Flatulence
DEFINITION
This is the term given to the condition where an excessive
amount of air or gas in the stomach and intestinal tract causes
distension of the organs and in some cases mild to moderate pain.
This can result in uncomfortable feelings of bloating, as well as
increased belching or passing of gas from the rectum.
amount of air or gas in the stomach and intestinal tract causes
distension of the organs and in some cases mild to moderate pain.
This can result in uncomfortable feelings of bloating, as well as
increased belching or passing of gas from the rectum.
DESCRIPTION
Gas or wind, (known as flatus, pronounced FLAY-tuss) is
comprised of five odourless gases: nitrogen, hydrogen, carbon
dioxide, methane, and oxygen. Trace gases such as skatole, indole,
and sulphur-containing compounds give gas its characteristic odour.
Large quantities of this gas may cause pain in the abdomen,
bloating, belching, bloating and Flatulence usually with a noxious
smell.
comprised of five odourless gases: nitrogen, hydrogen, carbon
dioxide, methane, and oxygen. Trace gases such as skatole, indole,
and sulphur-containing compounds give gas its characteristic odour.
Large quantities of this gas may cause pain in the abdomen,
bloating, belching, bloating and Flatulence usually with a noxious
smell.
The bacteria that live in the human colon digest or ferment food
that is not absorbed by the digestive tract. These bacteria
determine the proportions of intestinal gases. Depending on a
person’s eating habits and state of health an estimated 30 to 150
grams of this undigested food reaches the colon in the form of
carbohydrate every day..
that is not absorbed by the digestive tract. These bacteria
determine the proportions of intestinal gases. Depending on a
person’s eating habits and state of health an estimated 30 to 150
grams of this undigested food reaches the colon in the form of
carbohydrate every day..
An infant that is being breastfed may develop infant colic and
Flatulence as a result of his/her mother’s diet. Some examples of
foods in a mother’s diet that may promote Flatulence in her baby
include; cabbage, onions, garlic, wheat and yeast. Flatulence,
bloating and colic may also develop in an infant due to swallowing
air, overfeeding, intestinal allergy, and emotional factors. See
the Infantile Colic topic for further information.
Flatulence as a result of his/her mother’s diet. Some examples of
foods in a mother’s diet that may promote Flatulence in her baby
include; cabbage, onions, garlic, wheat and yeast. Flatulence,
bloating and colic may also develop in an infant due to swallowing
air, overfeeding, intestinal allergy, and emotional factors. See
the Infantile Colic topic for further information.
CAUSE
Swallowing Air causes an increased intake of gas into the
digestive tract. If swallowed air is not burped up it passes
through the digestive tract and is released through the anus as
flatus.
digestive tract. If swallowed air is not burped up it passes
through the digestive tract and is released through the anus as
flatus.
Excess gas production by bacteria in the colon is the most common
cause of Flatulence. Certain foods contain carbohydrates that are
not absorbed well by the human digestive tract. See the ‘Diet
Should Be Low In’ section of this topic for a list of these
foods.
cause of Flatulence. Certain foods contain carbohydrates that are
not absorbed well by the human digestive tract. See the ‘Diet
Should Be Low In’ section of this topic for a list of these
foods.
Lactose intolerance is a common cause of Flatulence. Lactose
Intolerance is caused by a lactase enzyme deficiency, which results
in a decreased ability to digest lactose, a sugar found in milk and
other dairy products. Flatulence caused by this condition may also
be associated with diarrhoea and cramping
Intolerance is caused by a lactase enzyme deficiency, which results
in a decreased ability to digest lactose, a sugar found in milk and
other dairy products. Flatulence caused by this condition may also
be associated with diarrhoea and cramping
Constipation is a common cause of Flatulence. Constipation slows
the transit of waste matter through the colon. This gives bacteria
an increased opportunity to ferment this remaining material and
produce excessive gas that can result in Flatulence.
the transit of waste matter through the colon. This gives bacteria
an increased opportunity to ferment this remaining material and
produce excessive gas that can result in Flatulence.
Medical conditions that can cause Flatulence include; bowel
obstructions, cirrhosis of the liver, colon or rectal cancer,
Crohn’s disease, diabetes, diverticular disease, gallstones,
giardia, peptic ulcer disease, splenic flexure syndrome and
ulcerative colitis.
obstructions, cirrhosis of the liver, colon or rectal cancer,
Crohn’s disease, diabetes, diverticular disease, gallstones,
giardia, peptic ulcer disease, splenic flexure syndrome and
ulcerative colitis.
TREATMENT OPTIONS
As with all conditions your Doctor should be consulted. Your
Doctor will diagnose and treat this condition. Ask your Doctor
about the latest advice on this ailment. Flatulence is not a
serious ailment, however, if the symptoms are severe and persistent
it is advisable to see your Doctor. Seek medical advice if
Flatulence occurs with a change in bowel habits, persistent
diarrohea, constipation, blood in the stool, fever, abdominal pain
and bloating, nausea or vomiting.
Doctor will diagnose and treat this condition. Ask your Doctor
about the latest advice on this ailment. Flatulence is not a
serious ailment, however, if the symptoms are severe and persistent
it is advisable to see your Doctor. Seek medical advice if
Flatulence occurs with a change in bowel habits, persistent
diarrohea, constipation, blood in the stool, fever, abdominal pain
and bloating, nausea or vomiting.
