Flatulence Problems

Flatulence refers to the expulsion of a mixture of intestinal gases through the rectum. 'Flatus' is the term used to refer to this mixture of intestinal gases, the main constituents of which are nitrogen, carbon dioxide, and a small amount of hydrogen and methane. All these gases are the byproducts of the digestion process. The process by which they are expelled is commonly known as 'farting' or 'passing gas'. Excessive flatulence problems can not only cause discomforts, but can be quite embarrassing at times, for the noise created while passing 'flatus'. This noise is actually caused by the vibration of the anal sphincter.

What Causes Flatulence Problems
The causes of flatulence can vary from person to person. For some individuals, it can be caused simply by the gas that we swallow during eating or drinking, while in others, certain foods can stimulate the production of excess gas in the intestine. A few of the major flatulence causes are enlisted below.

• Swallowed Air: It is quite normal to swallow a small amount of air while eating or drinking, which almost everyone does. But the individuals who have the habit of eating rapidly or gulping liquid and smoking, may ingest a large amount of air, which then accumulates in the stomach. The air that we swallow usually consists of nitrogen and oxygen. While, oxygen is absorbed by the lining of the gut, nitrogen is not absorbed in this manner and so can pass into the intestine and cause flatulence. A major portion of the air swallowed during eating or drinking is also expelled through the mouth, which is known as belching.
• Intestinal Bacteria: Most of the times, intestinal gases are nothing but the byproducts generated in the process of bacterial digestion of carbohydrates and fiber. Numerous bacteria are found in human intestine and some of them even participate in the process of digestion, especially in the digestion of those foods which cannot be completely digested by the stomach enzymes. These are the foods that contain complex carbohydrates and high amount of fiber. The undigested portion of such foods pass into the intestines, where they are digested by the intestinal bacteria. But, in the process, gases like carbon dioxide, methane and hydrogen are produced. In addition to these gases, sulfur containing gases may be produced, which can cause smelly flatus.
• Normal Digestion: Sometimes, gases like carbon dioxide can be produced even during normal digestion. This happens due to the interaction between stomach acids and pancreatic juice. Pancreatic juice neutralizes the digestive acids, but in the process produces carbon dioxide, which can cause flatulence.
• Other Causes: Some other causes of flatulence problems include lactose intolerance, irritable bowel syndrome, constipation and consumption of certain foods like, cabbage, beans, onions, potatoes, bread, cauliflower, broccoli, asparagus, dairy products, fatty foods, sprouts, etc. These foods, due to their high starch or fiber content, cannot be fully digested by the digestive enzymes. The undigested portion of these foods is then digested in the intestine by the bacteria. Similarly, in case of lactose intolerance, cow's milk and foods made from it remain undigested, again allowing bacteria to ferment them and produce gas. Apart from these, people having constipation and irritable bowel syndrome are also likely to face the problem of flatulence and bloating. Sometimes, use of laxatives like sorbitol, lactulose can also cause flatulence.

Know more about abdominal bloating causes and bloating after eating.

Symptoms of Flatulence
Passing air or farting is the most common symptom of flatulence. But, many times, excessive flatulence can also be accompanied by some other symptoms like loud and smelly flatus, belching, bloating or abdominal distention, abdominal cramps, rumbling in the lower portion of the abdomen and a burning sensation in the stomach.

Flatulence Treatment
Flatulence is a normal part of digestion and hence most of the time it does not require any treatment. But, excessive flatulence can cause a lot of discomforts, for which medical intervention may be required. Generally, flatulence as well as excessive gas and bloating can be cured by following some simple precautionary and preventive measures. Sometimes, simple dietary or lifestyle modifications are enough to prevent flatulence.

First of all, people who have the habit of eating rapidly should start chewing foods slowly and thoroughly. It would prevent the ingestion of a large amount of air and will also help digestion of carbohydrates. This is because, digestion actually starts from the moment we chew a food. So, proper chewing helps to break down the carbohydrates, which in turn can be easily digested by the stomach enzymes.It is also important to find out if consumption of some foods stimulate bloating and flatulence. In such a situation it would be better to limit the consumption of such food items. Overall digestive health is important to reduce flatulence.

People who have lactose intolerance should avoid milk and dairy products to get rid of flatulence. If you are planning to follow a high fiber diet, then it is better to go slow, i.e. not to include a high amount of fiber in your diet all of a sudden. Instead, include some small doses initially so that your bowel get habituated to fiber. In the meantime, you can take the help of some simple flatulence home remedies to control the condition. One such effective home remedy is a mixture of baking soda or bicarbonates and water. This is one of the most widely used home remedies for gas, bloating and indigestion.

Ginger can also provide great relief in indigestion and the resulting flatulence. Some other popular flatulence remedies are fennel seeds, cinnamon, clove, cardamom seeds, cumin and coriander. However, in many instances, a person may require over the counter medicines, like activated charcoal tablets. Charcoal is known for absorbing gas and hence quite effective in eliminating intestinal gas. However, if you are taking some other medications, then consult a physician before taking charcoal tablets. This is because, charcoal can also absorb medications along with intestinal gas. Apart from activated charcoal, other over the counter medications for flatulence and bloating are, digestive enzyme supplements and probiotics. Find out more on the remedies for bloating.

Generally, home remedies and over the counter medications, along with dietary changes and increasing fluid intake are sufficient to provide relief from gas and flatulence problems. As far as the over the counter medications are concerned, take them only under the guidance of your physician. But, if all these steps fail to alleviate this problem, then consult your physician, as excessive flatulence problems may be related to some underlying health conditions.