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Flatulence |
Details
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Flatulence is a medical condition, in which a feeling of excessive gas amount in the gastrointestinal tract occurs. Air is a gas that may be swallowed with a meal. Swallowing small air amounts is normal, but some individuals unconsciously swallow excessive amounts, mostly when they get anxious. Most air swallowed is belched up later, so only certain passes from the person’s stomach into the remaining of the gastrointestinal systems. Swallowing large air amounts can make an individual feel full, and the individual can pass the air through the anus or belch excessively. Other gases are formed in the gastrointestinal system by few means. Carbon dioxide, Methane, and Hydrogen are made up of food’s bacterial metabolism in the intestine, mostly after an individual eats specific food such as cabbage and beans. Individuals with enzyme deficiency, that breaks down specific sugars is also likely to produce excessive gas amount when they are eating food consisting of sugars. Tropical sprue, pancreatic insufficiency and deficiency of lactase all can lead to excessive production of gas. The body eliminates gas through belching, by absorbing gas through gastrointestinal tract walls into the person’s blood and after that excreting it through the lung, and pass gases through the anus. Bacteria in the gastrointestinal system also contributes some cases. Symptoms of flatulence usually include bloating, belching, abdominal pain, and excessive gas passing through the person’s anus; however, the exact connection between any such symptoms and flatulence is not really known. Some individuals are particularly sensitive to gas effects in gastrointestinal system; while others may tolerate excessive amounts without progressing any symptoms. Flatulence may cause recurring belching. Individuals usually passing gases through the anus ten times a day, but flatulence can result in an individual to pass gas more frequently. Infants, who experience cramp pain in the abdomen, in some cases end up passing large gas amounts. If the problem is belching, decreasing the air amount being swallowed may help. However, it may be very difficult because individuals usually are not aware of swallowing air. Eating more slowly in relaxed atomsophere and chewing gum can help. Individuals with passing gas excessively or belching can require to change their diet by eliminating food that is hard to digest. An individual may begin by avoiding dairy products or milk; then fresh fruit; and after that some vegetables and other food. Belching can also be caused by taking antacids or drinking carbonated beverages. Simethicone may provide a little relief. Bethanechol and Metoclopramide (antacids) can help sometimes. Using more fibers is also helpful in some individuals, but can make the flatulence condition worse in others. [Source: Merck Manual of Health Information, Home Edition]
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| Category |
Disease Conditions > F
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| Related Searches |
cause of flatulence, flatulence cure |
| Date Submitted |
27-Nov-2005
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