Flatulence is the condition of having excessive gas in the stomach lining and the digestive tract. It is released through the mouth or the anus. While it is a natural occurrence, having lots of gas in the body is uncomfortable and sometimes embarrassing.
Ways to get/produce gas in the body
1. Swallowing air
Gas is air swallowed by a person while eating food. In other cases, there are also people who inhale too much air when they feel stressed, nervous or anxious giving the sensation of being full. While most of inhaled air is expelled through the mouth, the rest comes out through the anus.
2. Diets
There are also gases produced in the digestive system. Bacterial metabolism occurs when certain foods are consumed. For example, an extra amount of gas is produced by a person when he/she eats broccoli, cabbage and beans.
3. Enzyme deficiencies
People who have enzyme deficiencies at risk as well for gas. These useful enzymes are necessary to break down specific sugars that produce large amounts of air. When these enzymes are missing, the person tends to accumulate gas.
Other risk factors for excessive gas production are those with lactase and pancreatic deficiency as well as tropical sprue.
Symptoms
Abdominal cramping, pain, and bloating are the symptoms associated with too much gas or flatulence. Disproportionate belching can occur with most people feeling better after burping. Others feel a tightening of the chest before belching and the rest get rid of the gas through the anus. Farting occurs with some people doing it as much as 10 times a day. Passed gas may or may not have odor.
How to get rid of gas: relief and treatment
1. A change in diet might be required to decrease the symptoms of extreme belching and passing gas. Because each person’s reaction to specific food groups is unique, eliminating certain foods one at a time is a first step. You might start with dairy products followed by specific fruits, vegetables, drinks, and dishes.
2. Bloating and belching are difficult to eliminate completely but there are tips that can help decrease the symptoms such as eating more slowly without hurrying to lower air intake.
3. Getting rid of stress and relaxing help in unnecessary belching and gas.
4. Avoiding chewing gum is another relief method. Many people are not aware that chewing gum and candy for hours can increase the amount of gas that you inhale.
5. Taking antacids helps relieve symptoms. Antacids that contain bethanecol, baking soda, and metoclopramide are useful in pain relief. In particular, consuming drugs that contain simethicone can help.
6. Other relief methods include using aromatic oils such as peppermint oils.
7. Eating enough fiber helps in digestion and can also lessen the symptoms of gas. On the other hand, it can worsen other people’s situations.
8. Avoiding carbonated and fizzy drinks eases the symptoms of belching and flatulence.
9. To diminish the offensive and strong odor of gas, a person can buy chlorophyll and charcoal tablets. These do not decrease flatulence but neutralize the unpleasant smell of the flatus.