Flatulence – causes, treatment and prevention

The gas accumulations are mostly fermentation gases, which arise in the course of digestion . These include methane, carbon dioxide and hydrogen sulfide. Ordinary air that has gotten into the stomach and intestines, for example by eating too hastily, can also be part of these gases.

If there is no escape of gases from the anus, so that they are (temporarily) stuck, pain in the stomach and intestines can be the result. If these gases do not escape for a long time, flatulence is no longer spoken of, but rather a “meteorism” that has other causes and effects.

Causes

While most of the gases produced during digestion enter the bloodstream and are exhaled, excess can occur, leading to bloating.Reasons for this can be digestive problems or eating habits. It is important to note, however, that not every rectal leak of digestive gases indicates a feeding problem or indigestion.

Certain foods and allergies can promote flatulence: These include almost all legumes (beans are popularly considered to be the cause of flatulence), but also cabbage, onions and eggs.

The reason for this is the inability of the human digestive system to break down various sugar molecules, which is then subsequently done by bacteria in the colon, which in turn produces gases. Eating lactose-containing foods in combination with lactose intolerance can lead to increased flatulence and diarrhea .

Diseases

• lactose intolerance

• food intolerance

• irritable bowel syndrome

• Allergies

• constipation

• drug intolerance

• fructose intolerance

• celiac disease

• Chronic pancreatitis

When to the doctor?

When flatulence occurs, in most cases there is no need to consult a doctor. It is often an intolerance to the food intake that causes bloating. As digestion progresses, flatulence will automatically subside. If the flatulence is felt to be unpleasant and annoying, certain foods can be avoided. It is advisable to carry out an allergy test.

If, for example, lactose intolerance is found, products with cow’s milk should be avoided. This means that less unwanted flatulence will occur in the future. If the flatulence is associated with other symptoms, such as bleeding or pain in the intestines, a doctor should be consulted. A persistent feeling of fullness or cramps should also be investigated further. This applies in particular if the symptoms generally occur over several days and cause physical discomfort.

If the flatulence is not due to the food intake and is perceived as being very stressful for the person concerned, a visit to the doctor is recommended. A permanent suppression of flatulence due to social conventions or shame can be experienced as stressful for the organism. The whole body is under tension and pressure. This can trigger mental depression. Before social withdrawal occurs or uncontrolled mood swings set in, a doctor should examine the causes of the flatulence more closely.

Diagnosis and course

In most cases, flatulence is only temporary and completely harmless. Flatulence is often accompanied by abdominal cramps and a feeling of fullness. If the symptoms occur extraordinarily frequently and without a recognizable trigger, or if there are additional symptoms ( constipation , diarrhea, unintentional leakage of stool), it is better to consult a doctor to clarify the causes.

When you see a doctor, you will first be asked about your exact lifestyle and eating habits. The doctor will also ask about any previous illnesses and medications you are taking. The physical examination is then carried out by the doctor. This includes palpating and listening to the abdomen and, if in doubt, a rectal examination. Depending on the result, further examination methods such as ultrasound and/or gastro – intestinal examination can be used. Blood, urine and stool analyzes as well as an intolerance test for certain foods can also be used for diagnosis.

Complications

Flatulence usually runs its course without major complications for those affected. Psychological complications are more likely to occur in people with flatulence, as the wind often makes them uncomfortable. When people with gas are around, they are unable to get rid of gas and the gas may be increased. Abdominal and abdominal pain can also occur. If the flatulence occurs very often or daily, the affected person often feels restricted in their quality of life. He withdraws or avoids social events.

Certain foods are often the cause of bloating. As a result, patients often limit their meals to a large extent. As a result, there is a risk of weight loss and deficiency symptoms. There may also be an insufficient supply of important vitamins and nutrients. In severe cases, malnutrition can cause nerve dysfunction and skin diseases. The joints can also become inflamed. Flatulence is also common in young children. As a result, intestinal cramps and colic can occur. Malnutrition in children can also cause developmental disabilities.

Treatment and therapy

↳ Further information: Home remedies for flatulence

Since bloating is usually less dangerous than it is very uncomfortable for both the sufferer and bystanders, there are mainly home remedies and techniques for treating bloating. However, medical remedies are also available if there are digestive problems or preventive measures such as changing your diet are not possible for certain reasons.

A stomach massage is suitable for physical treatment – ​​especially for small children, who often suffer from flatulence. Fixed gases can be “released” and excreted by turning and slight pressure movements. In addition, patients can be alternately positioned on both sides in order to release gases or push them away from other intestinal contents by moving them so that they can be excreted.

Herbs and spices such as caraway or fennel that are muscle-relaxing and beneficial to digestion are suitable for ingestion. This relaxes the intestinal muscles on the one hand and inhibits the production of fermentation gases in the large intestine on the other.

Artificial medicines are, for example, Dimethicone and Simethicone, which are available in every pharmacy.

Outlook and prognosis

The prognosis for flatulence depends on the underlying disease, the time of diagnosis and the constitution of the patient. Light flatulence is usually only temporary and decreases when the diet is adjusted or the triggering circumstances change. Chronic flatulence can also be treated reliably and quickly, provided the cause is known. A lack of nutrients is treated with the help of dietary measures without long-term consequences.

Bloating that lasts for a longer period of time can develop into chronic flatulence and, in the further course, into irritable bowel syndrome with a significantly poorer prognosis. Any accompanying symptoms such as digestive problems make the prognosis even more difficult. In rare cases, acute overinflation and subsequent intestinal obstruction or intestinal paralysis can occur. However, there are usually no serious problems of this kind with the typical flatulence. The medical outlook is correspondingly positive, insofar as the necessary treatment measures are initiated quickly. The final prognosis should be made by a gastroenterologist.

Prevention

Avoiding some foods may be necessary to prevent bloating. People with lactose intolerance should avoid milk and other products that contain milk sugar.In the absence of allergies, however, it is not advisable to avoid eating healthy foods such as cabbage or beans unless you are experiencing excessive gas and pain.

A regulated digestion, which is supported by enough and regular exercise and a sufficient consumption of roughage are important to remain symptom-free.

Getting into the habit of eating at a slower pace can also help. If you eat too quickly, air gets into the stomach, which is mostly excreted through the mouth, but can at least be conducive to flatulence.