Why does the stomach swell after eating in men. Bloating and gas formation - causes, symptoms and treatment

03.08.2023

The problem of where flatulence comes from is not the most popular for discussion. An exception is an appointment in the office of a gastroenterologist. There are many common causes and causes of bloating, in a particular situation they manifest themselves in different ways, often combined. Identification and timely treatment of digestive disorders, diseases that cause increased gas formation, is necessary to maintain physical health and mental well-being.

Moderate or severe abdominal pain and bloating is not just an intestinal problem. The change in food products begins already in the oral cavity, and air enters the gastrointestinal tract along with food. The decomposition of proteins, carbohydrates and fats is provided by the digestive glands of the oral cavity, stomach, liver and pancreas.

The food bolus travels a path longer than 5 m and enters the small intestine, where the final digestion and absorption of nutrients takes place. Water is absorbed in the large intestine. Undigested residues are excreted through the rectum. The accumulated gases are partially absorbed by the intestinal walls, the rest go out naturally.

In case of violation of the functions of one of the organs of the gastrointestinal tract, the work of the entire digestive system changes. Flatulence is not necessarily a sign of a disease. The consumption of certain foods and drinks is often accompanied by bloating, and is resolved by eliminating the irritating substance from the diet.

Twelve questions about flatulence

Accumulation in the intestines from 100-150 ml to 0.9-1 l of gas does not necessarily lead to bloating, if gaseous molecules enter the bloodstream and are excreted naturally through the anus. Flatulence occurs when these processes are disturbed.

Answers to common questions about gases in the gastrointestinal tract:

What is flatulence?

This is an excessive accumulation of gas and distension of the intestines.

What is another name for flatulence?

Bloating.

Where does air come from in the digestive tract?

Swallowed with food, drinks, swallowed while talking.

What foods most often cause flatulence?

Legumes, cereals, confectionery, dairy products, fresh vegetables and fruits.

Is it harmful to hold back gases?

Yes. The more air accumulates, the stronger the stretch and. To release gases, you should go to the toilet or go outside.

How many gas outlets are considered normal?

10 to 25 times a day.

What is chronic flatulence?

Bloating for more than 12 weeks.

What is dangerous bloating with abdominal pain?

The appearance of intestinal obstruction.

How to determine which product causes flatulence?

Eliminate “suspicious” dishes one by one from the menu to find out which one is associated with the appearance of bloating.

Are food allergies and food intolerances the same disease?

No. Allergy is an immune problem and incompatibility is a metabolic reaction. Occurs in case of deficiency of an enzyme that breaks down a certain substance.

How is flatulence treated?

They take carminatives, adsorbents, antispasmodics, probiotics.

What plants are used to treat bloating?

Ginger root, fennel seed, dill, chamomile flowers, mint leaves, green tea.

Important! You can not treat severe bloating with a heating pad and enemas - they can worsen the condition of the intestines. The method is contraindicated in acute inflammation of the digestive tract.

Flatulence is accompanied by many diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, requiring immediate medical attention. Surgical intervention is necessary if there is intestinal obstruction, peritonitis, an ulcer has opened, a malignant tumor is growing.

The most common complaints of bloating

Flatulence is accompanied by physical discomfort, sometimes severe pain. Manifestations in different people vary depending on the composition of the food, the state of the gastrointestinal tract and the age of the patient.

Feelings and symptoms:

rumbling, seething and other characteristic sounds in the intestines;
feeling of fullness and heaviness in the stomach;
bloating of the upper abdomen;
heartburn, nausea, belching, vomiting (sometimes);

Exhaust gases have a complex chemical composition. The smell is absent when nitrogen, oxygen, carbon dioxide, methane and hydrogen predominate. The stench is explained by the release of hydrogen sulfide, volatile thiols, skatole, ammonia. The sound is caused by the vibration of the anal sphincter.

Constant flatulence occurs with many diseases of the gastrointestinal tract. Without establishing the cause, it is not always possible to cope with the discomfort. In such situations, the use of carminatives and adsorbents provides only temporary relief.

The specialist who examines the patient pays attention to his appearance, asks about the time of onset and the nature of the symptoms. Diagnosis includes ultrasound, X-ray examination, panoramic computed tomography of the abdominal organs.

The main causes of excess gas formation in the intestines

Consumed foods can irritate the stomach and intestines, causing an increase in the activity of intestinal bacteria that produce gas. Many diets involve eating large portions of vegetables or proteins. When the food bolus reaches the large intestine, there are a lot of undigested residues in it, so putrefaction occurs more actively with the formation of gases.

And bloating in a healthy person:

Rapid absorption of food.
Conversations while eating.
Nervousness and haste.
Soda.
Fast food.
Smoking.
Stress.
Alcohol.
Binge eating.
Physical inactivity.
Change of diet.
Moving, climate change.

Foods and drinks that most often cause bloating and stomach: legumes, milk and its products, fried foods, fatty meats, plums, grapes, carbonated drinks.

Attention! Active gas formation occurs even in people with a healthy digestive system after eating foods rich in complex carbohydrates.

Sweeteners enhance fermentation in the intestines. It is advisable to use a safe sweetener - stevia. Legumes, some grains, and vegetables cause less gas after soaking in water for 6-12 hours. Bread is best eaten on the second day when it dries up.

The occurrence of bloating in different populations

The intestines must cope with those gases that enter with food and are formed in the large intestine. For many reasons, the natural process is disrupted. Each population group has its own list of external and internal causes of excessive gas formation.

