Flatulence

flatulence or. Flatulence (colloquially also: fart or fart) is a derivation from the Latin word flatus "wind, flatulence" and describes the gases formed by digestion such as carbon monoxide, methane and other fermentation and digestion gases. A form of flatulence in which stool accidentally escapes is still referred to as a false friend. This can also be considered a symptom of rectal cancer.

What is gas?

Flatulence is not a disease, it is usually a harmless accumulation of gas in the intestine and is generally a digestive disorder.

Flatulence is not a disease, it is usually a harmless accumulation of gas in the intestine and is generally a digestive disorder. Medically, a distinction is made between meteorism and flatulence. The first form is flatulence caused by excessive gas formation in the intestine, whereby these cannot escape and can sometimes lead to severe abdominal pain in those affected.

For this reason, meteorism is also called stuck winds. Flatulence, on the other hand, is characterized by the frequent discharge of so-called intestinal winds, which can hardly be suppressed and which are referred to as excessive flatulence.

causes

The reasons for intestinal winds or flatulence are very diverse. The most common trigger is food. Often these are temporary and harmless symptoms that occur in connection with certain foods such as beans, sauerkraut and onions. In most cases, however, an unbalanced diet is responsible for inadequate or improper digestive processes, which in turn cause gas.

Above all, eating foods that are very high in fiber and gas that cause gas in the intestine result in excessive intestinal gases because these foods are not completely broken down by intestinal bacteria. Swallowing air while eating can also lead to distension in the stomach. In particular, aerated foods and drinks with carbon dioxide, ice cream, vegetables, fruits, coffee and grains are among the foods that promote gas. Stress and hasty eating habits also lead to digestive tract complaints. The digestive gases or air swallowed are eliminated from the body through the venting of winds, belching, or exhalation.

In rare cases, however, flatulence can be caused by serious diseases of the stomach and intestines, the pancreas, the heart, the bile or the liver. In addition, there are other symptoms or pain, so a visit to the doctor is essential to clarify the cause of the symptoms.

Gases such as carbon monoxide, methane and other fermentation and digestion gases formed by digestion lead to a distension of the stomach or intestines. The result of this process is often the escape of the gases described above. Painful abdominal cramps are often caused by stuck intestinal gases.

As is well known, every digestive process produces different gases in the intestine. Most of these gases are already excreted through the lungs and the bloodstream. Flatulence is a gas excretion that does not escape this way, but rather through an excess of gas

Intestinal gases arise with every digestion process. However, most of it goes into the bloodstream and is eliminated through the lungs. Excess gas is therefore the actual flatulence that is released through the anus.

The cause of the increased gas production in the intestine is usually due to the composition of the food consumed or is caused by a digestive disorder.

We now know that pulses in particular promote a significant increase in intestinal gases. Special sugar clusters cannot be processed by the small intestine and are only broken down by bacteria in the large intestine. These foods, also known as fiber, are particularly conducive to flatulence.

Less common causes of flatulence are milk protein allergy and lactose intolerance. This also leads to increased diarrhea.

You can find your medication here

➔ Medicines against flatulence and digestive problems

Diseases with this symptom

• Irritable bowel syndrome
• Gallstones
• Cirrhosis of the liver
• Ulcerative colitis
• Pancreatitis

• Colon cancer
• Irritable stomach
• Cholestasis
• Intestinal obstruction (ileus)
• Lactose intolerance

• gastritis
• Cystic fibrosis
• anemia
• Duodenal ulcer
• Food intolerance

Complications

Normal flatulence is mostly uncomplicated and usually has no major effects on those affected. However, they suffer from the embarrassing winds and the often associated discomfort. So the psychological complications come to the fore. However, flatulence also causes mild to severe abdominal pain.

If the person concerned is in company, he cannot vent the gases and the flatulence - in addition to the painful abdomen - is increased. If the flatulence occurs regularly or even daily, this means a considerable reduction in the quality of life. Those affected withdraw or avoid crowds.

Since mostly certain foods, such as onions or raw fruit, are the trigger for the flatulence, in many cases sufferers restrict their diet drastically in order to contain the causes. As a result, weight loss or malnutrition can occur, which in more severe cases can trigger skin diseases or nerve dysfunction. If the pain is particularly severe, there is a possibility of rheumatoid arthritis. Small children in particular often have to struggle with flatulence because their intestines are not yet stressed. As a result, colic and intestinal cramps can occur here.

If they do not want to eat anything more, malnutrition, which is very dangerous for children and could lead to developmental damage, can arise here too. If the flatulence persists longer, please consult a doctor to clarify the exact cause.

When should you go to the doctor?

Flatulence must be clarified by a doctor if it is accompanied by a change in the consistency of the stool. This can include noticeably loose stools, persistent diarrhea or constipation. Frequent bowel movements or sudden weight loss combined with flatulence are also an indication to see a doctor.

Flatulence with vomiting, severe cramps, fever, bloating despite an empty stomach or loss of appetite can be the result of a serious illness that should be diagnosed.

If instead a bloated stomach occurs, which is not accompanied by flatulence, this should also be clarified by a doctor. First of all, the family doctor is the right contact for chronic flatulence. If necessary, they will recommend a visit to the gastroenterologist. Further diagnostic tests can be carried out here, for example a gastroscopy or colonoscopy.

If the flatulence occurs daily for a period of more than three weeks, this is also a reason for a medical examination. A test for food intolerance is recommended here. This is carried out by an allergist or a gastroenterologist. Consult a doctor, especially for infants and young children with flatulence. Here these can lead to colic or an intestinal obstruction, which is an emergency.

