What gas is released when farting and why? Flatulence - a constant accumulation of gases in the intestines, causes, treatment What gases does a person emit when farting
The topic we have today is somewhat delicate and not entirely pleasant, but what to do - someone has to cover it! To be honest, each of us at least once in our lives ... farted! Yes Yes! It's also called "letting the winds out". But that's not the point. We do not live in Germany, where frequent farting does not cause any inconvenience and misunderstanding, since moral barriers are not imposed on this. We, friends, live in Russia! Here in public places you have to restrain yourself. To protect the people around us from the unpleasant (and sometimes fetid) smell of our own gases, we have to experience some physical discomfort, which is often accompanied by embarrassment. Sometimes the situation gets out of hand and there is a sudden (and sometimes loud) fart! It must be terrible, folks...
Frequent farting. Causes
When our intestines digest food, in the process, gases accumulate in it, leaving in small portions through the anus. Where do they come from?
- Together with food we swallow a certain amount of air. Chewing "gum" and smoking also provoke excessive swallowing of air.
- When the digestive juices interact with each other (and with water), anal farts are formed from here.
- Our large intestines are inhabited by various beneficial microorganisms (bacteria). Gases are the result of their vital activity.
- If a person suffers, then frequent farting can be triggered by dairy products.
In addition, in many cases, constant gases that torment a person throughout the day can be caused by a disease such as flatulence. We will talk about this further.
insidious flatulence
What is this?
Excessive and frequent farting is called flatulence. Speaking in human terms, this is an excess of intestinal gases, accompanied by belching and bursting pain with rather strong flutulence (release of these gases).
What is the norm?
There are certain standards by which we, excuse me, fart. Since the formation of intestinal gases is a completely natural process, their periodic release from the anus is quite normal. In general, doctors say that a healthy person should fart 6 to 20 times a day! A well-known therapist and professor of medical sciences, Elena Malysheva, in one of her TV shows, stated that she "bulges out 2 liters of air a day" (quote)!
I was tormented by the endless farting!
Often "let the winds" and experience quite painful sensations? Gentlemen, you need to see a doctor! There is something wrong with your body. The fact is that frequent farting (flatulence) is the first "bell" indicating violations and malfunctions in the gastrointestinal tract:
- pancreatitis,
- constipation,
- irritable bowel syndrome,
- helminthiasis,
- colitis.
But flatulence is not always a symptom. Sometimes this is an independent phenomenon caused by some reasons from the outside. What? Read on!
Causes of flatulence
- Often the food you eat is to blame. After all, there are products that insolently provoke flatulence: legumes, cabbage, sparkling water, radish, various flour products.
- In addition, is the most common overeating. That is why doctors recommend eating often, but in small portions.
Combustible gases are substances with a low calorific value. This is the main component that is used to supply cities with gas, in industry and other areas of life. The physicochemical characteristics of such gases depend on the presence of non-combustible components and harmful impurities in their composition.
Types and origin of combustible gases
Combustible gases contain methane, propane, butane, ethane, hydrogen, and sometimes with impurities of hexane and pentane. They are obtained in two ways - from natural deposits and artificially. origin - fuel, the result of a natural biochemical process of organic decomposition. Most deposits are located at a depth of less than 1.5 km and consist mainly of methane with small impurities of propane, butane and ethane. As the depth of occurrence increases, the percentage of impurities increases. It is extracted from natural deposits or as associated gases of oil fields.
Most often, natural gas deposits are concentrated in sedimentary rocks (sandstones, pebbles). The covering and underlying layers are dense clayey rocks. The soles are mainly oil and water. Artificial - combustible gases obtained as a result of thermal processing of various types of solid fuels (coke, etc.) and derivative products of oil refining.
The main component of natural gases produced in dry fields is methane with small amounts of propane, butane and ethane. Natural gas is characterized by the constancy of composition, belongs to the category of dry. The composition of the gas obtained during oil refining and from mixed gas-oil deposits is not constant and depends on the value of the gas factor, the nature of the oil and the conditions for the separation of oil and gas mixtures. It includes a significant amount of propane, butane, ethane, as well as other light and heavy hydrocarbons contained in oil, up to kerosene and gasoline fractions.
The extraction of combustible natural gases consists in extracting it from the bowels, collecting, removing excess moisture and preparing it for transportation to the consumer. The peculiarity is that at all stages from the reservoir to the end user, the entire process is sealed.
Combustible gases and their properties
Heat output - the maximum temperature released during the complete combustion of dry gas in a theoretically required amount of air. In this case, the heat released is spent on heating. For methane, this parameter in ° C is 2043, butane - 2118, propane - 2110.
Ignition temperature - the lowest temperature at which a spontaneous ignition process occurs without the influence of an external source, spark or flame, due to the heat released by the gas particles. This parameter is especially important for determining the permissible surface temperature of devices used in hazardous areas, which must not exceed the ignition temperature. For such equipment, a temperature class is assigned.
The flash point is the lowest temperature at which enough vapor (on the surface of a liquid) is released to ignite from the smallest flame. This property should not be generalized to the ignition temperature, since these parameters can vary greatly.
Gas/steam density. It is determined in comparison with air, whose density is 1.< 1 - растет, >1 - falls. For example, for methane this indicator is 0.55.
Combustible gas hazard
Combustible gases are dangerous because of their three properties:
- Flammability. There is a risk of fire associated with uncontrolled gas ignition;
- Toxicity. Risk of poisoning by gas or its combustion products (carbon monoxide);
- Suffocation due to lack of oxygen, which can be replaced by another gas.