Among women

The most common causes of flatulence are hormonal disturbances during the menstrual cycle, pregnancy and menopause. The growing fetus in the body of a pregnant woman compresses the internal organs. This reason, together with fluctuations in the hormonal background, disrupts normal digestion, leads to excessive accumulation of gases. Proper nutrition and feasible physical activity somewhat alleviate the discomfort.

Increased blood flow to the pelvic organs, which causes pain and bloating in the lower abdomen in women at the beginning of each menstrual cycle. The use of antispasmodic and analgesic drugs alleviates premenstrual syndrome. Among the possible causes of severe flatulence, regardless of menstruation, are pathologies of the ovaries or uterus.

After 45 years, the work of the digestive glands worsens, the absorption function of the intestine is disturbed. During this period, the causes of bloating and gas formation in women are associated with the use of milk, coffee, and fresh pastries. It is necessary to avoid foods that cause flatulence, take enzyme preparations.

In men

Most often, belching and bloating are caused by dietary errors, a sedentary lifestyle, and stress. Men often drink food with beer, strong alcoholic beverages, eat protein and carbohydrate foods together, which contribute to the formation of gases. Alcohol enhances appetite, fatty foods serve as snacks. Food is digested more slowly, the load on the liver and pancreas increases.

It is harmful to eat at night when metabolic processes slow down. The appearance of the so-called beer belly also complicates digestion and absorption in the intestines. Such violations increase the risk of excessive gas formation.

The child has

Babies swallow air while suckling, then suffer from painful abdominal colic. The removal of gases through the blood by diffusion is difficult due to the immaturity of the digestive system. There are bloating and nausea in children against the background of food allergies, intolerance to certain products.

Attention! A child only by the age of 7 acquires the physiological ability to digest the food that prevails in the daily menu of most families.

The influence of diseases on increased gas formation

Abdominal pain and flatulence are a burden on the body. Since digestion is disturbed, tissues and cells do not receive the necessary amounts of nutrients. An aversion to food or a pathological appetite may appear. As a result, the condition of the digestive tract, heart and blood vessels worsens.

Functional dyspepsia, chronic gastritis - and their diagnosis is carried out in stages. Includes clinical blood tests, urine, feces, ultrasound endoscopy, biopsy and a number of other studies.

Drug treatment:

Almagel Neo or Maalox - adsorbents, carminatives and antacids.
Ranitidine, Cymtidine, blocking H2-histamine receptors.
Omeprazole as a proton pump inhibitor.
Motilium to stimulate gastrointestinal motility.

If you are concerned about constipation and constant bloating, the causes may be associated with a violation of bile secretion as a result of inflammation of the gallbladder, liver disease. Frequent rumbling and seething after eating occurs with pancreatitis. Symptoms disappear after taking enzymes in the preparations Mezim, Panzinorm, Festal.

Violation of the optimal balance of microorganisms in the intestine leads to dysbacteriosis. The number of lactobacilli decreases, opportunistic and pathogenic fungi and bacteria multiply intensively. A person suffering from dysbacteriosis constantly feels severe bloating after eating.

Intestinal atony is accompanied by frequent constipation. All this time, the masses in the large intestine undergo putrefaction with the formation of fetid gases. Rumbling, bloating, constipation or diarrhea occur with irritable bowel syndrome.

Food intolerances and food allergies

The intensity of swelling and the smell of gases are due to the individual composition of the intestinal microflora. Severe flatulence is most often accompanied by the consumption of foods rich in carbohydrates, which are poorly absorbed. Bloating begins shortly after eating a meal containing one or more "problem" carbohydrates.

Lactase enzyme deficiency causes lactose intolerance in milk. In old age, after drinking milk and dairy products, heaviness and bloating, abdominal cramps also occur.

Among the products, a group of strong allergens stands out, with which unusually strong reactions of the body to common food substances are more often associated. Often the disease is accompanied by flatulence and headache.

With food intolerance and food allergies, insufficiently digested masses enter the intestines. Bacteria and yeasts in the intestinal flora "pounce" on food. During the life of microbes and as a result of chemical reactions, gases are released. Foods and drinks that cause flatulence should be avoided. It is important to observe the diet, do not drink carbonated water while eating.

Anton Palaznikov

Gastroenterologist, therapist

Work experience more than 7 years.

Professional skills: diagnosis and treatment of diseases of the gastrointestinal tract and biliary system.

Bloating and gas- this is a common phenomenon characterized by an excessive accumulation of gases in the intestine due to impaired absorption or insufficient formation of them, also called. Such a problem gives a person not only physiological discomfort, but also psychological inconvenience.

Why does bloating occur?

Experts identify the following causes of bloating and increased gas formation:

Excessive swallowing of air during meals, inflammatory pathologies of the throat, smoking and the presence of dentures or braces in the mouth.
Food products, which include fiber, which provokes fermentation processes.
intestines.
Violation of the functioning of the digestive system.
Growth and maturation of the digestive system in newborns.
Intestinal gas malabsorption caused by portal hypertension or ischemic.
Mechanical obstruction of the intestine due to stenosis, tumors or abnormal structure of the organ.
Weak peristalsis caused by hormonal failure, a disorder of intestinal innervation, a lack of vegetables and fruits in the diet, and a sedentary lifestyle.
Frequent stressful situations and emotional upheavals. Stress hormones inhibit intestinal motility, causing constriction of blood vessels that feed the organ. This leads to a violation of the natural removal of gases.
Genetic abnormalities that cause.
high-rise. With a sharp rise to a height, the gases expand, and their volume increases significantly.

Intestinal gas contains air swallowed during meals, products of fermentation processes and putrefaction and food, substances that bacteria release during the fermentation of food, and gases obtained from the blood. An unpleasant odor is caused by ammonia and hydrogen sulfide.