Doctors & therapists in your area

Treatment & Therapy

The therapy and treatment for flatulence depends solely on the cause. If the flatulence occurs together with other symptoms, treatment for the underlying disease applies. However, if the flatulence is stress or food-related, even avoiding the triggering factors will provide significant relief. Nutritional advice can be useful here.

If desired, medicinal or herbal remedies can be used to dissolve the air bubbles in the intestine. On the one hand, some drugs can be purchased over the counter in the pharmacy or the doctor will prescribe the appropriate preparation. Various home remedies also have a puffing and antispasmodic effect. Peppermint, anise, lemon balm, chamomile or fennel can be used for flatulence.

Various home remedies have been known for centuries and are often recommended. However, there are also drugs that can be prescribed by a doctor.

• Reduction of foods that promote flatulence
• Refraining from food in the event of food intolerance
• Light stream massages for babies to loosen stuck gas bubbles
• Supply of heat to the abdomen, e.g. with hot water bottles
• Better digestion of fiber through caraway seeds, not in babies

Outlook & forecast

Flatulence usually goes without any complications. Those affected are more likely to suffer from psychological complications, as frequent flatulence makes them uncomfortable. In society, those affected do not let off the resulting gases, so that the flatulence can also be increased. In addition, there may be abdominal and abdominal pain, which gets worse over time.

Anyone who suffers from regular flatulence feels immensely restricted in everyday life. People affected by this often withdraw and avoid participating in public life.

Certain foods trigger severe flatulence. For this reason, patients limit themselves to very specific meals, so that eating habits are also impaired. In extreme cases, the consequences of this can be weight loss or deficiency symptoms, which can result from an insufficient supply of important vitamins. Such an undersupply of important nutrients can, in the worst case, lead to nerve dysfunction or skin diseases. There is also a risk of inflammation of the joints. In children, severe flatulence can also occur, which can lead to increased colic and extreme intestinal cramps.

In general: Anyone who suffers from frequent or even chronic flatulence should consult a doctor for professional treatment. A doctor will determine the cause of the gases so that they can be treated explicitly.

You can find your medication here

➔ Medicines against flatulence and digestive problems

prevention

Flatulence can be prevented or alleviated by taking the initiative.

• Eat easily digestible foods: avoid too much fiber, raw vegetables and hot spices if possible

• Avoid foods that cause gas: for example, cabbage, lentils, white beans, onions, but also nuts and raisins

• take enough time to eat and chew thoroughly

• Eat several small meals a day

• Sensitive people should avoid carbonated drinks

• Still mineral water should be drunk in small sips before a meal

• Exercise and exercise regularly help to promote digestion and prevent flatulence

Circular massages in the abdominal area can provide relief from existing flatulence. Placing a hot water bottle also has a relaxing effect on the bloated stomach. Certain tea blends made from fennel, caraway, anise and yarrow support digestion and are very effective against flatulence.

Aftercare

Medical follow-up care aims to prevent the recurrence of an illness and provide everyday support to avoid complications. In the case of flatulence, however, this is often not necessary. They disappear after a short time by themselves. Refraining from certain foods is sufficient as a personal measure.

Flatulence may recur; but they do not cause a life-threatening condition. Therefore, close-knit and costly follow-up checks are not indicated. The situation is different if flatulence is permanent. In this case, other complaints or influences cause the air in the abdomen.

Therapy then aims to eliminate the causes of the flatulence. If the trigger can be eliminated, the associated reactions disappear. In most cases, a change in medication and treatment promise success. The doctor agrees an individual rhythm with his patient to check the effectiveness of the therapy.

On the other hand, aftercare is more time-consuming if stress or fear is causing the flatulence. Then psychotherapy is usually advisable, in which relaxation techniques are learned. The doctor prescribes appropriate prescriptions until the final success.

Home remedies & herbs for flatulence

other home remedies ↵ for flatulence

• Anise helps against flatulence, cough phlegm, asthma and white flow and ensures a good night's sleep.

• If you have flatulence, drink angelica and fennel tea.

• Fennel tea helps with breast ailments, indigestion and gas.

• If you have flatulence, drink a glass of milk that has been boiled with fennel or caraway seeds.

• The best way to combat flatulence is with garlic in any form.

You can do that yourself

Numerous home remedies are suitable to counteract gas. The symptoms can be relieved quickly by using a hot water bottle. A short walk after every meal also helps reduce gas. It is also advisable not to eat gas that is flatulent, fatty or excessively sugary.

There are also numerous drugs available for treating flatulence. You can choose from herbal and chemical preparations. Teas, drops or oils in particular are ideal for reducing flatulence. Bear garlic, basil and buckthorn as well as hazelnut are worth mentioning. Ginger, fennel and caraway have a puffing effect. These plants can also be used to add herbs to meals. Flatulent foods are therefore much easier to digest.

Chemical preparations should only be used when no home remedies or medication can help. They are taken as chewable tablets or suspensions and break down the gas bubbles in the intestine. In addition, their effectiveness is questionable.

Medicines with galangal root are recommended. These alleviate psycho-vegetative complaints and support the treatment of fever and colds. In addition, they stimulate the appetite. Medicines with the active ingredients pancreas powder and simeticon are also beneficial. They promote digestion and dissolve gas accumulations in the gastrointestinal tract. They also eliminate flatulence and replace missing enzymes.