Flatulence (Intestinal Gas)

Overview

Flatulence is a gas buildup in the digestive tract that may cause stomach pain and discomfort. The majority of people will suffer flatulence at some point in their lives.

Excessive flatulence may be painful and dissatisfying. It is often caused by particular foods, but it may also be a sign of a more serious underlying illness.

Normal bacteria in the GI tract emit gas into the environment as they digest food. Consuming carbonated beverages or chewing gum may cause a rise in your blood sugar level. The gas may be expelled via the rectum or the mouth cavity.

In certain instances, extremely odorous or unpleasant gas may be generated by a medical condition that prevents the body from adequately digesting the food that has been consumed. Lactose intolerance, as well as celiac disease, are two examples of this kind of sensitivity.

Flatulence happens when food is not completely digested in the stomach or small intestine before reaching the large intestine.

In most cases, changing one’s diet and lifestyle may help control excessive gas.

When we eat, drink, or salivate, we swallow little amounts of air along with our food and fluids. The stomach fills up with the air that is consumed. The two most prevalent components of the gas generated by our digestive system are nitrogen and oxygen.

When food is digested, gas is released into the atmosphere, most often in the forms of hydrogen, methane, and carbon dioxide. Depending on the circumstances, it may be required to expel gas from the body through the mouth, belching, or blowing via the anal canal. There is no odor, and just a little quantity is expelled. When there is an odor, it is usually caused by trace amounts of sulfur fumes. Food starts to deteriorate and emit sulfur into the environment if it is not completely digested.

Causes

A digestive system problem or a medical condition may both produce flatulence. It may be caused by normal physiological processes or by a medical condition. Exogenous sources are those that come from somewhere other than the body. We swallow air when we eat, drink, or gulp saliva. This also occurs when we have a lot of saliva because of an illness or acid reflux.

The gastrointestinal system has endogenous sources. Some foods may generate gas as a byproduct of digestion. It may also occur if food is not completely digested.

Flatulence is produced by bacteria in the intestines that produce intestinal gas because of the inter breakdown of carbohydrates as well as polysaccharides. Excessive flatulence in this case is accompanied by intestinal gas pain. Gas trapped in the intestines may be very painful having the symptoms of sharp pain, stiffness, cramps, edema, and bloating. The typical individual passes gas 13 to 21 times each day. Bacterial overgrowth in the small intestine is another cause of constant gas production leading to a lot of farting.

Maldigestion or malabsorption of carbohydrates and polysaccharides, as observed in celiac disease and chronic pancreatitis with pancreatic insufficiency also causes excessive flatulence.

There are certain health conditions that also cause the individual to flatuate a lot.

Irritable bowel syndrome, bloating and distention, constipation, and dyspepsia gastrointestinal disorders that may cause gas discomfort. These problems may cause greater bloating and stomach pain, as well as a change in the pace at which gas moves through your intestines.

Individuals who have trouble digesting specific carbs may have gas symptoms such as bloating, stomach pain, or diarrhea after eating carbohydrates-containing meals or drinks. Lactose intolerance is a condition in which people have digestive issues after consuming lactose-containing foods or drinks. Dietary fructose intolerance is a condition in which people suffer digestive pain after consuming high-fructose foods or drinks. These conditions lead to excessive flatulence.

Symptoms

Flatulence symptoms are characterized by the excessive passage of gas from the rectum, frequently accompanied by audible sounds and a distinct odor. Excessive flatulence can be unpleasant and embarrassing, although this is a normal biological function. Common symptoms include frequent belching, bloating, abdominal discomfort, and a sense of fullness. Certain foods or beverages, particularly those high in fiber, sweets, or dairy, may also cause excessive flatulence.

Diagnosis

Your healthcare provider may ask for a detailed medical history and physical examination for a Flatulence diagnosis. cIt is critical to understand the frequency and intensity of symptoms and any food patterns or gastrointestinal disorders. Diagnostic tests such as lactose or fructose intolerance, breath tests, endoscopy, or imaging scans may be recommended in some situations to rule out underlying digestive problems such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) or inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).

Treatment

Flatulence treatment entails addressing the underlying cause as well as managing symptoms. Individuals are typically advised to identify and avoid trigger foods that contribute to increased gas production as the first step. Reducing your intake of gas-producing foods such as beans, cabbage, and carbonated beverages can help. 

Simethicone-containing over-the-counter drugs may aid in the breakdown of gas bubbles in the digestive tract. Individuals suffering from diseases like IBS may be provided dietary fiber supplements or medicines to alleviate symptoms. Finally, treatment is personalized to the individual’s specific diagnosis and needs to minimize flatulence and improve overall digestive comfort.

When To See A Doctor

Gas is harmless, although uncomfortable, for some people, but it may also indicate a more serious digestive problem, such as a bowel obstruction or malabsorption illness. You should see a primary care physician if gas symptoms bother you and change abruptly.

Consult a doctor if you have any of the following symptoms:

• Feces with blood
• Fever
• Diarrhea, vomiting, or both over an extended period
• Unexpected weight loss
• Heartburn

In addition, if gas starts to occur more often and a person feels it moving through the digestive system in new places, it is crucial to see a doctor.

The doctor will examine the patient’s symptoms, medical history, food, and medications. Blood tests and imaging studies may help confirm a diagnosis by revealing signs of digestive system inflammation.

Summary 

Flatulence, or gas buildup in the digestive tract, can cause discomfort and stomach pain. According to the study, up to 25% of the population reports experiencing excessive gas at some point in their lives, often triggered by specific foods or underlying medical conditions. The digestive system naturally produces gas through the action of bacteria breaking down food, resulting in gases such as hydrogen, methane, and carbon dioxide. While passing gas is normal—averaging about 13 to 21 times a day for most individuals—excessive or foul-smelling gas can indicate issues like lactose intolerance (affecting about 68% of the world’s population) or celiac disease (estimated to affect about 1% of the global population).

Flatulence may arise from both physiological processes and medical conditions. Swallowing air while eating, drinking, or salivating contributes to gas buildup; studies suggest that individuals can swallow about 2-3 liters of air daily. Additionally, the digestion of certain foods can produce gas, particularly carbohydrates and polysaccharides. Conditions like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)—affecting an estimated 9-23% of the population—bloating, constipation, and digestive disorders may exacerbate gas production and cause discomfort.

Common symptoms of excessive flatulence include frequent gas passage, bloating, abdominal pain, and a feeling of fullness. To diagnose flatulence, healthcare providers may conduct a medical history review, physical examination, and diagnostic tests such as breath tests or endoscopies to rule out serious conditions like IBS or inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), which affects about 1.3% of Americans.

Treatment focuses on managing symptoms and addressing the underlying causes. Identifying and avoiding trigger foods, such as beans, cabbage, and carbonated beverages, can help reduce gas. Over-the-counter medications containing simethicone may alleviate gas bubbles. If symptoms are persistent or worsen, especially if accompanied by concerning signs like bloody stool, fever, or unexplained weight loss, it’s important to consult a doctor for further evaluation and treatment.

Disclaimer

This information is intended for educational purposes only and should not be considered a substitute for professional medical advice. If you have concerns about flatulence or any other medical condition, please see a doctor for an accurate diagnosis and personalized treatment suggestions.