During normal functioning of the gastrointestinal tract, 200-500 ml of intestinal gas is produced, with swelling - up to 3-4 liters

According to statistics, 100% of people experience periodic bloating. More than 70% of babies suffer from intestinal colic. In 24 hours, the human body produces up to 20 liters of gases. In a healthy person, the norm of intestinal gas is 200-500 ml. With bloating, the amount of gas released can increase to 3-4 liters.

Quite often, flatulence occurs in pregnant women. This is due to a change in the hormonal background, a decrease in intestinal tone, which leads to difficulty in the digestion process. Also during pregnancy, doctors note a deterioration in the activity of the pancreas. This leads to a deficiency of enzymes for the digestion of food.

flatulence symptoms

With flatulence in adults, the appearance of such symptoms is characteristic:

an increase in the volume of the abdomen, internal distension and swelling;
short-term pain in the abdominal cavity;
rumbling in the stomach;
the release of accumulated gases to the outside, accompanied by various sounds;
belching;
nausea;
violation of the chair;
general weak condition;
burning in the region of the heart;
deterioration in the quality of sleep.

Diagnosis of increased formations of gases in the abdomen

To determine the cause that caused bloating, the doctor first probes the patient's abdomen. Palpation increases the soreness of the swollen area. In newborns with flatulence, the abdomen becomes convex and hard. When tapping the abdomen, a loud sound is noted over the place where gases are contained. The following tests will also be required:

general blood analysis;
coprogram;
stool culture;
ultrasonography;
radiography.

To identify the causes of bloating, palpation is performed, and the patient also takes tests

A blood test shows the number of leukocytes. If their level significantly exceeded the norm, then this indicates an infectious pathology or inflammation of any organ. With the help of a specialist, a liver disease is detected, leading to a decrease in the amount of bile in the intestines, which provokes a violation of the digestive system.

Tablets for bloating and gas formation

To eliminate flatulence, doctors prescribe the following groups of drugs:

Adsorbents. Particles of these medicines actively adsorb various types of bacteria and the toxic substances they release. The most common drugs include activated charcoal, Diosmectite, Enterosorb, Polysorb, Smecta and Polyphepan.
Defoamers. They reduce the surface tension of the bubbles that contain gas, thereby lowering the intestinal wall and releasing it from toxins. The group of defoamers includes Espumizan and Kolikid.
Prokinetics. Increase intestinal peristalsis and remove gases, have antiemetic effect. Prokinetics include Motilium and Passagex.
Enzyme medicines. They include pancreatic enzymes and excipients. They actively break down fats and vegetable fiber, improving the absorption of nutrients. The most famous enzyme preparations are Creon, Festal and Pancreatin.
Antispasmodics. They have a relaxing effect on the smooth muscles of the intestine, eliminating pain. Antispasmodics include Dolce, Drotaverine, Pantestin and Papaverine.
Phytopreparations. They improve intestinal motility and remove gases, relieve spasm and pain during flatulence.

Quite often, a gas tube is used to remove gases from newborns and bedridden patients. If you use it often, then in children the procedure can be addictive, as a result of which the body cannot get rid of accumulated gases on its own. If administered incorrectly, there is a chance of damaging the intestinal walls or causing bleeding.

Note! Flatulence is not life-threatening for the patient. Taking antispasmodic drugs and adsorbents improves the condition after 20-30 minutes. Pain with bloating disappears immediately after the act of defecation.

If a person after a bowel movement still does not leave the pain syndrome, then this may be a sign of serious pathologies:

acute appendicitis;
intestinal obstruction;
rupture of an ovarian cyst.

If you suspect such diseases, you should immediately call an ambulance.

Treat bloating if necessary comprehensively. prescribes antacids that have an analgesic effect. These include Gastracid and Phosphalugel. Remove toxins and gases will help sorbents - Smecta or activated carbon. Cytotec and Misoprostol are intended to normalize the secretion of gastric juice. In some cases, antibiotics are prescribed - Clarithromycin and. Also, experts recommend sticking to diet number 1.

With increased gas separation caused, anticholinergics should be taken that reduce the formation of hydrochloric acid and enzymes that destroy the mucous membrane of the gastrointestinal tract. These include Vikair and Pirenzepine. To protect the cells of the mucous membranes, cytoprotectors are prescribed - Sucralfate or Misoprostol. De-nol and Bismofalk drugs have an antiseptic effect.

Usually, after a bowel movement, the pain syndrome goes away, but if the pain continues, this may indicate the development of a serious pathology.

Get rid of bloating and corticosteroids will help. They have an anti-inflammatory effect. These medications include hydrocortisone and prednisolone. In ulcerative colitis, immunosuppressants are prescribed - Cyclosporine and Azathioprine. You can compensate for the lack of digestive enzymes with Creon or Mezim-Forte preparations.

Patients with to normalize the digestive process should take enzyme preparations that do not contain bile acids. These include Creon, Pantsitrat and Mezim-Forte. You can relieve abdominal pain with Duspatalin or. With a strong pain syndrome, it is effective to use either Paracetamol. To remove gases, Maalox and Phosphalugel are prescribed. Somatostatin can reduce the activity of the pancreas.

If the stomach swells with a viral infection, then interferons must be taken. They have antiviral and immunomodulatory effects. Help restore liver tissue. The most common are Silibor, Geparsil, Darsil and Silymarin-Geksal.

To relieve spasm in biliary dyskinesia, it is recommended to take Papaverine and No-shpu. To increase the volume of bile produced, choleretic drugs will be required. If the tone of the gallbladder is reduced, then Tsikvalon is prescribed. With such a disease, you should follow diet No. 5 and drink mineral water to normalize the activity of the gallbladder and liver - Essentuki or Navtusya.