The combustion process is a chemical reaction that involves oxygen. In this case, energy is released in the form of heat, flame. The flammable substance is a gas. The process of gas combustion is possible in the presence of three factors:
- Source of ignition.
- combustible gases.
- Oxygen.
The goal of fire protection is to eliminate at least one of the factors.
Methane
It is a colorless, odorless, flammable gas. Non-toxic. Methane makes up 98% of all natural gases. It is considered the main one that determines the properties of natural gas. It is 75% carbon and 25% hydrogen. Mass cube. meters - 0.717 kg. It liquefies at a temperature of 111 K, while its volume decreases by 600 times. Possesses low reactivity.
Propane
Propane gas is a flammable gas, colorless and odorless. It is more reactive than methane. The content in natural gas is 0.1-11% by weight. Up to 20% in associated gases from mixed gas and oil fields, up to 80% in solid fuel processing products (lignite and hard coal, coal tar). Propane gas is used in various reactions to produce ethylene, propylene, lower olefins, lower alcohols, acetone, formic and propionic acids, and nitroparaffins.
Butane
Flammable gas without color, with a peculiar smell. Butane gas is easily compressible and volatile. Contained in petroleum gas up to 12% by volume. They will also be obtained as a result of cracking of petroleum fractions and in the laboratory by the Wurtz reaction. The freezing point is -138 ° C. Like all hydrocarbon gases, it is flammable. Harmful to the nervous system, if inhaled, causes dysfunction of the respiratory apparatus. Butane (gas) has narcotic properties.
Ethane
Ethane is a colorless and odorless gas. representative of hydrocarbons. Dehydrogenation at 550-650 0 C leads to ethylene, above 800 0 C - to acetylene. Contained in natural and associated gases up to 10%. It is distinguished by low-temperature distillation. Significant volumes of ethane are released during oil cracking. Under laboratory conditions, it is obtained by the Wurtz reaction. It is the main raw material for the production of vinyl chloride and ethylene.
Hydrogen
Clear, odorless gas. Non-toxic, 14.5 times lighter than air. Hydrogen is similar in appearance to air. It is highly reactive, has wide flammability limits, and is highly explosive. Included in almost all organic compounds. The most difficult gas to compress. Free hydrogen is extremely rare in nature, but it is very common in the form of compounds.
Carbon monoxide
Colorless gas, odorless and tasteless. Weight 1 cu. m - 1.25 kg. It is found in high-calorie gases along with methane and other hydrocarbons. Increasing the proportion of carbon monoxide in the combustible gas lowers the calorific value. It has a toxic effect on the human body.
Application of combustible gases
Combustible gases have a high calorific value, and therefore are highly economical energy fuels. They are widely used for domestic needs, at power plants, in metallurgy, glass, cement and food industries, as automotive fuel, and in the production of building materials.
The use of combustible gases as a raw material for the production of such organic compounds as formaldehyde, methyl alcohol, acetic acid, acetone, acetaldehyde is due to the presence of hydrocarbons in their composition. Methane, as the main component of combustible natural gases, is widely used for the production of various organic products. To obtain ammonia and various kinds of alcohols, synthesis gas is used - a product of the conversion of methane with oxygen or steam. Pyrolysis and dehydrogenation of methane produces acetylene, along with hydrogen and soot. Hydrogen, in turn, is used to synthesize ammonia. Combustible gases, and primarily ethane, are used in the production of ethylene and propylene, which are later used as raw materials for the production of plastics, artificial fibers and synthetic rubbers.
Liquefied methane is a promising type of fuel for many areas of the national economy. The use of liquefied gases in many cases provides great economic benefits, making it possible to reduce material costs for transportation and solve problems of gas supply in certain areas, and allows you to create stocks of raw materials for the needs of the chemical industry.
The delicate problem of excessive accumulation of gases in the intestines worries many people. It is manifested by symptoms of bloating, rumbling sounds, pains of a cramping nature due to a feeling of fullness in the intestinal loops. The combination of these symptoms is called flatulence. Flatulence is not a separate serious disease. It can occur as a single aggravation of the condition due to the use of stale food or an unusual combination of products. But the often recurring symptoms of flatulence over a long period of time are the result of disturbances in the digestive system.
What is flatulence, why does a large accumulation of gases appear in the intestines?
When proteins, fats and carbohydrates are broken down in the intestines into nutrients for absorption through the capillaries into the blood, a process of natural gas formation occurs. This is a normal physiological process in which the activity of bacteria inside the intestines is accompanied by the release of gases (nitrogen, oxygen). With normal functional indicators of the gastrointestinal tract, the volume of gases does not exceed 600 ml during the day. They leave naturally, do not have a strong odor and do not cause discomfort to a person.
In the case when the volume of gases in the intestines exceeds 900 ml within one day, unpleasant phenomena in the abdomen begin to increase in the form of bursting, rumbling, a steady bloating appears, the gases go badly. If the excreted gases have an unpleasant pungent odor, this is a consequence of violations of the intestinal microflora, in which bacteria that emit many specific gases (for example, hydrogen sulfide) dominate.
Factors that contribute to increased gas emission:
1 insufficiency in the secretion of gastrointestinal enzymes;
2 excessive consumption of foods rich in fiber and carbohydrates;
3 violations of motor activity of the intestine;
4 abuse of carbonated drinks;
5 simultaneous consumption of products in the wrong combination (fish and milk, meat and fruits);
6 psycho-emotional disorders and stressful conditions, since the nervous system controls the functioning of the digestive tract.
