Understanding Flatulence Symptom: What It Is & Why It Happens

Types of Flatulence

Flatulence is the accumulation of gas in the digestive tract. Recognizing its type can help in identifying the cause and improving digestive health.

Primary Types

• Normal Flatulence: Caused by the breakdown of food in the intestines, particularly fibre-rich diets.
• Excessive Flatulence: Characterised by increased frequency, volume, or odour, often due to diet or underlying conditions.

Secondary Types

• Smelly Flatulence: Usually results from sulphur-containing foods or bacterial imbalance.
• Silent Flatulence: Gas is released without sound, often unnoticed but can still cause discomfort.

Flatulence Common Causes

Swallowing Excess Air

• Chewing gum
• Sucking on hard candy
• Drinking carbonated drinks
• Eating or drinking too quickly
• Smoking
• Wearing loose-fitting dentures

Difficult-to-Digest Foods

• Foods high in carbohydrates that are not fully digested by the stomach and small intestine
• Examples include beans, broccoli, and whole grains

Digestive System Conditions

• Indigestion
• Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)
• Functional gastrointestinal disorders like functional abdominal bloating and constipation

Medications

• Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
• Statins
• Certain laxatives

Conditions that Cause Flatulence

Persistent or excessive flatulence may point to underlying gastrointestinal or metabolic disorders.

• Lactose intolerance
• Celiac disease
• Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
• Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
• Pancreatic insufficiency
• Constipation
• Food intolerances (e.g., FODMAP sensitivity)

Flatulence Related Symptoms

• Belching
  • Release of gas from the stomach through the mouth.
  • Often due to swallowing too much air.
• Bloating and Distention
  • Feeling of fullness or swelling in the abdomen.
  • Distention refers to the visible increase in abdominal size. May cause abdominal discomfort or pain.
• Passing Gas
  • Average of 8 to 14 times a day; up to 25 times is considered normal.
  • Excess gas leading to flatulence may have an unpleasant odor due to sulfur.

When to See a Doctor?

While flatulence is usually harmless, certain patterns or symptoms warrant medical attention.

• Severe bloating or distended abdomen
• Cramps or abdominal pain
• Nausea, constipation, or diarrhea
• Severe heartburn
• Black, tarry stools or blood in stools
• Unexplained weight loss

Flatulence Diagnosis & Tests

To identify the cause of chronic or excessive flatulence, healthcare providers may use various tests.

Physical Exams

• Abdominal palpation
• Bowel sound assessment

Lab Tests

• Stool analysis
• Hydrogen breath test (for lactose intolerance or SIBO)

Imaging Tests

• Abdominal X-ray or ultrasound (if obstruction suspected)

Specialized Diagnostics

• Endoscopy or colonoscopy (if structural or inflammatory causes suspected)

Flatulence Treatment & Management

Swallowing Less Air

• Avoid chewing gum and sucking on hard candy
• Avoid carbonated drinks and drinking with a straw
• Eat and drink more slowly
• Quit smoking
• Ensure dentures fit correctly

Changing Diet

• Reduce intake of cruciferous vegetables (broccoli, cauliflower) and legumes (beans, peas)
• Limit high-fiber, fructose, or lactose foods
• Avoid sugar-free products containing artificial sweeteners ending in "-ol"

Medications and Supplements

• Over-the-counter medicines to reduce gas
• Prescription medicines for underlying conditions like IBS or small intestinal bacterial overgrowth
• Supplements such as lactase for lactose intolerance

Home Remedies

• Warm water with ginger
• Fennel seeds post meals
• Activated charcoal (under medical advice)

Lifestyle Changes

• Regular physical activity to aid digestion
• Smaller, more frequent meals
• Avoiding high-fat and fried foods

Flatulence is a normal digestive process but can become uncomfortable when excessive. Identifying triggers and making simple lifestyle changes can significantly reduce symptoms and improve gut health.