If the cause of belching and bloating has become, then he prescribes antibacterial agents that stop the growth of pathogenic microorganisms. These include Enterol and Bificol. To improve the microflora, prebiotics are used - Inulin and Lactusan, and probiotics - Bifiform and Normoflorin. You can remove toxic substances and gases from the body with Zosterin or Polyphepan.

What foods cause flatulence?

With flatulence, it is necessary to include in the diet products that improve intestinal motility

When treating flatulence, you should abandon products that cause fermentation processes:

goose and pork meat;
legumes;
mushrooms;
millet and pearl barley;
fresh sweets;
milk and cream;
ice cream;
sauerkraut and;
and raspberries;
apples and pears;
greenery;
alcohol;
carbonated drinks.

To improve intestinal motility, it is necessary to add millet and buckwheat, kefir and cottage cheese, steamed or stewed vegetables to the menu.

Traditional medicine for bloating, gases

If the stomach is often swollen, then folk remedies will help get rid of discomfort.

With a strong accumulation of gases and poor appetite, it is useful to use ginger. It is enough to take the dried root, grind it to a powdery form and take 20 g three times a day after meals with 100 ml of water.

You can quickly eliminate abdominal discomfort with the help of potato juice. It is recommended to take 100 ml of juice in the morning on an empty stomach, then lie down for 20-30 minutes. The course of admission is 8-10 days, then take a 7-day break and repeat the treatment.

Ginger or potato juice will help to quickly get rid of the discomfort caused by bloating.

According to numerous reviews, an effective method of treating flatulence is a soda solution. It should be diluted with 20 g of soda in a glass of boiled water. Drink 15 minutes before meals up to 3 times a day.

Effectively with increased gas formation, apply a heating pad with warm water to the stomach. It will quickly help eliminate unpleasant symptoms.

infusions

You can get rid of bloating with dill infusion:

Take 25 g of crushed seeds.
Add 300 ml of boiling water.
Insist 30 minutes.
Filter.

Drink the infusion should be 100 ml 2 hours before meals.

Effectively use various herbs for bloating. It is useful to take an infusion based on mint, anise, cumin and chamomile flowers for a month. To prepare it, follow these steps:

Mix all the ingredients in an equal amount in a clay bowl.
Pour 30 g 250 ml boiling water.
Cover with a lid and leave for 15 minutes.

Drink an infusion of 100 ml every 2 hours.

It is effective to use an infusion based on toadflax herb. It is necessary to combine 50 g of raw materials and 1 liter of water. Drink throughout the day.

Grind 30 g of roots.
Pour 250 ml of chilled water.
Insist 50 minutes.

Drink 50 ml 4 times a day before meals. This tool also improves metabolism.

For the treatment of flatulence, you can use an infusion based on the herb sweet clover:

Pour 250 ml of water at room temperature with 25 g of herbs.
Insist 2 hours.
Filter.

Take 75 ml three times a day.

Decoctions

An effective remedy for bloating is a decoction based on coriander, fennel and cumin. It must be prepared as follows:

Combine 30 g of coriander with 20 g of fennel and cumin.
Pour in 300 ml of water.
Boil.
Remove from stove.

Take the resulting decoction twice a day, 200 ml.

Herbal decoctions - an effective remedy for bloating

One of the most popular is a decoction based on chamomile. It relieves stomach cramps and has a beneficial effect on the functioning of the digestive system. You can prepare a decoction according to the following scheme:

Mix 25 g of flowers with 250 ml of boiling water.
Leave for 15 minutes.
Strain.

Take the resulting decoction half an hour before meals, 100 ml. Repeat until the symptoms disappear.

No less effective remedy is a decoction of elecampane high. To prepare it, follow these steps:

Combine 20 g of rhizomes with 1 liter of water.
Insist 1 hour.
Strain.

Drink a decoction with bloating during the day.

Prevention

To avoid bloating, you should follow these rules:

Ensure complete sleep. Chronic lack of sleep can lead to disruption of the functioning of all organs and reduce intestinal motility.
Long walks and sports. It is useful to perform physical exercises in which the abdominal muscles are involved. They normalize intestinal motility.
Avoid severe stress.
Give up smoking.
Adjust your meal schedule. You should stick to 5 meals a day in small portions.
Eat moderate temperature food.
Desserts and fruits should be consumed 2-3 hours after dinner.
Drink 1.5-2 liters of water a day to prevent.

To prevent the occurrence of colic in newborns, a nursing mother must abandon foods that provoke flatulence. You can improve intestinal motility in a child with massage. It is recommended to perform it before each feeding. The baby should massage the stomach in a clockwise circular motion. After feeding, the baby should be kept upright for 10 minutes. It is also recommended to give the baby to suck on pacifiers as little as possible.

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A lot of people face the problem of bloating. No one is immune from the occurrence of such a state, it does not depend on the age and gender of a person, on his social status and standard of living. Even perfectly healthy people can suffer from flatulence, since such a condition can occur for various reasons, but in any case, bloating always causes serious discomfort to a person.

Bloating as a sign of illness

Often seen with constipation. If a person has constipation, then his intestines are rarely emptied, the interval can be different and range from 48 hours to 5-7 days. In this case, there is a strong compaction of the feces, and the intestines, like the stomach, are filled with contents almost all the time, which causes a feeling of fullness and swelling.

Bowel movement occurs with great difficulty, accompanied by severe discomfort and even pain. With constipation, excessive production of gases also occurs, since food waste is too long in the intestines, where during this time they are fermented.

