Flatulence

What are the symptoms of flatulence?

Symptoms of excessive flatulence include:

• Passing wind frequently
• Smelly and loud passing of gas
• Abdominal swelling and discomfort
• Rumbling in the lower abdomen

Digestion and intestinal fermentation:

Gases are produced in the digestive tract as a side product of digestion and fermentation of food and are pushed along the bowel.

Food and drink:

Intake of foods containing unabsorbable carbohydrates, such as high-fibre diets, carbonated drinks, artificial sweetners, some vegetables (beans, cabbage, onions and broccoli), fruits (apple, apricot and pear) and dry fruits like raisins and fructose-containing fruit juices may cause flatulence.

Health conditions:

Certain conditions of digestive system can also cause excessive flatulence, such as:

• Malabsorption – inability of the intestines to absorb nutrients properly
• Indigestion and constipation
• Infections of the digestive system such as gastroenteritis and giardiasis
• Coeliac disease commonly known as gluten intolerance, or wheat allergy
• Lactose intolerance (intolerance to dairy products)
• Irritable bowel syndrome – disorder of the digestive system with symptoms like recurrent stomach cramps, bloating, diarrhoea, and constipation

Medications:

Flatulence can be a side effect of some medications such as antifungal medicines, laxatives, pain medications such as ibuprofen and cholesterol lowering drugs like statins.

How is excessive flatulence treated?

Excessive flatulence can usually be treated by making changes to diet and lifestyle.

Diet changes

• Reduce use of dairy products: Try using low-lactose dairy foods, such as yoghurt, instead of milk.
• Observe and avoid flatulence-causing foods from daily routine.
• Cut back on fried foods and carbonated drinks.
• Temporarily reduce the intake of high-fibre food.

Lifestyle changes

• Try small portions of a healthy diet
• Eat slowly, chew food thoroughly, and do not gulp
• Avoid chewing gum, sucking on hard candies, and drinking through a straw
• Dentures should be firm and well set
• Quit smoking
• Regular physical exercise

Medications

Your doctor will suggest you the best medication, if required, to treat excessive flatulence. While many over-the-counter products are available to control excessive flatulence, always consult a doctor before taking any such medications.

Dietary supplements

Some supplements may help improve the digestion of food and prevent flatulence. Probiotics encourage the growth of friendly bacteria in the digestive system, which help in digestion and reduce symptoms of flatulence.

Deodorising products

Some wearable products (carbon fibre underwears) to deodorise gas may also be considered. While these appear to be effective, they may not be easily available and are expensive.

To know more about flatulence and its treatment, you can request for a call back and our experts will call you and answer all your queries.

References