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![]() This is often assumed to be gas accumulation. Some patients, particularly women who have had one or more pregnancies, experience abdominal distension when standing erect. Patients with altered anatomy due to surgery or those with certain rheumatologic diseases may be at an increased risk of bacterial overgrowth in the small intestine which can lead to belching, bloating or flatulence. Some patients with Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) appear to be uniquely sensitive to normal or only slightly increased volumes of intestinal gas and may develop abdominal cramps as a result. Risk FactorsĪs mentioned above, excessive air swallowing, and certain foods and carbonated beverages are significant contributors to belching and flatulence. Finally, underlying constipation may also contribute to bloating and a sense of abdominal distention. This results in increased production of intestinal gas contributing to the above symptoms. This is not an infection, but occurs when there is an excess amount of normal bacteria in the small intestine. This condition, called lactose intolerance, is less common in people of northern European origin.Īnother cause of bloating and abdominal distension is termed bacterial overgrowth. Many patients experience abdominal cramps, bloating and flatulence when they ingest milk, certain cheeses or ice cream because they lack the enzyme (lactase) which is required to digest milk sugars (lactose). This can result in excess flatulence in some patients. Examples of such food are bran, cabbage, cauliflower, broccoli, and beans. Some carbohydrates cannot be digested by the enzymes in the small intestine and reach the colon where bacteria metabolize them to hydrogen and carbon dioxide gasses. As a result, significant amounts of gas can enter the stomach and small bowel in 24 hours which can lead to belching, bloating or flatulence. Poorly fitting dentures and chronic postnasal “drip” can also cause excess air swallowing. In addition, individuals who experience anxiety may swallow air excessively. Drinking carbonated beverages such as soda or beer can also generate excess gastric air. We all swallow air during the process of eating. Individuals can have excess swallowing due to sucking on hard candies or chewing gum. Gas which accumulates in the left upper portion of the colon can radiate up to the chest and seem like cardiac pain. Gas which accumulates in the right upper portion of the colon can lead to pain which could seem like gallbladder pain. The gas is generally a combination of swallowed air and gas produced by the action of colon bacteria on undigested carbohydrates. Some patients experience the symptom with normal amounts of gastric gas.įlatulence refers to the passage of rectal gas. ![]() This can be influenced by gas and/or food accumulation in the stomach. The air can either be belched back or can be passed out of the stomach into the small intestine and be subsequently passed as rectal gas (flatus).īloating refers to a sense of fullness in the upper abdomen. Symptomsīelching is a normal process and results from swallowed air accumulating in the stomach. Some people can be more sensitive to even normal amounts of gas and develop the above symptoms. These symptoms are usually brief and resolve once gas is released by belching or flatulence. Gas can contribute to a sense of bloating (fullness), belching, abdominal cramps, and flatulence (gas). Intestinal gas is a topic that people often find difficult to discuss, but we all have gas in our intestinal tract. ![]()
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