It is possible to determine that bloating is caused by constipation by many factors, for example, by the presence of pain in the abdomen, as well as by the grayish-earthy skin tone and the appearance of a rash on the back and face, mainly in the forehead and nose.

The cause of constipation in most cases is malnutrition.

Often, constipation also accompanies pregnancy, especially if a woman does not eat properly and does not follow a balanced diet. Small children also suffer from flatulence, and the condition is often accompanied by colic and restless behavior.

In the body of each person, for various reasons, there is an accumulation of harmful toxins, toxins and other substances that begin to poison him and because of this, the defenses weaken. The body is forced to spend a lot of energy to neutralize these substances, so a person has a feeling of constant fatigue, malaise, irritability, he begins to catch colds more often, be exposed to infections, and bloating occurs and bad breath appears.

Flatulence occurs due to the delay of feces in the digestive tract, where they undergo excessive fermentation.

Even in a healthy person, there can be about 15 types of pathogenic microorganisms inside that exist without showing any symptoms, and, as a rule, half of them live in the gastrointestinal tract. Usually these microorganisms are Trichomonas, Cryptosporidium, Giardia, Balantidia, which enter the body along with water and some products.

When giardia enters the body, damage to the mucous membranes of the gallbladder occurs, resulting in swelling, swelling, nausea and pain in the upper abdomen, as well as in the navel, and diarrhea may begin or, conversely, constipation. If these symptoms are not addressed, it can lead to the appearance of certain diseases, such as gallbladder dysmotility (dyskinesia), as well as inflammation of the organ, called cholecystitis.

In the presence of chronic cholecystitis, dyskinesia of the gallbladder or biliary tract, as well as chronic hepatitis, in most cases, the cause of flatulence is a violation of the outflow of bile.

With cholecystitis, a person experiences pain in the right hypochondrium, becomes irritable, and the consumption of fatty foods leads to loose stools.

In the presence of amoebic dysentery, bloating and a feeling of nausea occur due to damage by microorganisms to the colon mucosa, while there is also the release of pus, as well as mucus. In this case, there is a violation of the general digestive process, nutrients are absorbed by the body only in small quantities, and waste products are not removed in time. A person is tormented by severe distension of the abdomen, bloating, pain, nausea, while weakness is observed, chills and frequent loose stools may appear.

Increased gas after eating

Often people wonder why there is bloating immediately after eating. Bloating can occur due to a sudden change in diet, for example, if a person decides to become a vegetarian and completely refuses meat, or simply goes on a strict diet. The body cannot adapt to such drastic changes immediately, therefore, it often reacts with an intestinal disorder, in which constipation or diarrhea, flatulence, severe bloating and gas formation appear. It is recommended to prepare the body for such changes gradually, accustoming it to a new diet.

Food allergies are a fairly common cause of bloating, and excess gas production is due to the penetration of allergens into the body that cannot be digested in the digestive tract.

Each person has his own list of allergens, it is absolutely individual. In some people, such reactions manifest themselves very violently even when consuming a small piece of an allergenic product, accompanied by other symptoms, while other people live with food allergies all their lives, not knowing about it and not paying attention to it, since it manifests itself only with a slight swelling, which people attribute to other causes.

The reason may be malnutrition, especially if a person consumes an excess amount of products that stimulate this process. If a person likes to drink carbonated sweet drinks, eat peas, beans, pastries, dairy products, potatoes, various types of cabbage, then excessive gas formation will become a natural reaction of the body, since these products increase the production of gases in the intestines.

Causes of flatulence in children and newborns

If in older children, the cause of flatulence in most cases is the consumption of gas-forming or allergenic products, as well as some diseases of the gastrointestinal tract (if any), then in infants and toddlers up to a year, everything is a little more complicated.

In newborn babies, the digestive system is still not sufficiently formed and is only at the stage of its development, and therefore cannot yet fully digest the incoming food. In the intestines of infants, there are not yet enough bacteria necessary for digestion, but, in addition, the baby drinks more mother's milk every day, and since his intestines are not yet developed, it is very difficult for him to cope with the ever-increasing volumes of food. This leads to disruption of the gastrointestinal tract and bloating.

Often, nursing mothers themselves are to blame for the appearance of such troubles, who do not follow a diet and consume foods that the baby's body is not yet able to digest and assimilate.

A common cause of bloating in infants is the mother's consumption of fried foods, fatty meats, and fruits.

Some children do not have the enzymes in their bodies to digest and process certain foods and substances, such as lactose. In this case, even with the consumption of mother's milk, the child develops severe bloating, colic, diarrhea, and sometimes vomiting.

Often the cause of bloating is the usual swallowing of air during feeding.. This occurs when the mother does not follow the rules during feeding. And for artificial people, the reason for swallowing air is usually the wrong choice of bottle or too large a hole in the nipple. In artificers, bloating can also occur with the wrong selection of the milk mixture.

Association with other symptoms

Very often, bloating is accompanied by other symptoms, which in most cases allows you to establish certain causes of this condition, identify the disease or disorders and find a way to get rid of the disease.

The most common combination of the following symptoms:

Bloating and heaviness. This condition is very often observed with the usual overeating or consumption of heavy foods, fatty and fried foods. Heaviness in the abdomen can also appear when consuming certain foods, mainly those that cause active gas formation. Consumption of allergenic foods also causes severe gas and heaviness in the abdomen, but there are other symptoms, such as rash, swelling, diarrhea, and nausea.
Bloating and pain. Most often, such symptoms occur in the presence of a massive lesion of the walls of the stomach or intestines, their mucous membranes. In most cases, these signs indicate the presence of dysbacteriosis or diarrhea, as well as damage to the organ by any pathogenic microorganisms, in particular, E. coli or candida. Such manifestations often occur after the treatment of various diseases with antibiotics, which negatively affect the normal flora of the intestine, destroying it, and opening a free path for a pathogenic microorganism.

