Poor lifestyle and unhealthy food choices have made the world’s population suffer from abdominal issues like gas, bloating, diarrhea and constipation. Let’s discuss the causes and treatment of gas.
Although disease prevails across the globe but in Pakistan they show unique properties. Abdominal gas, in people across the globe, stays in the abdomen but in Pakistan, it travels to the head and heart. Well, science likes to object. It’s all in your head, gas produced in your stomach stays there for good.
Now, let’s learn more about the causes and treatment of gas and the misconceptions associated with it.
Table of Content
How Gas Is Produced?
The production of gas in your stomach is not bad. In fact, it is a natural process that occurs during digestion. This gas is only fine when it’s mild, excess of it results in severe pain and discomfort.
This condition is so common that most people release gas about 20 times a day, either through their rectum (passing gas) or their mouth (burp). If you do the same, you need not worry. But if your gas makes you uncomfortable and is painful you might need help. Keep in mind that the causes and treatment of gas might vary from person to person.
Signs And Symptoms Of Gas
The most common signs and symptoms of gas are
- Burping
- Farting (passing gas)
- Abdominal pain
- Abdominal cramps
- Bloating – increased size of the abdomen
Mind you that burping and passing gas is quite normal. Burping after a meal and or after drinking a soda does not qualify you for medical assistance. Gas can be uncomfortable but is not serious and harmful in most cases. Simple remedies and taking a walk can help you get rid of it.
But if you experience extreme stabbing pains or any of the below-mentioned symptoms. You need to consult a gastroenterologist if your abdominal gas is coupled with any of these symptoms
- Diarrhea or Constipation
- Change in consistency of stool
- Weightloss
- Blood in stool
- Chest pain
- Prolonged and recurrent, extreme abdominal pain that interferes with your normal functioning.
Causes of Abdominal Gas
The Normal Production
Gas is produced in your stomach when you take in the air. Air gets inside the body when you chew, drink or breath through your mouth.
Gas is formed in your large intestine when the bacteria there ferment carbohydrates from the food. The bacteria itself consumes some of this released gas but the excess is removed by burping or passing gas.
Dietary Habits
Although gas is produced with every meal consumed, you might feel more symptoms after eating certain food like cabbage, broccoli, cheese, bread, whole grains, beans, and legumes.
While fiber is essential to keep the normal gut functioning, but an excess of it can lead to flatulence and bloating. Carbonated beverages and sugar substitutes are also the culprits of causing flatulence in the body.
Eating with your mouth open, eating too quickly, and frequently chewing on gum allows more air into the mouth resulting in more abdominal gas. Excessive smoking and alcohol consumption also results in excessive abdominal gas.
Medical Conditions
Gas can sometimes be a symptom of other underlying gastrointestinal issues
1. IBS (Irritable Bowel Disease)
It is a medical illness affecting the large intestine. It also damages the lining of the intestine leading to poor absorption of nutrients which leads to gas.
2. Food Intolerance
Food intolerances and allergies such as celiac disease or lactose intolerance can lead to severe gas pains if the specific food is consumed. If you have any food intolerance but you consume the food your body will have a hard time digesting the food. This will lead to flatulence and abdominal pain.
3. Bacterial Overgrowth
If you have more than normal bacteria in your small intestine, you are likely to feel gas pains more often. These bacteria damage the lining of the small intestine which causes poor nutrient absorption. This and the bacterial activity itself produces more abdominal gas.
4. Constipation
Your body gets rid of the excess gas through the anus while faceting. Infrequent bowel activity can lead to more severe gas pains.
Medications
Your normal medication like antibiotics and painkillers can also cause more gas production. Painkillers like ipoBrufen, paracetamol, and aspirin might be the culprit of your excessive gas passing and gas pains. If you already suffer from excessive abdominal gas you should consult your doctor before taking any such medication.
Diagnosis
Abdominal gas usually does not demand medical attention. But if the situation has worsened your doctor will diagnose you through simple signs and symptoms. The doctor might carry out a blood or stool test to look for any infection present. In serious situations, you might have to go through an endoscopy. The doctors do so, to assess the lining of your gastrointestinal tract.
Treatment of Abdominal Gas
Your abdominal gas can be markedly reduced if you start eating the right food in the right way. Lifestyle changes like working on your sleep-wake cycle and exercise also play a huge role.
- Avoid foods like cabbages, whole grains, and legumes, at night.
- Eat in small portions.
- Chew well and avoid eating too quickly.
- Avoid excessive use of dietary fibers.
- Chew with your mouth closed.
- Avoid carbonated drinks.
- Drink plenty of water.
- Avoid alcohol.
- Quit smoking.
- Avoid chewing gum.
- Exercise regularly.
- Avoid Fatty foods.
Now that you have learned about the causes and treatment of gas, you are better able to understand your condition. If you suspect your case to be more serious you might need help from a gastroenterologist.
FAQs
1. Do sodas help in treating gas?
Sodas only help you burp, which relieves the discomfort momentarily. Otherwise, sodas only worsen your abdominal gas.
2. Can gas get in my head or heart?
No gas does not travel like that. It stays in the abdomen. Gas makes you feel uncomfortable in general, resulting in headaches.
3. How to avoid the foul smell, when passing gas?
Passing gas and the smell with it is normal. You can avoid the pungent smell by avoiding sulfur-containing foods.
Book an appointment now, to answer all your queries. You can book an appointment with the best gastroenterologist in Pakistan through Marham by calling at Marham helpline: 0311-1222398 or by online booking facility through the website or Marham mobile app.
Can’t Find The App?
Android Users:
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=controllers.marham.marhammed&hl=en
Drop a review for us at Playstore if you’ve had a good experience!
iPhone Users:
https://apps.apple.com/pk/app/marham-find-a-doctor/id1095243102
Stay Home Stay Safe!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qySQLKU87IU