Separate factors include the state of pregnancy, in which an increase in the volume of the uterus may be accompanied by compression of the intestinal loops, which makes it difficult for the natural discharge of accumulated gases.
Symptoms and signs of flatulence, a large accumulation of gases in the intestines
Where do gases come from in the intestines? The intestine reacts to the increased release of gases in it with symptoms that cause a lot of inconvenience to patients and disrupt their usual rhythm of life. Painful sensations in the form of cramping attacks have different intensity, spread to the entire abdomen, more often localized in the left and right hypochondria. Pain provokes the pressure of excess gases on the intestinal walls. Due to the swollen intestines, the diaphragm rises, squeezing other organs.
Symptoms of excess gas in the intestines:
1 sensation of fullness in the abdomen;
2 flatulence;
3 sounds of seething, "transfusion" of food mass, rumbling;
4 hiccups, belching;
5 attacks of nausea in violation of the digestion of food;
6 cramping pains with localization in the upper and lower abdomen;
7 constipation, diarrhea;
8 release of gases, accompanied by sound;
The state of flatulence is characterized by cyclical manifestations: when gases pass, there is some relief, but after a while the gases accumulate again, the stomach swells again, pain attacks are repeated.
Causes of flatulence, why do gases in the intestines torment?
Why is gas formed in the intestines? There are many reasons that lead to increased formation of gases in the intestines. The two main categories are:
1 single manifestations of flatulence in healthy people;
2 symptoms of flatulence due to diseases of the digestive tract.
The phenomena of flatulence can occur in quite healthy people against the background of an irrational diet, a single use of low-quality products, and swallowing air during meals. Other reasons include functional disorders in the digestive system, as a result of which the intestinal microflora or its motility (motor functions) suffer. Often this is associated with a number of diseases of the gastrointestinal tract (gastritis, pancreatitis, colitis).
What causes excessive gas accumulation in the intestines? We note the main reasons:
1 aerophagia (swallowing air);
2 consumption of certain types of foods;
3 violations of the normal process of digestion, resulting in the formation of remnants of poorly digested food;
4 intestinal dysbacteriosis;
5 violations of the secretion of enzymes;
6 violations of intestinal motility (impeded movement of the food mass);
7 deviations of digestive functions from the norm due to nervous tension.
Aerophagia is the intake of excess air into the digestive tract during eating. Sometimes the air comes out through the esophagus and the oral cavity to the outside, and a burp is obtained. Sometimes, along with food, it goes further into the intestines. This happens when a person eats quickly on the go, chewing food poorly, talking a lot while eating, or washing down food with soda. Swallowing air is not dangerous, and in the absence of functional disorders of the digestive tract, the air is excreted from the body naturally. More often than others, the use of certain foods contributes to increased gas formation. These include carbohydrate-containing foods and foods that are high in starch and fiber. Carbohydrates contribute to fermentation processes, causing the formation of gases, so the use of sweets must be controlled.
What foods can lead to the formation of gases in the intestines, to the development of flatulence?
The list of products that contribute to the increased formation of gases:
1 fruit, sweets;
2 dairy products, especially in combination with bakery products;
3 cabbage (white, Brussels sprouts, broccoli), legumes, potatoes;
4 sodas.
Existing disturbances in the process of digestion or a lack of enzymes lead to the fact that part of the food remains undigested and is not broken down to the necessary components that are absorbed into the blood. These residues begin to decompose in the intestines, causing fermentation and gas accumulation. Intestinal dysbacteriosis is called the imbalance of its microflora, when for one reason or another the number of beneficial bacteria is significantly reduced. This activates fermentation and enhances the activity of the flora, which releases carbon dioxide and hydrogen sulfide in large quantities. Because of this, the gases acquire a sharp, unpleasant odor. Violations of the motor activity of the intestine adversely affect the promotion of feces, cause difficulties in their removal from the body. In this case, the decomposition process is aggravated, which causes additional gas formation.
The constant accumulation of gases is fraught with a further increase in symptoms and, in the absence of the necessary treatment, can be complicated by arrhythmias and increased heart rate. Swollen bowel loops prop up the diaphragm and can cause compression of the vagus nerve. Undigested food residues that stay in the intestines for a long time can cause a state of intoxication due to decay products. And this can lead to a deterioration in the general condition of the whole organism in the form of fatigue, lack of appetite, depressive mood. Finding out the causes of flatulence helps to establish the right treatment tactics and eliminate the problem of intestinal gases.
How to determine the cause of the accumulation of gases, the diagnosis of flatulence
When flatulence occurs occasionally, you need to analyze your diet. With effort, it is possible to identify a certain relationship between the use of certain foods and the appearance of symptoms of flatulence. To eliminate the problem, it is enough to exclude these products and increased gas formation in the intestines can be avoided. To establish the causes of persistent manifestations of flatulence, it is necessary to undergo a series of examinations, including diagnosing possible deviations in the work of the digestive tract. The doctor's consultation begins with a thorough examination of the patient and the collection of his complaints. Palpation of the abdomen with flatulence usually reveals spasmodic areas of the intestine, with pressure on which the patient experiences pain. Tension of the abdominal muscles during flatulence is not observed, it is more characteristic of the presence of an inflammatory process.