Gas and belching. Similar symptoms usually occur in the presence of various diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, in particular, gastritis, ulcers, colitis, pancreatitis, cholecystitis, some form of hepatitis. Such diseases in most cases are associated with impaired production of certain enzymes and substances necessary for the full digestion of food and its breakdown into particles, from which nutrients will be absorbed in the intestines. If any element of the enzyme is missing or missing completely, the food consumed cannot be digested properly, which causes the process of putrefaction and the active formation of gases.
Flatulence combined with rumbling. Such symptoms usually occur with the consumption of gas-forming foods, such as legumes, potatoes, fresh apples, some cereals, pastries, yeast bread, dairy products. Also, the cause of rumbling in the abdomen and bloating is the use of incompatible products.
Bloating and feeling nauseous. When nausea occurs with bloating, usually accompanied by diarrhea and vomiting, this in most cases indicates a severe indigestion or food poisoning.

Causes of severe bloating

In most cases, severe but short-term bloating is caused by the consumption of certain foods that contribute to the active formation of gases during digestion in the intestines. For example, it is precisely this reaction that causes the body to frequently consume carbonated drinks, especially sweet ones.

Legumes such as peas, different types of beans, soybeans, beans, lentils always cause an active production of gases in the intestines when they are digested.

For many people, strong gas formation becomes a natural reaction to the consumption of dairy and sour-milk products, especially natural live yoghurts, kefir, and fresh milk. Causes strong gas formation and fatty fried foods, as well as almost all heavy foods that require long digestion in the stomach and intestines.

It should also be remembered that almost any food, if consumed in very large quantities, causes an overload and fermentation reaction in the digestive system. This is especially true for sweets and foods that contain a large amount of starch, carbohydrates and fiber.

Flatulence in women

What causes bloating in women? In women, the causes of bloating can be very different. Of course, such a condition can be caused by various diseases of the digestive system, such as intestinal candidiasis, dysbacteriosis, gastritis, pancreatitis, ulcers, diverticulitis and other ailments, such as appendicitis, intestinal obstruction, enteritis, colitis, constipation. But often the causes of swelling are completely different factors.

Women often suffer from flatulence due to strict diets, which leads to malnutrition and the fact that the body does not receive all the elements it needs and reacts to this with bloating and other uncomfortable symptoms.

Often, bloating in women is observed during ovulation, when a mature egg leaves the follicle. Many women during this period note an increase in gas formation. The same situation is observed during menstruation and before it begins. This is explained by the restructuring of the hormonal background on these special days of the month, which cannot but affect the state of the whole organism, and primarily on the digestive system.

Including at the very initial stage, when the body begins to rebuild, preparing for the bearing of the baby. In the first trimester, bloating is due to some swelling of the intestines, because of which it stops working at full strength and becomes weak. In the future, the formation of gases also accompanies the woman until the very birth due to changes in the hormonal background and an increase in the production of progesterone, a special hormone that is necessary for normal gestation.

Progesterone has a relaxing effect on the smooth muscles of the uterine walls, which allows you to save the pregnancy and ensures normal uterine distension. But, besides this, progesterone relaxes smooth muscles in other organs, including the intestines, which disrupts its work and leads to the accumulation of gases.

In the later stages, or rather, from the second half of the period, additional pressure begins to be exerted on the intestines and the ever-increasing uterus in which the baby develops, which also does not improve its work.

Causes of bloating and gas in men

The causes of increased gas formation in men, as well as in women, are associated with disruption of the digestive system, primarily the intestines. Of course, in women, most often the causes of this condition are very specific and are explained by changes in the hormonal background, which does not happen in men, but the representatives of the stronger sex suffer from this problem no less.

In addition to the frequent consumption of heavy and fatty foods, in men the cause of bloating is often stress, which leads to indigestion.

As a result of indigestion, consumed foods accumulate in the digestive organs, their waste is not excreted in a timely manner, resulting in pain, cramps, and strong gas formation due to excessive fermentation of food waste in the intestines. If a man suffers from frequent constipation, then bloating becomes an almost constant companion, especially when the diet is not followed, and the person consumes a lot of fatty meat, legumes, pastries and dairy products.

The main way to treat bloating in both men and women, of course, is to eliminate the causes of gas formation.

Flatulence treatment

To begin with, it is necessary to determine exactly which foods cause strong gas formation and refuse to consume them in order to prevent unpleasant consequences. If the cause of bloating is any disease, you should consult a doctor to adjust your diet, diet and number of meals, as well as undergo adequate treatment.

If a person has increased gas production, then the next day the digestive system needs to rest. On this day, it is recommended to eat only boiled rice, which should be washed down with herbal tea or green tea with the addition of herbs. Chamomile flowers, mint leaves, St. John's wort, natural green tea, ginger help digestion. In addition, it is recommended to add fresh parsley, cumin, dill, cardamom, fennel to dishes during their preparation.

Regular activated charcoal helps to quickly get rid of gas formation, which should be taken 1 gram 3 times a day. It is the reception of activated charcoal that can be called the most common and frequently used method of getting rid of such conditions.

Help eliminate this problem and walking in the fresh air, playing sports, such as jogging or walking. Yoga classes and the implementation of special courses of exercises based on this system also allow you to effectively deal with flatulence and improve the functioning of the digestive system.

