Flatulence: medications, symptoms, etc. & bull; hello healthy

Definition

What is flatulence?

Flatulence is a condition in which there is a buildup of gas in the stomach, especially the digestive system, which causes discomfort. Normally, when you are eating, drinking, or swallowing saliva, you also put a little air into the body, especially the digestive system.

However, if the amount of air that enters the digestive system is too much, it will certainly accumulate. This condition may often make you feel uncomfortable because the stomach seems very full, it can even appear enlarged.

As a result, the body will usually take several steps on its own to get rid of this gas buildup in the stomach. Flatulence is basically a biological process that is normal for everyone to experience.

Most cases of flatulence are actually harmless because they are triggered by certain types of food and drinks. However, it is possible that this could be a sign of other, more serious medical conditions.

How common is flatulence?

Flatulence is a condition that is common to anyone, both adults and children. This condition is usually associated with the consumption of several types of food and drinks that can be a trigger.

But apart from that, certain diseases can also increase the risk of flatulence. No need to worry, because this condition can actually be overcome easily. You can reduce your risk of experiencing this by reducing the trigger factors.

However, if this one stomach complaint does not improve, immediately consult a doctor to find out the cause, treatment, and more information.

Signs & symptoms

What are the signs and symptoms of flatulence?

The common symptoms of flatulence can be difficult to spot, but many people describe it as discomfort. Starting from a feeling as if it is full, tight, or swollen in the stomach.

In more detail, here are the symptoms that appear when you experience flatulence:

• The stomach feels full
• The size of the stomach looks enlarged
• Burping often
• There was a sound in the stomach like rumbling
• Pain in all parts of the stomach, in the middle, or in the side of the body

These signs and symptoms can be accompanied by a feeling as if there is a buildup of excess gas in the stomach. There may be signs and symptoms not listed above.

If you have concerns about a particular symptom, consult your doctor immediately.

When should I see a doctor?

Usually, flatulence gets better on its own. You should consult your doctor immediately if your symptoms do not improve after changing your diet and eating habits. You should contact your doctor if you experience any of the following symptoms:

• Chest pain
• Unintentional weight loss
• Diarrhea
• Stomach pain that doesn't go away right away
• Change in the color or frequency of bowel movements
• High fever
• Abdominal pain.

If you have any signs or symptoms above or any other questions, please consult your doctor. Everyone's body is different. Always consult a doctor to treat your health condition.

Cause

What causes flatulence?

Flatulence is usually caused by the digestive or fermentation process of food that is not going well in the digestive system. This is because there are several sources of food and drink that tend to be more difficult for the body to digest than other types.

These foods or drinks usually contain polysaccharides or certain carbohydrate groups, as well as fiber from plants. It is the bacteria in the digestive system that causes the food digestion process to fail.

Gas that causes flatulence can also appear when the digestive system is unable to properly break down certain components in food. For example gluten and sugar in dairy and fruit products. This condition is called an "endogenous" cause in the body.

Most of the gas in the digestive system consists of nitrogen and oxygen. When the process of digestion takes place, hydrogen gas, methane and carbon dioxide are formed. The buildup of this amount of gas then triggers flatulence.

The cause of flatulence due to food

Here are various types of foods that can cause flatulence:

• Nuts
• Lactose intolerance
• Artificial sweeteners
• Soda and carbonated drinks

Not just from food. Gas in the intestines can also be caused by:

• Leftover food in the digestive system.
• Changes in the number of bacteria in the digestive system.
• Indigestion, such as lactose intolerance and celiac disease.
• Constipation or constipation, because the longer the food settles in the intestine, the more time it will take to digest it.

In addition, the condition of flatulence can also come from "exogenous" factors. For example, when air enters when eating, drinking, swallowing saliva, nausea, or due to increased stomach acid.

The cause of flatulence due to eating habits

On the other hand, the following eating habits can also cause flatulence, such as:

• Often eat fatty foods. This is because fat takes longer to digest in the body, than protein and carbohydrates. Although it can make you full longer, eating too much fatty food can cause flatulence.
• Eating too fast, because it can increase the risk of flatulence.
• Eat too many portions, because it can increase the likelihood of this condition.
• Talk a lot while eating.

Causes of flatulence due to medical conditions

Smoking habits, stress, and anxiety are also some of the causes of flatulence. While various medical conditions that play a role in this include:

• Crohn's disease
• Gastroesopagheal reflux disease (GERD) or stomach acid reflux
• Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
• Colon cancer
• Ulcerative colitis
• Disorders of the gall bladder, such as blockage of gallstones and cholecystitis
• Constipation or constipation
• Gastroenteritis and other intestinal infections

Risk factors

What increases my risk of developing flatulence?