To assess the severity of the process and exclude serious diseases, the patient is prescribed the necessary examinations from the following complex:
1 examination of the abdominal organs using an ultrasound machine;
2 x-ray examination;
3 endoscopic examinations of the gastrointestinal tract (fibrogastroduodenoscopy, colonoscopy);
4 laboratory tests (blood, feces);
5 carrying out various tests (lactose tolerance test, hydrogen breath test, test to determine the acidity of feces).
Ultrasound, X-ray diagnostics and endoscopy can reveal organic pathological changes in the organs of the gastrointestinal tract (ulcers, cysts, tumors). Laboratory methods help to detect functional disorders. A blood test makes it possible to determine the presence of inflammatory processes. A large informational picture in the study of increased gas formation can be given by a coprogram that combines physical and chemical analysis of feces. When examining feces under a microscope, they reveal:
1 change in color, consistency;
2 absence or presence of a specific smell;
3 the remains of dietary fiber and undigested foods;
4 the presence of hidden blood, mucus, pus;
5 presence of helminth eggs;
6 the presence of bilirubin, neutral fat, starch.
The coprogram in combination with other studies helps an experienced specialist to differentiate a number of diseases. For example, in chronic pancreatitis, feces can have a greasy consistency, with peptic ulcers, feces take the form of small lumps ("sheep" feces) due to the spastic state of the organs, and mucus and pus are found in colitis. Worm infestations are dangerous waste products of helminths, which cause intestinal dysfunction and intoxication of the body. Biochemical blood tests can reveal abnormalities in liver function. A decrease in the level of bile production disrupts the digestion process, food is not completely digested, and gases are formed.
Tests are indirect elements of diagnostics. For example, a lactose tolerance test is carried out to determine lactose deficiency, as a result of which the consumption of milk is fraught with excessive gas formation. After a comprehensive examination, the doctor determines the tactics of treatment in order to eliminate the problem of increased gas formation.
What to do, how to get rid of gases in the intestines, treatment of flatulence?
The first step to eliminating increased gas formation is to review the diet. This includes eliminating certain foods and tracking down problematic combinations in dishes.
Use with caution:
1 all kinds of sweets;
2 legumes;
3 fruits (best consumed in a separate meal);
It is recommended to give preference to stewing and boiling meat and vegetables. Tea and coffee are best replaced with herbal decoctions that help improve digestion. It is necessary to refuse chewing gum (contains sorbitol).
How to get rid of the accumulation of gases in the intestines? Therapeutic therapy is carried out taking into account the individual characteristics of the patient and includes:
1 removal of the main symptoms;
2 treatment of diseases against which flatulence occurs;
3 prevention of gas formation.
What to do with the formation of gases in the intestines. As a means of reducing pain, prescribe drugs that relieve intestinal spasms (Drotaverine or No-shpa). Enzyme deficiency is replenished by taking Pancreatin, Mezim and other enzyme preparations. Dysbacteriosis is treated with the help of beneficial bacteria that colonize the intestines. These include a number of probiotics: Linex, Acipol, Bifiform. For problems with constipation and weakness of motor skills, Senadexin, Dufalac, Glycelax, suppositories with a laxative effect are prescribed. To reduce the manifestations of intoxication of the body, the appointment of sorbing drugs is indicated: activated carbon, Enterosgel, Atoxil. However, they cannot be used for a long time, since sorbents remove many useful substances from the body. In the absence of serious diseases, manifestations of increased gas formation can be dealt with by folk methods. Decoctions from dill (fennel), anise, caraway seeds, as well as mint and chamomile tea have been widely used. The delicate problem of gas accumulation in the intestines is completely solvable with a responsible and attentive attitude towards your body.
Thank you
The site provides reference information for informational purposes only. Diagnosis and treatment of diseases should be carried out under the supervision of a specialist. All drugs have contraindications. Expert advice is required!
General provisions
Gas formation is a normal physiological process that occurs in the intestine. Only pathological changes and an improper diet can lead to increased gas formation, which causes discomfort. So, consider the picture of the normal process of gas formation.In any person, gases are formed in the gastrointestinal tract due to the swallowing of air, while in the intestines they appear as a result of the vital activity of many microorganisms. Usually? gases directly from the digestive system are expelled by belching, expelled through the rectum, or absorbed into the bloodstream.
It should be noted that approximately 70% of the gases contained in the gastrointestinal tract ( or GI tract) is the air that is being swallowed. It has been established that with each swallow, about 2-3 ml of air enters the stomach, while the main part of it goes to the intestines, while a smaller part exits through "burping with air". Thus, an increased amount of gas is observed in cases where conversations are carried out during a meal, with a hasty meal, while chewing gum or drinking through a straw. In addition, dryness in the mouth or increased salivation can also provoke increased gas formation.
Intestinal gases are a combination of carbon dioxide with oxygen, nitrogen, hydrogen and a small amount of methane. In this case, the listed gases do not have an odor. But still, often "belching air" has an unpleasant odor.
Why? It's all about sulfur-containing substances, which are formed in a fairly small amount by bacteria that inhabit the human large intestine.
And although gas formation is a completely normal and normal process, when it increases or the removal mechanisms are disturbed, very unpleasant symptoms appear. Understanding the reasons why bloating occurs helps to identify the best ways to solve this unpleasant condition.
Causes
There are two main sources of increased gas production: swallowed air and intestinal gases. Let's take a closer look at each of these reasons.Swallowed air is gases that were formed as a result of the functioning of the normal intestinal microflora ( in other words, the colon).