DIET HINTS
- Excess Wind or Flatulence may be related to eating too quickly,
poor digestion, eating certain foods known to be wind-producing,
food allergies, food sensitivities and constipation. - It is best to eat slowly, chew well and eat several small meals
and snacks through the day. - Poor digestion can be improved by choosing low fat foods,
separating starches and proteins into different meals (this is
called “Food Combining”- see the Digestive Disorders Diet on the
Healthpoint) and including enzyme-rich foods such as fresh pawpaw
and fresh pineapple. A supplement of digestive enzymes may be
beneficial. - See the list of gas-producing foods in the ‘Diet Should Be Low
In’ section of this topic. - If constipation is a problem, increase your intake of cereal
fibres, fruit and vegetables and drink 6-8 glasses of water
daily. - Milk and other dairy products can sometimes cause Flatulence in
people with a lactase deficiency. Lactase is the enzyme which
breaks down lactose (milk sugar) before it is absorbed by the
body. - Acidophilus is found in yoghurt and helps to increase the good
bacteria in the bowel and help destroy the bad bacteria which can
cause Flatulence
VITAMINS/MINERALS/HERBS
Nutritional supplements are only to be taken if the dietary
vitamin intake is inadequate. Vitamin C, B group vitamins,
Multi-Vitamin and Minerals, charcoal, gentian, acidophilus,
chamomile, slippery elm, garlic.
vitamin intake is inadequate. Vitamin C, B group vitamins,
Multi-Vitamin and Minerals, charcoal, gentian, acidophilus,
chamomile, slippery elm, garlic.
Peppermint is a well known carminative and helps relieve
excessive gas, as well as abdominal pain and bloating. Peppermint
oil is available in enterically coated capsules which clinical
studies have shown to be of considerable benefit in relieving the
symptoms of wind or flatulence.
excessive gas, as well as abdominal pain and bloating. Peppermint
oil is available in enterically coated capsules which clinical
studies have shown to be of considerable benefit in relieving the
symptoms of wind or flatulence.
DIET SHOULD BE LOW IN
The following foods contain carbohydrates that are not
absorbed well by the human digestive tract. In some cases eating
these foods may produce Flatulence. The following vegetables, fruit
beans and legumes are however an important part of a healthy diet
and should not be eliminated from the diet.
absorbed well by the human digestive tract. In some cases eating
these foods may produce Flatulence. The following vegetables, fruit
beans and legumes are however an important part of a healthy diet
and should not be eliminated from the diet.
- Broccoli
- Cabbage
- Brussels sprouts
- Beans and legumes
- Cauliflower
- Onions
- Prunes
- Dark beer
- Red wine
- Sorbitol (a sweetener in sugar-free gum, lollies, and other
diet products) - Fructose (found in fruits and honey, and soft drinks).
- Carbonated drinks
- Sugar
- Fried and fatty foods
- Raw apple
- Milk and other dairy products
- Eggs.
AROMATHERAPY
The listed essential oils are suggested for the health
management of Flatulence. The most specific oils are shown in
capitals.
management of Flatulence. The most specific oils are shown in
capitals.
Benzoin, Black Pepper, PEPPERMINT, Ylang Ylang
Application
MASSAGE: Blend any single listed essential oil or combination
of several essential oils – 5 drops (total) to 10mL (1/3 fl oz)
carrier oil ie: Sweet Almond, Apricot Kernel. Apply with gentle
massage to abdomen in clockwise direction.
of several essential oils – 5 drops (total) to 10mL (1/3 fl oz)
carrier oil ie: Sweet Almond, Apricot Kernel. Apply with gentle
massage to abdomen in clockwise direction.
These recommendations are for an adult. For infants over 3
months and up to 2 years, use 1/4 dose i.e.: 1 drop to 10ml(1/3 fl
oz) ; children 2-12 years and during pregnancy use 1/2 dose.
months and up to 2 years, use 1/4 dose i.e.: 1 drop to 10ml(1/3 fl
oz) ; children 2-12 years and during pregnancy use 1/2 dose.
NOTES
Seek medical advice if Flatulence occurs with a change in
bowel habits, persistent diarrohea, constipation, blood in the
stool, fever, abdominal pain and bloating, nausea or
vomiting.
bowel habits, persistent diarrohea, constipation, blood in the
stool, fever, abdominal pain and bloating, nausea or
vomiting.
PHARMACIST’S ADVICE
Ask your Pharmacist for advice.
- Follow the Diet Hints.
- If constipation is a problem ask your Pharmacist to recommend a
suitable fibre supplement. - An acidophilus supplement may help to reduce the severity of
Flatulence by restoring the balance of the friendly bacteria in the
bowel - Flatulence may result from inadequate digestion. In these cases
supplementing with digestive enzymes may help to improve
Flatulence. Ask your Pharmacist for advice. - Swallowing air can be a cause of Flatulence. To prevent this
avoid rapid drinking, chewing gum, use of tobacco products, sucking
on hard lollies and drinking carbonated beverages - Activated charcoal can be taken as a supplement to help reduce
Flatulence.