By: Hello Doctor Posted Mar 28, 2023, 18:02 pm EDT
During digestion there may be the presence of intestinal gas or flatulence, and it is a natural process. When you feel pain due to the presence of gases, they indicate that they do not move easily through the digestive system. However, the pain is frequent or intense, consult your doctor.
This may be due to the consumption of certain foods that generate them. Often a change in diet helps reduce the occurrence of flatulence.
- What infusions help to eliminate gases
Likewise, if you suffer from irritable bowel syndrome or celiac disease, they can cause both pain and increased intestinal gas.
What symptoms can occur in addition to flatulence?
-Burping.
-Abdominal pain or cramps.
– Inflammation or abdominal distension.
-Sensation of pressure in the abdomen.
If frequent or severe abdominal pain occurs in addition to flatulence, consult your doctor, as it may indicate a more serious medical condition.
Especially if there is presence of bloody stools, changes in stool consistency, weight loss, constipation or diarrhea, as well as nausea or vomiting.
Go to the Emergency Department if, in addition to having prolonged abdominal pain, you have chest pain.
What are the causes of flatulence?
Most of the time it is due to the ingestion of certain foods. It is also from the air you swallow when eating or drinking.
These intestinal gases are formed in the colon, or large intestine, when bacteria ferment carbohydrates that are not digested in the small intestine. This gas is released through the anus.
What foods and drinks cause flatulence?
Some foods generate intestinal gas, however it can vary in each person.
-Legumes such as beans, lentils and peas, among others.
-Some vegetables, including Brussels sprouts, broccoli and cauliflower.
-Wholegrain cereals, due to their high fiber content. However, these are important to consume since they have many benefits for the proper functioning of the digestive system and also help control blood glucose and cholesterol levels.
-Carbonated drinks such as sodas and beer.
-Food or drinks with artificial sweeteners such as sorbitol, mannitol and xylitol.
-Certain fiber supplements with psyllium.
In addition, certain habits such as eating fast, drinking liquids using a straw or straw, chewing gum, talking with a full mouth, encourage more air to be swallowed and belching or flatulence.
Disorders related to increased intestinal gas, abdominal pain and swelling.
-Constipation, since it can hinder the release of gases.
-Diseases such as diverticulitis, ulcerative colitis or Crohn’s disease produce excessive intestinal gas.
-Food intolerances, since they generate gas and bloating, when some nutrients such as lactose or proteins such as wheat gluten cannot be digested and absorbed.
-Excessive increase or change of bacteria in the small intestine can cause increased gas, diarrhea and weight loss.
Source: Mayo Clinic