It is the swallowing of air that is the main cause of bloating. Of course, any person swallows a small amount of air when eating food or liquids.
But there are processes in which excessive swallowing of air occurs:
- Hasty ingestion of food or liquids.
- Chewing gum.
- Consumption of carbonated drinks.
- Pulling air through the gaps between the teeth.
Let's talk about intestinal gas. And let's start with the fact that, while evolving, a person failed to adapt to the digestion of certain carbohydrates, including lignin and cellulose, pectins and chitin. These substances form the basis of fecal masses formed in the human body. So, moving through the stomach and intestines, some of them, when they enter the large intestine, become a “victim” of microorganisms. It is the consequence of the digestion of carbohydrates by microbes that gas formation becomes.
In addition, the intestinal microflora breaks down many other food debris that enters the large intestine ( e.g. proteins and fats). Basically, hydrogen and carbon dioxide are formed in the intestines. In this case, gases are excreted directly through the rectum ( only a small amount is absorbed directly into the bloodstream).
Do not forget that the individual characteristics of each person are of great importance, for this reason the same product can affect different people in completely different ways: for example, gas formation can increase in some, while others do not.
Mechanisms of excessive gas formation
To date, there are several underlying mechanisms for increasing gas production, which can lead to flatulence ( bloating associated with increased gas production in the intestines).Eating foods that lead to increased gas formation.
Here is a list of such products:
- legumes,
- mutton,
- black bread,
- kvass and carbonated drinks,
- beer.
It is impossible not to say about the violation of the bacterial composition ( or biocenosis) intestines, which is a fairly common cause of bloating. Thus, an excess of microorganisms, as well as the predominance of flora, which is not normally found in the intestine, leads to an increase in the processes of fermentation and putrefaction.
Finally, let's talk about motor impairment ( or motor function) intestines. Due to the long stay of decay products in the intestine, gas production increases significantly.
This process is observed:
- With anomalies in the development of the intestine.
- After operations on the gastrointestinal tract.
- Under the influence of certain drugs.
Types of flatulence
1. Alimentary flatulence arising from the use of products, during the digestion of which there is an increased release of gases in the intestine.2. Digestive ( digestive) flatulence - a consequence of violations of the following digestive processes:
- enzymatic deficiency,
- absorption disorders,
- violations of the normal circulation of bile acids.
4. Mechanical flatulence, which is the result of all kinds of mechanical disorders of the so-called evacuation function of the gastrointestinal tract.
5.
Dynamic flatulence resulting from violations of the motor function of the intestine. An interesting fact is that with this type of gas formation, neither an increased amount of gas nor a changed gas composition is observed, while the transit of gases through the intestines is significantly slowed down.
Causes of dynamic flatulence:
- intestinal paresis,
- irritable bowel syndrome,
- anomalies in the structure or position of the colon,
- spasm of smooth muscles due to various nervous disorders and emotional overload.
7. High-altitude flatulence is formed when atmospheric pressure decreases. The fact is that in the process of raising to a height, gases will expand, and their pressure will increase.
Conclusion: factors of increased gas formation in the intestines are very diverse, and often not one mechanism, but several, operates simultaneously.
Foods that cause bloating
Increased gas formation is observed when eating foods that contain carbohydrates, while fats and proteins have much less effect on this process. Carbohydrates include: raffinose, lactose, as well as fructose and sorbitol.Raffinose is a carbohydrate found in legumes, pumpkin, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, asparagus, artichokes, and many other vegetables.
Lactose is a natural disaccharide that is present in milk and its components: ice cream, bread, breakfast cereals, salad dressings, milk powder.
Fructose is a carbohydrate found in many fruits and vegetables. In addition, it is used in the manufacture of soft drinks and juices. Fructose is used everywhere and as a filler in various drugs.
Sorbitol is a carbohydrate found in vegetables and fruits. It is widely used to sweeten all kinds of dietary products that do not contain sugar.
It provokes gas formation and starch, which is contained in most of the products used by the Slavs ( potatoes, corn, peas and wheat). The only product that does not lead to bloating and increased gas formation is rice.
Let's talk about dietary fiber, which is present in almost all products. These fibers can be soluble or insoluble. For example, soluble dietary fiber or pectins) swell in water, forming a gel-like mass. Such fibers are found in oats and beans, peas and many fruits. They enter the large intestine in an unchanged state, where the process of splitting and gas is formed. In turn, insoluble fibers overcome the path through the gastrointestinal tract with virtually no changes, and therefore do not entail significant gas formation.
Display Options
Clinical manifestations of gas formation:- bloating and rumbling in the abdominal cavity,
- frequent burping,
- unpleasant smell of emitted gases,
- the development of a kind of psychoneurosis,
- burning sensation in the heart,
- cardiopalmus,
- interruptions in heart rate,
- mood disorders,
- general malaise.
According to clinical observations, increased gas formation may occur due to emotional disorders. Most often, this kind of flatulence is diagnosed in patients who are passive by nature, incapable of confrontation, not distinguished by sufficient perseverance in achieving their goals, and, therefore, have certain difficulties in curbing anger and discontent. These patients may develop avoidant behaviors leading to conflicts at home and at work.
To date, there are two main types of manifestations of flatulence. Let's consider each of them in more detail.
Option one
The main signs of gas formation:
- a feeling of overfilling of the stomach and its significant increase due to bloating of the intestines,
- inability to pass gases due to spastic dyskinesia.
