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Flatulence (flatulence) – excessive accumulation of gases in the intestines due to their increased formation or impaired excretion. Very often people are shy and do not go to the doctor with this problem.
Causes of gas formation
Gases in the intestines are formed due to the ingestion of air, as well as in the process of processing food. Normally, about 200 ml of gas is present in the human intestine, and about 20 liters circulate per day. Gases are removed from an organism through a rectum or with an eructation. The removal of gases can be prevented by the high density of feces, intestinal spasms.
Flatulence (bloating) can occur both in healthy people and be a sign of any disease.
The causes of bloating in healthy people are:
- fast food or eating on the go, talking while eating and, as a result, swallowing air;
- abuse of carbonated drinks;
- malnutrition – the consumption of products that promote gas formation (beer, kvass, champagne), sweets, pastries, legumes, as well as vegetables and fruits containing a large amount of fiber (these products increase fermentation processes in the intestines, resulting in a large amount of gases being released;
- bloating is one of the symptoms of premenstrual syndrome, and is also common during pregnancy due to the pressure of the enlarged uterus on the abdominal organs.
Diseases or pathological conditions in which bloating is observed include:
- inflammatory diseases of the gastrointestinal tract (gastritis, enteritis, colitis);
- irritable bowel syndrome;
- cholecystitis;
- pancreatitis;
- deficiency of digestive enzymes;
- constant swelling may be associated with some mechanical obstruction to the normal passage of gases (adhesions, tumors, helminthic infusion, etc.);
- impaired intestinal motility, which may develop as a result of circulatory disorders or intoxication;
- intolerance to milk and dairy products due to a deficiency of the lactase enzyme, which breaks down the carbohydrate lactose;
- celiac disease – a disease associated with intolerance to gluten – a protein found in cereals;
- bloating can be neurogenic in nature and occur with neurosis, depression, stress.
Foods that cause gas
To eliminate bloating caused by errors in the diet, it is enough to adjust the diet. Foods that cause increased gas formation include:
- milk and dairy products;
- legumes – beans, peas, lentils;
- cereals – corn, wheat germ, bran;
- foods rich in fiber – cabbage, carrots, radishes, etc .;
- dough products – rolls, bagels, pizza, etc.
Gas treatment
Treatment of gas formation should be aimed at eliminating the cause that caused it. This symptom should not be ignored. In case of periodic occurrence of bloating, it is necessary to consult a doctor.
Pills
Treatment of bloating should be comprehensive and directed primarily to the disease of which it is a symptom. In order to reduce gas formation, the doctor may prescribe medications:
- Sorbents – activated carbon, enterosgel, smecta, neosmectin. These drugs absorb toxins released during poisoning, intestinal infections, and helminthic infestations.
- Defoamers – for example, espumizan. Bubbles of gas in the intestines form foam. Espumizan destroys gas bubbles, and the released gases are either absorbed by the intestinal wall or excreted.
- Enzyme preparations – mezim, creon, festal. These drugs are prescribed by a doctor when an enzyme deficiency is detected.
- Probiotics are preparations containing bacteria that make up the normal intestinal microflora (bifiform, bifidumbacterin, bifikol, etc.). They are prescribed for dysbacteriosis.
Folk remedies
In addition to traditional medicines, there are traditional medicines that will help eliminate the symptoms of flatulence. These remedies are based on herbal medicine:
- decoction of dill seeds;
- carminative tea made from fennel fruits, valerian rhizomes and mint leaves;
- ground cumin drink.
What to do with increased gas formation
If increased gas formation is not associated with any disease, motor activities can help – walking, special exercises to strengthen the press, abdominal massage. If the cause of bloating is a violation of the diet, it is necessary to remove milk and dairy products, legumes, carbonated drinks, foods rich in fiber from the diet. It is important to adhere to a 5-6 times diet, include dietary dishes in the menu – sour-milk products, lean meat, light cereals.
Prevention of increased gas formation
Prevention of increased gas formation is primarily in compliance with the diet. It is not recommended to abuse carbonated drinks, beer, kvass, etc. It is important to lead an active lifestyle, do simple physical exercises to strengthen the abdominal press. Include easily digestible and dietary foods in the diet. If symptoms of increased gas formation occur, consult a doctor in a timely manner.
Popular questions and answers
For questions about problems with gas formation in the intestines, we answered gastroenterologist Dmitry Vinogradov.