Identification of the exact causes of severe bloating will quickly eliminate the disease, in addition, there are special drugs and tablets for the treatment of flatulence. When using medications, it is better to consult a specialist so as not to aggravate the problem even more.

But the main treatment for severe gas formation remains dietary adjustment and the rejection of certain foods. If the use of fatty and heavy foods cannot be avoided, for example, at the festive table, when the meal is very plentiful and includes a variety of foods, it is recommended to drink a glass of fresh orange juice or eat this fruit before sitting down to the table.

After the feast, in order to avoid unpleasant consequences, you should drink a cup of good green tea with lemon and honey. Such a measure will improve digestion, increase the production of digestive juices, thereby greatly facilitating the condition in such situations.

Flatulence - a feeling of bloating due to the accumulation of a large amount of gas in the intestines. Men suffer from this disease more often than women. In most cases, eliminating the cause of bloating is easy. Proper nutrition and lifestyle will prevent the occurrence of discomfort.

Physiological causes of bloating

Bloating is an imaginary sensation of swelling of the stomach and intestines, in rare cases it is accompanied by a physical increase in size. Symptoms of gas formation are rumbling and other sounds in the gastrointestinal tract, an unpleasant odor is the result of the vital activity of microorganisms. It occurs periodically, and even without special treatment, in most cases it quickly passes.

In a perfect healthy man, the accumulation of gases in the stomach occurs for several reasons:

In any of these cases, it is enough to follow the manner of eating and stick to a diet to get rid of flatulence. Do not abuse chewing gum after meals.

The use of alcoholic beverages, especially beer, leads to bloating of the stomach. Alcohol contains a large number of yeast bacteria, the waste products of which are gases. Their vital activity provokes flatulence.

Causes of prolonged flatulence

If the gases do not pass into
for several days and became a daily occurrence, diarrhea, nausea, heart pain, headache or fever were added to the feeling of bloating, then the reason lies in the disease. In this case, you need to visit a doctor and undergo a diagnosis of the body.

The causes of bloating and rapid gas formation in men in the event of a disease are associated with a change in the operation of various systems. Gas formation itself becomes a sign that helps in diagnosing the condition. Most often, flatulence occurs when:

dysbacteriosis - a syndrome expressed by a change in the intestinal microflora;
pancreatitis - violation of the pancreas;
enteritis, colitis or enterocolitis - inflammatory diseases of different parts of the gastrointestinal tract;
gastritis - inflammation of the gastric mucosa;
intestinal obstruction - a violation of intestinal motility and the movement of masses from the stomach to the rectum;
stomach and duodenal ulcers.

Inflammatory processes in the gastrointestinal tract affect the mucous membranes of the stomach. This provokes the active reproduction of some bacteria, and also disrupts the natural process of removing gases through the circulatory system. Normally, air is in the intestines and stomach in a certain amount to maintain its tone. Any diseases of the gastrointestinal tract disrupt its work.

Some diseases of the liver, pancreas and gallbladder are also manifested by gases. Chronic hepatitis, cholecystitis or cirrhosis of the liver can cause discomfort.

Intoxication of the body of any nature leads to disturbances in the work of the stomach, as a result - to an increased process of gas formation. Bloating is caused by:

On the walls of the intestines, polyps, adhesions, tumor formations can form. Could be appendicitis. These are physical reasons that make it difficult for the normal removal of gases from the body. The walls of the intestines are strongly narrowed, impassable zones and congestion in front of them are formed. Bloating becomes a natural consequence. It is not recommended to self-medicate in any of these cases.

General overeating and weak
intestinal motility provokes the accumulation of gases. Food is collected in large quantities and moves through the intestines very slowly. During this time, the bacteria have time to release more gas than usual. Gradually, gases are added to the feeling of heaviness in the stomach.

Male flatulence occurs due to many different factors. Most often, it is not difficult to eliminate its appearance. Bad habits such as overeating, drinking alcohol, smoking, eating on the run are the main causes of gas formation in men. If gases bother you for a long time and are accompanied by symptoms that are not characteristic of them, you need to visit a doctor to determine the exact cause of their appearance - the disease.

Bloating or flatulence- excessive accumulation of gases in the intestines, which develops due to increased gas formation, malabsorption or insufficient excretion.

Symptoms. Increased gas formation is manifested:

a feeling of fullness and fullness in the abdomen;
discomfort;
rumbling;
flatulence - the release of gases from the lower intestines, which may be accompanied by a sound of varying volume.

In addition, belching, an unpleasant aftertaste in the mouth, nausea, constipation or diarrhea, burning in the heart area, general weakness, sleep and mood disturbances may occur.

Index	Norm	What does it testify
Leukocytes	4-9x109	Raise the number of leukocytes may indicate an infectious disease or inflammatory process of any organ. Increase the number of stab neutrophils, the appearance of metamyelocytes (young) and myelocytes are called shift of the leukocyte formula to the left. It may indicate various pathologies: acute infectious diseases, intoxication, malignant tumors, etc.
Erythrocyte sedimentation rate ESR	2-15mm/h	ESR increase can cause any inflammatory processes and infections, malignant tumors, pancreatitis, cholecystitis, Crohn's disease.

Most people with flatulence have a complete blood count without changes.