One of the types of this variant of gas formation is local flatulence, in which gases are concentrated in a certain area of the intestine. Its signs, combined with certain types of pain, can provoke the development of characteristic clinical pictures inherent in the following syndromes: splenic flexure, as well as hepatic angle and caecum. Let's talk about each of the syndromes.
splenic flexure syndrome
This syndrome is more common than others, and certain anatomical prerequisites are necessary for its formation: for example, the left flexure of the colon should be high under the diaphragm, fixed by peritoneal folds and forming an acute angle. It is this angle that can act as a trap designed to accumulate gas and chyme ( liquid or semi-liquid contents of the stomach or intestines).
Reasons for the development of the syndrome:
- posture disorder,
- wearing too tight clothes.
hepatic angle syndrome
This syndrome appears when gas accumulates in the hepatic flexure of the intestine. Thus, the intestine is pinched between the patient's liver and the diaphragm. I must say that according to the clinical picture, the syndrome of the hepatic angle is similar to the pathology of the biliary tract. Patients often complain of a feeling of fullness or pressure observed in the right hypochondrium, and the pain spreads after some time to the epigastric region, to the chest, to the right hypochondrium, extending to the shoulder and back.
blind gut syndrome
This syndrome is typical for patients who have increased mobility of the caecum.
Symptoms:
- feeling of fullness
- pain in the right iliac region.
Option two
This option has the following characteristics:
- constant flurry of flatulence
- the presence of an odor
- mild pain syndrome
- rumbling and transfusion in the abdomen, which is heard by the patient himself and the people around him.
Increased gas formation is diagnosed by conducting a survey radiograph of the abdominal cavity.
Signs:
- high degree of pneumatization ( the presence of air-filled cavities) not only the stomach, but also the large intestine,
- a fairly high location of the diaphragm, especially the left dome.
Since the symptom of excessive gas formation is rather non-specific and can be combined with various functional and organic diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, it is a careful study of the anamnesis, the competent identification of the characteristics of the diet, which are extremely important for approving the program for further examination and the course of treatment. Young patients who do not have complaints of other diseases and do not lose weight do not have to worry about serious organic abnormalities. Elderly people whose symptoms are progressive in nature should undergo a thorough examination in order to exclude oncological pathologies and many other diseases.
Main symptoms
The main symptoms of increased gas formation include:- burp,
- increased gas emission flatulence),
- bloating ( flatulence), accompanied by rumbling and intestinal colic,
- stomach ache.
But with a high formation of gases, not everyone shows such signs. It all depends, first of all, on the number of gases formed, as well as the amount of fatty acids absorbed from the intestines. Not the last role is played by the individual sensitivity of the colon to increased gas formation. In cases where swelling occurs very often, while the symptoms are pronounced, you should immediately consult a doctor in order to exclude serious disorders and diagnose the disease in time.
Belching
Belching during or after eating is not unusual, as it helps to expel excess air that has entered the stomach. Very frequent burping is an indicator that a person has swallowed too much air, which is removed even before it enters the stomach. But also frequent belching can signal a person's diseases such as gastric and intestinal disorders, peptic ulcer, as well as gastroesophageal reflux and gastritis. An interesting fact is that people suffering from the listed diseases, on a subconscious level, hope that swallowing and, accordingly, belching air can alleviate their condition. This erroneous state of affairs leads to the development of an unconditioned reflex, which consists in the fact that during the intensification of unpleasant symptoms, a person swallows and burps air. Most often, the manipulation done does not bring relief, which means that pain and discomfort continue.
Frequent belching may be a symptom Meganblais syndrome found mainly in the elderly. This syndrome is caused by swallowing a large volume of air during a meal, which entails overdistension of the stomach, a change in the position of the heart.
Outcome: limitation of diaphragm mobility, leading to the development of an angina attack.
In some cases, the cause of increased gas formation and bloating of the stomach may be postoperative treatment of gastroesophageal reflux. The fact is that surgeons, in the process of eliminating the underlying disease, create a kind of one-way valve that allows food to pass only in one direction, that is, from the esophagus directly to the stomach. As a result, the processes of normal belching, as well as vomiting, are disrupted.
flatulence
Increased gas separation is another sign of excessive gas formation. According to the norm, a healthy person gas separation is carried out about 14 - 23 times per day. With more frequent removal of gases, we can talk about serious disorders associated with the absorption of carbohydrates, or about the development of dysbacteriosis.
Flatulence
There is a misconception that bloating is caused by excess gas. At the same time, many people, even with a normal amount of gases, may well experience bloating. This is due to improper removal of gases from the intestines.
So, the cause of bloating is most often a violation of the motor activity of the intestine. For example, with SRTK ( irritable bowel syndrome) a feeling of bloating is due to the increased sensitivity of the receptor apparatus of the intestinal walls.
In addition, any disease, the consequence of which is a violation of the movement of feces through the intestines, leads not only to bloating, but often to the appearance of pain in the abdomen. The cause of swelling may be previous abdominal surgery, the development of adhesions, internal hernia.
It is impossible not to say about the excessive consumption of fatty foods, which can also cause an uncomfortable feeling of bloating, and this is due to the slow movement of food from the stomach directly into the intestines.
