Flatulence (Intestinal Gas): Overview of causes and treatment

Flatulence is the medical term for expulsion of intestinal gases through the rectum. It occurs when excess gases build up in the intestines and the rest of the digestive tract. These gases are then transported out of the body through the rectum and this condition is nothing but flatulence. There can be a number of reasons responsible for flatulence and bloating, the most common being the chemical reaction between certain foods we eat that stimulate the production of excess gas in the intestine. Flatulence is a part of digestion and is a perfectly normal condition. However, excessive flatulence can be the cause of a lot of discomfort and may call for medical intervention. Chronic flatulence can sometimes be a result of some underlying medical condition such as irritable bowel syndrome, constipation, and other digestive disorders.

What are the causes of flatulence?

There can be several reasons that can cause flatulence. Swallowing excess air and the breakdown of certain undigested food that is not digested naturally can result in excessive gas and bloating. Foods that are difficult to digest, such as starch and fibres, pass in the undigested form, from the small intestine into the large intestine. When this undigested food reaches the large intestine, a number of intestinal bacteria act upon it and produce several gases. These gases exit the body through the rectum resulting in flatulence. Other conditions responsible for bloating and flatulence include lactose intolerance, gluten intolerance, fat malabsorption, and constipation. Gastroenteritis, colorectal cancer, irritable bowel syndrome, and some other digestive disorders may also have flatulence as one of their symptoms.

What are the treatment options for flatulence?

Flatulence is a normal digestive condition and does not require any treatment. There are several natural treatment options that can be used to prevent excessive gas and bloating. Every person's body reacts in a different way to different foods. Certain foods may trigger flatulence in your case but a friend of yours may enjoy the same foods without any discomfort. So, the most important thing to do is to identify your gas trigger foods and avoid them. This list of foods that cause bloating can help you in doing so. Simple changes in the diet and lifestyle can help in preventing this condition to a great extent.

• If you are affected by excessive flatulence, you should avoid overeating and go for smaller meals that are easy on the stomach.
• Simple exercises such as brisk walking and jogging can provide great comfort and relief.
• If lactose intolerance is the cause for this condition in your case, remove all dairy products from your diet for some days to assess the effect on flatulence.
• Ginger and lemon juice works wonders for relieving bloating and is commonly used as a flatulence remedy. Some other home remedies for flatulence include cinnamon, basil, garlic, nutmeg, fennel seeds, cumin, and coriander.
• Drinking tea made with chamomile, fennel, caraway, dill, or peppermint after a meal also proves as a great flatulence cure.

These were some home remedies to prevent bloating and flatulence. There are a number of over-the-counter medications that are effective in treating flatulence. Antacids and certain digestive enzymes are the most common non-prescription remedies used to curb flatulence and bloating. They are available in both chewable forms as well as in the liquid form. Medications containing digestive enzymes may prove useful for those affected by flatulence problems due to lactose intolerance. Probiotics encourage the growth of friendly bacteria in the digestive system and can improve digestion, thus, reducing the problem of stomach bloating and gas. Another common over-the-counter medication that is believed to be effective against this condition is charcoal tablets. Charcoal absorbs the gas from the digestive system and thus reduces symptoms of flatulence. However, charcoal tablets should be avoided if you are taking any other medications.

One more thing that can help in relieving the symptoms is drinking plenty of water as it aids in the process of digestion. However, you must consult the doctor as soon as possible, if the symptoms of this condition persist for long and none of the remedies seem to be working.