Intestinal Gas

Intestinal Gas



It is a very common problem. It causes significant discomfort and can be troublesome. Normally, everyone produces gas in digestive system and passes it out through anal opening or through burping. But if the gases are build up in excessive amount that result in discomfort and intestinal gas problem.

MAJOR CAUSES OF INTESTINAL GAS PRODUCTION:

These gases are produced in the digestive tract by two major sources:

  • The swallowed air

A small amount of air is swallowed by each individual during speaking, eating and breathing etc. However fast eating, drinking carbonated water, smoking etc. causes more air to be swallowed and causes intestinal gas problem.

  • The intestinal bacteria

Naturally occurring bacteria in intestine (coliforms, enterococci and clostridium species) are responsible for digestion of certain food materials like complex carbohydrates etc. In this process of digestion certain unpleasant gases are produced.

The odor of these gases is unpleasant due to the presence of small amount of sulphur and other nitrogenous substances.

SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS OF INTESTINAL GAS:

  • Farting, major sign (passing of gasses from anal opening)

  • Pain in abdomen and abdominal discomfort

  • Burping/ belching

  • Bloating (fullness and swelling in abdomen)

CAUSES OF ABNORMAL INTESTINAL GAS PRODUCTION:

  • Drinking carbonated drinks

  • Chewing gums

  • Smoking

  • Eating/drinking too fast

  • Colorectal cancer

  • Lactose intolerance (other signs and symptoms accompanied are diarrhea and weight loss after usage of dairy products)

  • Use of carbohydrates and other gas producing foods (like beans, lentils, sugars i.e. fructose, sucrose, raffinose and lactose, cabbage, cauliflower, fluffy wheat products, corn, potatoes etc)

  • Poor sleep hygiene

  • Improper digestion of food because of certain reasons that may involve a disease of the digestive system

  • Idiopathic reasons (no specific reason)

TIPS TO REDUCE INTESTINAL GAS:

  • Avoid lying down after eating food

  • Practice muscle relaxation techniques

  • Chew food properly

  • Eat smaller, more frequent meals rather than larger meals

  • Make dietary changes like make less use of gas producing foods like rice, eggs, banana, yogurt, meat, grapes etc.

  • Take over the counter medications

  • Take care of sleep and food hygiene