Many people face a problem when gases accumulate in the intestines. What to do in such cases? Which doctor should I contact for help? What are the causes of increased gas formation? The answers to these questions are of interest to many readers, because, you see, flatulence is an extremely unpleasant phenomenon.
What is flatulence?
Flatulence is a condition that is accompanied by increased formation and accumulation of gases in the intestine. Normally, in a healthy person, approximately 600 ml of various gases pass through the intestines per day.
But under the influence of some factors, which will be described below, gas compounds begin to accumulate in the intestinal lumen. Moreover, on the surface of the mucous membrane, they form a film that interferes with the normal functioning of tissues and, accordingly, negatively affects digestion processes.
How and where are gases formed?
The question of where the gases come from in the intestines is quite an interesting one. There are actually three main sources of gaseous substances. To begin with, it is worth noting that the gases enter the digestive system as a result of swallowing air. This occurs during eating, drinking, talking, smoking, etc. A certain amount of gas enters the stomach with carbonated drinks. Most of the gas comes back with belching. Partially, gaseous substances are absorbed and enter the bloodstream, and also exit through the large intestine .
Nevertheless, most of the gases in the intestine are formed as a result of fermentation processes, as well as the vital activity of bacterial microflora.
The main external causes of increased gas formation
Increased gas formation is an extremely unpleasant phenomenon both from a physical and emotional point of view. So why do gases accumulate in the intestines? Immediately it is worth saying that the causes of flatulence can be both external and internal.
For example, quite often increased gas production is associated with the characteristics of a person’s diet. Some foods (in particular, legumes, cabbage, carbonated drinks) contribute to increased gas formation. In addition, the habit of quickly swallowing food negatively affects the state of the intestine, chewing it poorly. Overeating is another reason for the accumulation of gases, because the digestive tract simply can not cope with the digestion of large amounts of food, as a result of which the processes of decay and fermentation begin in the intestine.
Flatulence as a sign of digestive tract disease
If you are concerned about constant gas in the intestines, then you should consult a doctor. The fact is that chronic flatulence may indicate the presence of more serious problems. One of the most common causes of gas formation is intestinal dysbiosis. The disease is characterized by a change in the qualitative and quantitative characteristics of the intestinal microflora, which affects the digestion processes.
In addition, some inflammatory diseases of the digestive system can also be attributed to the causes of increased gas formation. The processes of digestion are affected by the work of the gallbladder.
If we are talking about a constant accumulation of gases in the intestine, then there is a possibility of the presence of a mechanical obstacle, for example, polyps, tumors, solid feces, etc. You can see that there are a huge number of reasons why gases are formed and retained in the intestine. What to do in such cases? Of course, you should consult a doctor.
Other symptoms of flatulence
Strong gas in the intestines is far from the only symptom of flatulence. A similar condition is accompanied by other, no less unpleasant violations. First of all, it is worth noting that the accumulation of gases is accompanied by stretching and reflex spasm of the intestinal wall. In turn, a similar phenomenon provokes a pain syndrome. Sometimes pain is also observed in the region of the heart, which is associated with the pressure of the intestinal loops on the diaphragm.
Symptoms include constant burping - so the body is freed from excess gases. Flatulence is often accompanied by flatulence - rapid release of gases through the rectum, which, you see, is not very pleasant.
The main methods of modern diagnostics
If gases accumulate in the intestines, then you should consult a doctor. As a rule, a medical history and physical examination are enough to suspect a problem. Diagnosis in this case is aimed at finding the cause of increased gas formation.
To this end, the patient submits blood and stool samples for analysis. By the way, a study of feces will help determine the presence of dysbiosis. Contrast x-ray examination of the intestine allows you to detect a mechanical obstruction.
Gases in the intestines: how to treat with drugs?
Of course, therapy in this case directly depends on the patient's condition and the main causes of increased gas formation. So what if gas builds up in the intestines? How to treat this condition?
Modern medicine offers a lot of medications that can eliminate bloating and other digestive problems. With severe pain, patients are prescribed antispasmodic drugs that reduce discomfort. In addition, therapy for increased gas formation includes the use of adsorbents, in particular, activated carbon, white clay, polysorb. These drugs help cleanse the body of toxic substances, while preventing the absorption of gases in the blood.
With dysbiosis, the use of probiotics is recommended. Linex, Bifidumbacterin and some others are considered quite effective. These drugs contain living strains of beneficial bacteria, so they quickly restore the natural microflora and normalize digestion.
Sometimes increased gas formation indicates a violation of the secretion of digestive enzymes. In such cases, temporary replacement therapy is needed. Patients take Mezim, Pepsin, Pancreatin, Creon and some other drugs that accelerate the digestion of food, preventing its subsequent decay and fermentation.
What products should I refuse?
If you are tormented by constant gas in your gut, you may need to rethink your diet. After all, there are certain categories of products that contribute to increased gas formation.
First of all, “carbohydrates” should be attributed to “prohibited foods”. For example, raffinose in beans enhances the formation of gases. Also pumpkin, asparagus, cereals, artichokes, broccoli, Brussels sprouts are rich in this substance. It is also worth limiting the amount of raw vegetables and fruits, as they contain pectins. When it enters the digestive system, these fibers turn into a gel-like mass, which breaks down in the large intestine, forming a large amount of gas.
How to replace prohibited products. Vegetables and fruits can be eaten, but in small quantities it is desirable in boiled or baked form. It is worth including proteins and fats of plant origin in the diet.
By the way, it is best to eat often, but in small portions - this will ease the load on the intestines. In addition, experts recommend eating slowly, carefully chewing food, so as not to swallow additional air.
Gases in the intestines: what to do? Traditional medicine recipes
Of course, there are lots of folk recipes that can alleviate the condition of the patient. So what to use if you are tormented by gas in the intestines? What to do in order to get rid of pain? Actually eliminating soreness and bloating helps heat. Therefore, people are recommended to apply a warm heating pad to their stomach.
There are more unusual remedies for gas in the intestines. For example, some folk healers recommend lubricating the stomach with melted butter during an acute attack of pain. A clockwise massage of the abdomen will also help you feel better.
Carminative agents will also help get rid of the problem. From gases in the intestines, a decoction of dill seeds helps. To prepare it, you need to pour a tablespoon of seeds with two glasses of boiling water, cover the container with a lid and leave for three hours. Strain and drink the resulting broth during the day, dividing into 3-4 servings, it is better to take the medicine before eating.
Well-known remedy for bloating are fennel seeds. By the way, in the pharmacy you can buy ready-made tea bags. But remember that such recipes can only be used with the permission of the attending physician.