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Have you ever felt full even though you haven't eaten? This may sound strange, but it could be a sign that you need to see a doctor.
This symptom is called bloating. Simply put, this symptom occurs because there is a lot of gas and wind in your stomach. This can cause nausea when eating until the stomach looks distended.
This article discusses the main causes of flatulence and when to see a doctor. Keep scrolling!
What causes gas in the body?
There are two things that cause your stomach to fill with gas: food and drink. You could say that these two things are the main sources. However, not all foods and drinks produce gas, only certain foods do.
Undigested food moves from the small intestine to the large intestine. Bacteria will work to produce hydrogen, carbon dioxide, and methane, which will then leave the body as gas.
When you drink through a straw, you swallow not only water, but also air. This brings gases such as nitrogen and oxygen into your stomach. When you burp, it is a sign that you are swallowing air.
Major Causes of Gas
Some foods can cause your stomach to bloat. Bacteria help break down undigested sugars, starches, and fibers that cause gas. Here are some foods that cause gas:
Beans
- Vegetables (especially broccoli and onions)
- Dairy products (like ice cream and yogurt)
- Whole grains
- Fruit juices or sodas
- Energy drinks
- chewing gum
There is a carbohydrate substance in foods that tends to cause gas called FODMAP. FODMAPs are substances in carbohydrates that are difficult for the body to digest. However, bacteria can break them down very quickly. This substance is found in some plant foods.
In addition to food, there are medical conditions that cause gas and bloating. Here are some of these conditions:
Gastroparesis: This condition occurs when you haven't eaten or your stomach is still empty. When this happens, you may experience bloating, nausea, or other digestive symptoms.
Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD): This condition causes you to burp frequently because you swallow a lot of wind. Acid flowing down the throat and producing gas will also make you burp.
Small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO): This condition causes extra gas to be produced by a large number of bacteria in the small intestine that should not be there.
Inflammatory bowel disease: For those with Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis, you may experience symptoms such as difficulty digesting food or absorbing nutrients.
Another thing that can cause gas is stress. According to WebMD, stress can affect the way your gut works. Digestion can slow down, leading to more gas and bloating. Stress can also change gut bacteria or worsen gas symptoms due to other digestive disorders.
Preventing gas
When you experience flatulence, you will naturally feel uncomfortable, including not wanting to eat. If left unchecked, it can put your health at risk. Here are some ways to prevent it;
Record your daily meals: By keeping track of what you eat each day, you may be able to identify foods that can increase gas in your body. Once identified, try to reduce and occasionally avoid these foods.
Change your diet: If you often eat foods that are difficult to digest, such as processed meats, cheese, and dairy products, try replacing them. You can eat carbohydrate foods that are easy to digest, such as rice, which can reduce bloating.
Eat small portions often: This is where you need to be careful not to misunderstand. According to Healthline, eat about six times a day in small portions instead of three times a day in large portions, as this can help ease the digestive system.
Drink plenty of water: Drink water regularly throughout the day to stay hydrated. This can also help you avoid constipation, which causes gas.
Exercise regularly: Regular exercise can help aid digestion and prevent bloating.
Change your posture: Sit in an upright position to help your body expel excess gas.
Consume ginger: Ginger is known to improve digestion, which can help relieve bloating.
Flatulence Treatment
OTC medications: Over-the-counter medications for gas include bismuth subsalicylate (Pepto-Bismol) and simethicone (Gas-X, Phaxyme).
Prescription medications: Certain prescription medications may help treat conditions such as irritable bowel syndrome or small intestinal bacterial overgrowth that causes gas. Treating these conditions may reduce gas.
It is important to note that before adding any medications to your diet, you should consult your doctor to make sure they are safe for you.
When to consult a doctor?
As for the symptoms that indicate you should see a doctor, here are some
- Swollen abdomen
- Stomach pain
- Persistent and severe gas
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Constipation
- unintentional weight loss
- Ulcer
- Blood in the stool
These symptoms are serious conditions and must be treated immediately.
Flatulence is a symptom that can cause discomfort to your body. There are three kinds of causes, from food, drink to psychological conditions. There are also signs of this symptom that indicate that you should consult a doctor, one of which is a swollen abdomen. Have you ever experienced this symptom?
Reference:
WebMD. (2024). Gas, Farts, and Flatulence
Healthline. (2024). Why Do My Farts Smell So Bad? Smelly Farts Explained