Here are some common risks that increase the chance of flatulence, such as:

• If your daily food sources contain too much of certain fibers, such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and nuts. Not that it should not be consumed. But still pay attention to the portion of the meal, because it can increase the risk of the stomach feeling full and tight.
• If you have an intolerance to lactose or gluten, which your body can't digest properly. Lactose is usually found in dairy and processed products such as milk, cheese and ice cream. While gluten is a protein mixture found in whole grain products such as pasta and bread.
• If you are not physically active, especially lazy to exercise, which can slow down digestion.
• If you like drinking carbonated or carbonated drinks.
• If you have certain chronic health conditions, such as GERD, IBS, Crohn's disease, etc.

Medicines & Medicines

The information provided is not a substitute for medical advice. ALWAYS consult your doctor.

How to diagnose flatulence?

The first step that doctors usually take to diagnose flatulence is to do a physical examination. For example, by tapping your stomach, and listening to the sound that comes out of the stomach.

Next, the doctor will ask all things about your medical history and diet so far. Including the frequency of bowel movements (BAB) every day, difficulty in defecating, the possibility of stomach pain after eating, and the length of time experiencing flatulence

You should also tell your doctor if you have certain symptoms or complaints that have been felt recently. Do not forget, tell your doctor about all forms of drugs and supplements that you are regularly taking.

All of these things can more or less help the doctor find the cause of your condition, along with the right treatment plan if it must be done.

What are my treatment options for flatulence?

Before getting into the real treatment, it's best to fix your daily dietary patterns and sources first. Apply the following methods to treat flatulence:

• Find out and record what types of food can cause bloating.
• Limit some types of food and drinks that can trigger bloating.
• Limit fiber-rich foods for a while. Fiber is good for a healthy diet, but your body may be sensitive to excessive amounts of fiber. Sometimes it takes about 3 weeks for the body to adjust to the fiber.
• Limit dairy products. If you still want to drink it, you can consume small amounts of dairy products. Alternatively, you can also consume products that help facilitate the digestion of lactose. Take lactase, for example, which is an enzyme that breaks down lactose.

If these changes to your intake and eating habits are not helping enough to reduce bloating, you may consider taking medical treatment.

Some medications that can relieve flatulence include the following:

• Simethicone. Duty to reduce pressure on the stomach due to gas buildup, by breaking gas bubbles in the digestive system. Therefore, the gas can flow more easily.
• Activated charcoal tablet (active aran). Useful to help relieve symptoms of flatulence by absorbing excess gas that has accumulated in the digestive system.

But before taking these drugs, it would be nice to consult with your doctor first. The reason is, certain health and medical conditions may not recommend taking certain types of drugs, or require different types of drugs.

Home remedies

What are some lifestyle changes or home remedies that can help treat flatulence?

In order to deal with flatulence that makes your activities uncomfortable, here are some things you can do:

1. Avoid various types of foods that can cause bloating

In general, foods that cause flatulence are those that tend to be difficult to digest by the body. Examples such as:

• Nuts. Contains oligosacardial sugars, which are difficult to digest, and must be broken down by bacteria in the intestine.
• Fruits and vegetables such as cabbage, cauliflower, and carrots. Contains sugar and starch, which can produce excess gas, causing bloating.
• Sweeteners in food and drinks. For example, the artificial sweetener sorbitol and the natural sugar fructose, are usually difficult for some people to digest. It is better to pay attention and limit the amount of consumption per day.
• Milk and processed products. Usually causes disturbances in the digestive system if the body has difficulty digesting the lactose and sugar in milk.
• Whole grains. It's best to eat in moderation, because eating too many whole grains can cause flatulence. This is because whole grains have a high fiber content, so they cannot be digested by the body. That's why the body needs time to adjust when there is an increase in the amount of fiber consumed.

2. Avoid eating large portions

Eating too many portions of food at one time can lead to bloating. This is because the food portions are too much, can put a big pressure on the stomach. It's best to eat a little, but often to prevent flatulence.

3. Avoid eating and drinking in a hurry

Eating and drinking in a hurry can cause flatulence, because it also triggers the entry of air into the digestive system. So, try to chew the food first until it is blended, then swallow it.

4. Avoid eating too much fatty food

Fatty foods are believed to help the body feel fuller for longer. However, on the other hand, eating too much fatty food can slow down the digestion process and gastric emptying.

If you are prone to flatulence, fatty foods are certainly not a good source of food to eat too much of.

5. Avoid smoking

Smoking cigarettes can cause too much air to enter the digestive system. In addition, this habit also runs the risk of irritating digestion. In the end, it results in a buildup of gas in the stomach which leads to bloating.

6. Keep your body active

Keeping the body active every day can help improve the function or work of the digestive system. That way, it can reduce the possibility of gas accumulating in it, so that it can indirectly treat flatulence.

Prevention

What can be done to prevent flatulence?

The condition of flatulence can be prevented by doing several things such as:

• Eat and drink slowly, or not too fast.
• Limiting the portion of food is sufficient, or not too much.
• As much as possible avoid various foods and drinks that can trigger bloating.
• Drink through a straw, so as not to be too rushed.
• Manage stress and anxiety well.
• Get used to an active body by regularly exercising and doing breathing exercises.

If you have any questions, consult your doctor for the best solution to your problem.

Hello Health Group does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.