Abdominal pain
Sometimes bloating is accompanied by colic, characterized by the appearance of acute and cramping pain in the abdomen. Moreover, with the accumulation of gases in the left side of the intestine, the pain can be mistaken for a heart attack. With the accumulation of gases on the right side, the pain mimics an attack of biliary colic or appendicitis.
Which doctor should I contact for gas formation?
If you have a gas problem, please contact gastroenterologist (make an appointment), since it is in the sphere of his professional competence that the diagnosis and treatment of the causes of this unpleasant symptom lies. If for some reason it is impossible to get to a gastroenterologist, then with gas formation it is necessary to contact general practitioner (make an appointment).Diagnostics
Bloating, and, consequently, increased gas formation can be caused by many serious diseases, for the elimination of which a comprehensive examination is carried out. First, the attending physician finds out the features of the patient's diet and the main symptoms that bring discomfort. In certain cases, the doctor prescribes a study of the patient's daily diet for a specific period of time. The patient must keep a special diary, entering into it data regarding his daily diet.If lactase deficiency is suspected, all foods containing lactose should be excluded from the diet. In addition, lactose tolerance tests are prescribed. If the cause of bloating is a violation of the excretion of gases, then in the diary the patient indicates, in addition to the diet, information about the time and daily frequency of excretion of gases through the rectum.
The most careful study of nutritional characteristics, as well as the frequency of fluctuations ( gas emissions) will help identify foods that provoke bloating.
Ascites should be ruled out in patients with chronic bloating ( or fluid buildup), not to mention the complete cure of inflammatory bowel disease. Patients over the age of 50 must undergo a gastrointestinal examination to rule out a disease such as colon cancer. For this purpose, an endoscopic examination is carried out, which is prescribed to people suffering from unmotivated ( causeless) weight loss, diarrhea.
If chronic belching is observed, the doctor may order an endoscopy of both the esophagus and stomach. In addition, an x-ray examination may be prescribed.
What tests can a doctor prescribe for gas formation?
As a rule, the problem of gas formation does not present difficulties in diagnosis, as it is associated with clear and unambiguous symptoms. However, in order to understand whether the normal amount of gases in the intestines in a person causes discomfort or there is a lot of gases, the doctor may prescribe an overview radiograph of the abdominal cavity or plethysmography. Both methods make it possible to understand whether there are many gases in the intestines or their normal amount, and painful symptoms are due to increased sensitivity of the mucosa, mental factors, etc. In practice and overview abdominal x-ray (make an appointment), and plethysmography are rarely prescribed and used.Treatment
Consider options for getting rid of gas formation. And to begin with, the most common causes of gas formation are the wrong diet and overeating.In this case it is necessary:
- Exclude from the diet foods that provoke gas formation: legumes, cabbage and apples, pears and white bread, as well as soda and beer.
- Exclude the simultaneous use of protein and starch foods. So, give up the combination of meat and potatoes.
- Avoid eating exotic foods that the stomach is not used to. If you are not ready to completely switch to traditional food, then you should limit the use of original dishes that are not inherent in Russian and European cuisine.
- Don't overload your stomach with food Simply put, don't overeat.). Eat smaller meals, but do it more often.
Also, the problem of gas formation occurs due to the swallowing of air when eating. So remember: When I eat I am deaf and dumb". Take your time and chew your food thoroughly before swallowing it.
Smoking and alcohol can lead to increased gas formation, so give up these bad habits that provoke this delicate problem. To reduce swallowed air, reduce the use of chewing gum.
Pharmacological preparations
If we talk about the treatment of increased gas formation with the help of pharmacological preparations, then their use must be agreed with the attending physician, since their effectiveness depends primarily on the cause leading to the formation of gases.With increased gas formation and bloating, the following drugs are most often prescribed: simethicone and activated charcoal, espumizan, as well dicetel and various enzyme preparations.
In this case, it is necessary to take into account the fact that simethicone will not have the expected effect with increased gas formation occurring in the colon. In this case, espumizan or activated charcoal is recommended.
With gastroesophageal reflux, irritable bowel syndrome, doctors prescribe: metoclopramide (Cerucal and Raglan), cisapride (Propulsid) and Dicetel.
Alternative treatment
Residents of the eastern regions of India, after each meal, chew a few pinches of flavored seeds of cumin, fennel, anise, which helps to eliminate gas formation. For the same purpose, a decoction of licorice root is brewed: for example, 1 teaspoon of the root is poured into a glass of water and boiled over low heat for 10 minutes.mint decoction
Mint is a carminative that prevents the increased formation of gases, with any kind of mint. The recipe for such a decoction is simple: 1 teaspoon of mint is poured with one glass of boiling water, after which it is boiled over low heat for no more than 5 minutes.
rusty elm
This plant is considered to be an effective remedy for helping to eliminate severe cases of gas formation. This plant is most often taken in powder form, while the powder is washed down with warm water or tea. The decoction recipe has the usual taste, but has the appearance of a viscous mixture, because of which many refuse to accept the unsightly-looking mixture. Slippery Elm is a mild laxative that makes stools slippery. For rusty elm decoction, boil one glass of water, pouring half a teaspoon of elm bark into it, ground to a powder. Boil the mixture over low heat for about 20 minutes. It is necessary to take the strained mixture three times a day, one glass each.
yellow fluorspar
This stone has a huge number of beautiful shades and different shapes. Spar has an exceptionally positive effect on the nervous system, while a yellow stone has an excellent effect on digestion. So, if problems with increased gas formation were to some extent caused by nervous tension, then it is enough to place yellow fluorspar, shaped like an octahedron, on the affected part of the body, lie down and breathe deeply for five minutes. You will feel much better.
