December 2, 2024

Abdominal Disease: How to treat gas and bloating?

Clare Louise February 22, 2022
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Belching and exhaling gas (Flatus) are normal. Bleching excessively or flatus, which goes along with bloating, pain, or abdominal swelling (distention) and can hinder routine activities that can create embarrassment.  However, these symptoms and signs generally don’t indicate an underlying problem and are usually reduced by easy lifestyle changes.

If you experience gas or gas-like splutters, or if constipation interferes with your day-to-day routine there could be something wrong with it. Learn how to lessen or totally eliminate gas and gas-related pains. We’ll also guide you when you should visit your doctor. 

Bleching: Getting Rid of Excessive Air

Bleching is often referred to as burping. It’s the body’s method for eliminating air trapped in your stomach. The majority of belching occurs due to swallowing air that is not needed. This air never reaches the stomach most of the time, but it is stored within the stomach. 

There is a chance that you swallow air. If you eat or drink in a hurry, or speak as eating chew gum, chew on hard candy, and drink carbonated beverages or smoke. People who swallow air may do so as a way to relax even when they’re not drinking or eating. 

Acid reflux or gastroesophageal resuscitation disease (GERD) may trigger excessive vomiting by encouraging an increase in swallowing. 

Belching from time to time may be due to the stomach and lining or to an infection of helicobacter Pylori, which is the bacterium that causes stomach ulcers.  In these instances, belching can be coupled with other symptoms like heartburn or abdominal discomfort. 

Inflatability: Gas Accumulation within the Intestinal Tract

The Small intestine or colon usually results from the processing or digestion of food that has not been digested by bacteria in the colon. 

Gas can also occur when your digestive system fails to fully break down certain elements in food items, like gluten, which is found in a majority of grains, and sugars in dairy products and fruits. 

Other sources of gastric acid can include:

  • A colon is a place where food residues are present.
  • Changes in the bacteria present in the small colon
  • Inadequate absorption of carbohydrates could disrupt the balance of beneficial bacteria that are present in your digestive tract.
  • Constipation is a common occurrence, as more food debris is within your colon, the longer time it will take for it to ferment. 
  • A digestive disorder such as fructose, lactose intolerance, or celiac disease. 

To Reduce the Amount of Gas that is Emitted, It can Help

Eliminate certain food Items: Common gas-causing offenders that include peas, lentils, onion, beans, cabbage, broccoli, cauliflower and also train foods, mushrooms and fruits, beer, and other carbonated beverages. Take a bite of just one food at a given time to determine if your gas levels improve. 

Look up the Labels: If dairy products appear to be a source of concern, it could be because you have a level intolerant to lactose. Take note of the foods you consume and look for alternatives that are lactose-free or low-lactose. Certain indigestible carbs found in sugar-free food items (sorbitol and xylitol, mannitol, and xylitol) could cause an increase in gas. 

Reduce your intake of fatty foods: Fat slows digestion which gives food more chance to ferment.

Cut Back Temporarily on High-fiber food Items: Fiber has many advantages. However, many high-fiber items also make great for producing gas. Then, after a break, gradually introduce fiber back into your diet. 

Use an Over-the-counter solution: Products like Dairy or Lactaid can help digest lactose. Products containing simethicone (Mylanta Gas, Gas-X & Others) haven’t been proven effective, but many people believe they work.

When Should you see your Doctor?

Belching excessively, passing gas, and bloating can resolve by themselves or through minor changes in diet. If they are the only symptoms you experience. It is very rare that they signify a significant underlying problem. 

Talk to your doctor if symptoms do not improve after making small changes and especially when you observe the following:

  • Diarrhea
  • Abdominal pain that is persistent or intense
  • Stools that are bloody
  • Color changes or frequency of stool
  • Unintentional weight loss
  • Chest discomfort
  • Feeling hungry or full fast

These symptoms and signs could be a sign of a digestive problem. Intestinal issues may be embarrassing. But don’t let shame stop you from seeking assistance.

Bloating: Common But not fully Understood

Bloating is the feeling of being full of stomachs. It is a clear or noticeable increase in the size of your abdomen. Most patients describe abdominal discomfort as constipation, especially when symptoms can’t be relived by throwing up the gas or passing gas, or experiencing a bowel movement. 

The precise connection between gas in the intestinal tract and bloating isn’t completely known. However, a lot of people who experience bloating do not have extra gas in the intestine than other people.

People, especially those who suffer from anxiety or irritable bowel syndrome, are likely to have a greater susceptibility to abdominal symptoms and gas in the intestinal tract instead of excessive amounts. 

But, bloating could be alleviated by behavior changes that decrease belching and diet changes that reduce flatus.