus, colon, pancreas, or stomach)
- Mental health factors, such as anxiety or depression
- Some drugs
How is flatulence diagnosed?
Your doctor can usually diagnose the cause of your flatulence through an in-office physical exam. They will ask you questions about your symptoms. They will want to know if your flatulence is occasional.
Temporary flatulence is usually not serious. If it always happens, your doctor may order other tests. These may include an imaging test to look inside your abdomen. This can be an X-ray or CT scan.
Can it be prevented or avoided?
There are many ways to prevent and avoid flatulence :
- Avoid foods known to cause gas. These include cabbage, Brussels sprouts, radishes, beans and lentils.
- Avoid chewing gum.
- Avoid using a straw to drink.
- Reduce or avoid carbonated beverages (such as soda).
- Reduce or avoid eating and drinking foods that contain fructose or sorbitol. These artificial sweeteners are often found in sugar-free foods.
- Eat slowly.
- Eat plenty of fiber-rich foods to combat constipation. If food alone doesn’t help, consider taking a fiber supplement.
- Avoid dairy products if you find them causing flatulence and gas.
- Stop smoking.
Flatulence treatment
For temporary flatulence , ask your doctor about over-the-counter medications that help relieve gas and flatulence. These may include simethicone or coal caps. Probiotics (such as some yogurts) and certain herbal ingredients may also reduce your discomfort. Herbal ingredients include mint and chamomile tea, anise, caraway, coriander, cumin and turmeric.
If your flatulence is due to a more serious cause, your doctor will treat the underlying cause.
Living with it.
Living with flatulence can be uncomfortable. You may have an upset stomach or just a feeling of fullness. When it affects the fit of clothing, it can be uncomfortable. If you suffer from constant flatulence , don’t suffer unnecessarily. See your doctor to determine if the cause of the flatulence is more serious.