FLATULENCE

Flatulence, generally referred to as farting, is the movement of gas from the digestive system via the back passage. This happens when you chew food, drink water, and while inhaling, you also ingest little quantities of air accumulating in your digestive tract. Since most gasses are odorless and are typically emitted in small amounts, you may not know you have passed wind. Farts frequently have an unpleasant odor if it includes odorous gasses, such as sulfur.

Additionally, frequent flatulence may also be associated with an underlying digestive health issue, like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).

SYMPTOMS

No medical rules specify what constitutes regular flatulence frequency or volume. Consult your doctor if it is very bothersome, such as if you’re passing odorous gas regularly. And if you have any of the following symptoms:

  • Bloating and recurrent abdominal discomfort
  • Unintentional weight loss
  • Diarrhea
  • Having blood in stool
  • Signs of infections, such as vomiting, muscle ache, and fever

DIAGNOSIS

Because nutrition is the most common cause of flatulence, your doctor will want to know what foods you consume as well as your symptoms. Also, if your stomach is bloated, your doctor may check you to rule out other possibilities.

They will check for indications that you inhale a lot of air if you have persistent belching. If they believe you do, they will seek a reason. They may take an X-ray of your esophagus, stomach, and upper small intestine to rule out disease– sometimes known as your GI tract.

TREATMENT

Your doctor may advise you to adjust your diet and learn to breathe less air to manage flatulence. Improving your diet will need the elimination of gas-producing foods. However, this may result in a decline in the number of nutritious meals you eat.

Additionally, prescription and over-the-counter medications may be effective in assisting with the flow of food through your digestive system. Over-the-counter medications include:

  • Beano, which has the enzyme that aids in the digestion of sugars found in beans and many other vegetables.
  • Antacids containing simethicone
  • Probiotics, which helps eliminate harmful bacteria while increasing the number of healthy bacteria in the digestive system
  • Lactase supplements, such as Dairy Ease and Lactaid, assist lactose-intolerant persons.

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