Flatulence: Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Treatment

Swallowing Excess Air

• Chewing gum
• Sucking on hard candy
• Drinking carbonated drinks
• Eating or drinking too quickly
• Smoking
• Wearing loose-fitting dentures

Difficult-to-Digest Foods

• Foods high in carbohydrates that are not fully digested by the stomach and small intestine
• Examples include beans, broccoli, and whole grains

Digestive System Conditions

• Indigestion
• Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)
• Functional gastrointestinal disorders like functional abdominal bloating and constipation

Medications

• Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
• Statins
• Certain laxatives

• Belching
  • Release of gas from the stomach through the mouth.
  • Often due to swallowing too much air.
• Bloating and Distention
  • Feeling of fullness or swelling in the abdomen.
  • Distention refers to the visible increase in abdominal size. May cause abdominal discomfort or pain.
• Passing Gas
  • Average of 8 to 14 times a day; up to 25 times is considered normal.
  • Excess gas leading to flatulence may have an unpleasant odor due to sulfur.

• Severe bloating or distended abdomen
• Cramps or abdominal pain
• Nausea, constipation, or diarrhea
• Severe heartburn
• Black, tarry stools or blood in stools
• Unexplained weight loss

• Swallowing Less Air
  • Avoid chewing gum and sucking on hard candy
  • Avoid carbonated drinks and drinking with a straw
  • Eat and drink more slowly
  • Quit smoking
  • Ensure dentures fit correctly
• Changing Diet
  • Reduce intake of cruciferous vegetables (broccoli, cauliflower) and legumes (beans, peas)
  • Limit high-fiber, fructose, or lactose foods
  • Avoid sugar-free products containing artificial sweeteners ending in "-ol"
• Medications and Supplements
  • Over-the-counter medicines to reduce gas
  • Prescription medicines for underlying conditions like IBS or small intestinal bacterial overgrowth
  • Supplements such as lactase for lactose intolerance