Prevention
As you know, it is easier to prevent the onset of a disease than to treat it. Here are preventive measures, following which you will forget about the problem of increased gas formation.Diet
Adjust your diet to eliminate foods that cause fermentation or gas.
These products include:
Constant lack of sleep, untimely eating, smoking and stress are the main causes of disruption of the intestines, which, in turn, leads to increased gas formation. For this reason, you should adhere to a certain daily routine, that is, sleep at least eight hours a day, eat right and in a timely manner, limit the amount of alcohol, and take a walk in the fresh air.
The food culture deserves special attention: for example, you need to chew your food thoroughly, excluding conversations during meals, which provoke increased swallowing of air, leading to gas formation.
Replacement therapy
Excessive gas formation may occur due to an enzyme deficiency or due to a violation of the circulation of bile. In these cases, replacement therapy is required, which involves the use of choleretic and enzyme preparations.
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Often, some people are bothered by an unpleasant smell when passing gases, which can cause social discomfort. So why are gases odorless in some cases and odorless in others? To do this, you need to know the composition of the emitted gases, which component causes the stench and what it depends on.
Composition of intestinal gases
In a healthy person, the composition of the gas mixture excreted through the rectum is as follows:
- nitrogen - 24–90% (main type of gas),
- carbon dioxide - 8–29%,
- oxygen - 1–20%,
- hydrogen - 2–50%,
- methane - 0–20%.
Intestinal bacteria and gas formation.
Some bacteria produce the gas while others consume it. Food particles that the digestive system is unable to absorb are broken down by gas-producing bacteria into smaller and simpler ones. This process is called fermentation. Hydrogen and carbon dioxide are the gases released in this process.
Other types of intestinal bacteria consume large amounts of gas, especially hydrogen. These, in turn, release small amounts of methane or sulfur-containing gases, which are responsible for the bad odor associated with intestinal gas. Some of the gas that is absorbed into the blood is released through the lungs and can be detected with breath tests. This gives doctors the opportunity to evaluate the various functions of the digestive system. The remaining gas exits through the anus.
Gas formation in the intestinal lumen occurs in different ways.
- Oxygen, nitrogen and carbon dioxide come from swallowed air, while hydrogen and methane are by-products of the breakdown of food residues by good bacteria (probiotics) that live in the large intestine, i.e. formed as a result of the enzymatic activity of bacteria. All these gas components are odorless.
- Hydrogen is formed during the processing of fermentable substances (carbohydrates, amino acids) by anaerobic bacteria. A lot of hydrogen is released after eating certain foods (wheat bread, potatoes, corn, beans, cabbage)
- Methane is produced as a result of the metabolism of certain intestinal bacteria. In about 1/3 of the adult population, the number of these bacteria and, accordingly, the concentration of methane in the faeces is increased. The ability of each individual to produce methane is a relatively constant value and does not change with age.
- Carbon dioxide can also be formed in the large intestine as a result of the enzymatic action of intestinal bacteria on organic substances that are not absorbed in the small intestine - vegetable fibers and other components containing carbohydrates that are not hydrolyzed by amylases (cellulose, hemicellulose, pectins, lignins).
- The source of carbon dioxide is also the interaction of bicarbonate and hydrogen ions in the stomach.
- Ammonia is formed in the colon due to microbial degradation of urea or amino acids.
- The amount and composition of gases depend on the types of bacteria present in the colon; each has a unique composition of bacteria from birth.
What causes the specific smell of intestinal gases?
The intensity of off-gassing odors is related to the percentage of various gases present at any given time.
The bulk of the gas is odorless. Gases that give stool an unpleasant odor are found in the intestines in small quantities.
An unpleasant smell is given by sulfur-containing compounds - hydrogen sulfide, indole, skatole, methanethiol, which are formed during the digestion of food in the large intestine.
They are produced by specific bacteria in the large intestine during the decomposition of organosulfur compounds, and primarily during the decay of proteins, which include sulfur-containing amino acids (taurine, methionine and cysteine).
The fact is that proteins that are not absorbed in the upper sections of the digestive tract are used by the pathogenic microflora of the colon as an energy substrate. Enzymes These putrefactive bacteria break down amino acids and convert them into amines, phenols, indole, skatole, mercaptan, hydrogen sulfide.
Therefore, the more sulfur-containing foods in the diet, the more of the above compounds will be produced by intestinal bacteria, and the stronger the smell. Sulfur-containing foods are cauliflower, white cabbage, soybeans, meat, fish, eggs, cereals, milk, beer, etc.
Hydrogen sulfide is a component that usually smells like rotten eggs, while methanethiol resembles the smell of rotten cabbage. This same compound is also responsible for other human body odors, including bad breath.
The human nose can detect hydrogen sulfide in concentrations up to half a billion, so the passage of even a very small amount of this gas can be felt.
Conclusion.
Why is there such a range in the amount of gases emitted, their percentage composition and the level of malodor, depending on the individual?
This is due to the amount of air ingested, the types of foods consumed, and the internal chemical reactions that take place in the gut microbiome during digestion.
Fermentation occurs when unabsorbed and undigested food enters the large intestine. Thus, diet is the main factor (even more significant than the composition of the microbiota) that determines the amount of gases produced.
Diets that reduce the amount of foods that can cause fermentation significantly reduce the amount of gas produced and the intensity of odor.