Index	Norm	Deviations that can be found
Form	decorated	Liquid or mushy stools occur with dysbacteriosis, intestinal infections, poisoning, inflammatory bowel disease, colitis, Crohn's disease, colon tumors, food allergies.
Color	tan	A whitish color indicates liver pathology: hepatitis, cholelithiasis. Black color and tarry consistency may be a sign of bleeding from a stomach or duodenal ulcer.
Smell	Fecal unsharp	A sharp putrid smell indicates a lack of digestive enzymes and a sharp increase in the number of putrefactive bacteria.
Reaction	Neutral	An alkaline reaction is the result of the decay of proteins in the small intestine with a deficiency of pancreatic enzymes. The acid reaction is the result of the fermentation of carbohydrates in the colon during a carbohydrate diet.
Muscle fibers are indigestible	Not detected	Undigested elements of meat food are present in feces with a decrease in the acidity of gastric juice, chronic pancreatitis.
Connective tissue	Not found	The presence of particles of connective tissue from food is possible with chronic atrophic gastritis and inflammation of the pancreas (pancreatitis), which are accompanied by a deficiency of digestive enzymes.
hidden blood	Not found	The presence of blood cells may indicate bleeding gums, peptic ulcer, polyps of the stomach or intestines, tumors of the digestive tract, helminthic invasion, hemorrhoids.
Slime	Not visible to the naked eye	Increased secretion of mucus is observed in inflammatory diseases of the colon (colitis) and irritable bowel syndrome, as well as salmonellosis and dysentery.
indigestible fiber	In moderation	Fiber in large quantities indicates a decrease in the acidity of gastric juice and diseases of the pancreas, if they are accompanied by diarrhea.
Neutral fat	Not found	The presence of fat is caused by a lack of lipase secreted by the pancreas. It occurs mainly in patients with chronic pancreatitis.
Fatty acid	Not detected	The presence of fat indicates the pathology of the pancreas.
Starch grains are extracellular	Not detected	The presence of starch in the feces may indicate malabsorption in the small intestine and pancreatitis.
Leukocytes	Not detected or 0-2 in view	A significant number of leukocytes responsible for fighting infection is characteristic of inflammatory bowel diseases: colitis, intestinal infections.
Helminth eggs (worms)	Not detected	The presence of eggs or larvae of worms indicates infection with helminths.
yeast fungus	Less than 10 3	An increase in the fungus confirms dysbacteriosis.
Iodophilic bacteria (cocci, rods)	Not detected	A high level of bacteria indicates poor digestion in the stomach, pancreatic enzyme deficiency, and increased fermentation processes.
Protozoa (amoeba, balantidia, giardia)	Not detected	The presence of protozoa indicates a decrease in local immunity (in the absence of symptoms) or infection with intestinal zooprotonoses (giardiasis, leishmaniasis).
Stercobilin and Stercobilinogen	75-350mg/day	Absent in obstruction of the bile ducts. Less than normal for parenchymal hepatitis, cholangitis, dysbacteriosis. Exceeding the norm is possible with hemolytic anemia.
Bilirubin	Not found in children older than one year and adults	It is found in dysbacteriosis, rapid evacuation of food through the intestines.
Fecal calprotectin	less than 50 mcg/g in adults and children over 4 years of age	An increase in concentration indicates food allergy, celiac disease, diverticulitis, cystic fibrosis, intestinal infections of various origins.

Stool culture for the intestinal group and dysbacteriosis

Bakposev - a study of bacteria contained in feces, which allows to evaluate the ratio of "normal" and opportunistic microorganisms and identify pathogens.

Normal performance

Type of microorganisms	Children	adults
bifidobacteria	10 9 – 10 11	10 9 – 10 10
lactobacilli	10 6 – 10 8	10 6 – 10 8
Bacteroids	10 7 – 10 8	10 7 – 10 8
Peptostreptococci	10 3 – 10 6	10 5 – 10 6
Escherichia (E. coli)	10 6 – 10 8	10 6 – 10 8
Saprophytic staphylococci	≤10 4	≤10 4
Enterococci	10 5 – 10 8	10 5 – 10 8
Clostridia	≤10 3	≤10 5
candida	≤10 3	≤10 4
Klebsiella	≤10 4	≤10 4
Pathogenic enterobacteria	-	-
Pathogenic staphylococci	-	-

Significant deviations from the norm indicate the development of dysbacteriosis.

Ultrasound of the abdominal organs

Gas bubbles in the intestines confirm flatulence. Other pathologies of the gastrointestinal tract are evidenced by such violations:

changes in the size, shape and structure of the organs of the digestive system;
the presence of infiltrates and foci of inflammation;
cysts;
tumors;
adhesions;
free fluid in the abdomen.

X-ray contrast examination of the intestine

An x-ray examination of the intestine is performed after taking barium sulfate preparations. It, being a radiopaque substance, settles on the inner wall of the intestine and allows you to study its features.

An x-ray of the abdominal cavity reveals signs of various pathologies accompanied by flatulence:

intestinal loops swollen with gas during flatulence;
narrowing of the intestinal lumen caused by spasm, constipated feces, adhesions, etc.
swollen pearls of the small intestine in chronic pancreatitis;
radiopaque gallbladder stones that interfere with the outflow of bile;
fecal stones;
rounded formations on the intestinal wall may be tumors;
fluid and gas in the lumen of the caecum and ileum indicate appendicitis;
signs of intestinal obstruction - the radiopaque substance does not spread into the lower intestines;
in the presence of free fluid in the abdominal cavity, the image looks blurry - the effect of "frosted glass".

Treatment for bloating

First aid for bloating

Drug group	Mechanism of therapeutic action	Representatives	Mode of application
Adsorbents	Particles of preparations actively adsorb various substances on their surface. They capture gases and remove them from the body.	Activated carbon	Apply 1 hour before meals at the rate of 1 tablet per 10 kg of body weight 3-4 times a day. It is advisable to grind the tablets (chew), drink ½ glass of water.
		Polyphepan	1 st. l of the drug is dissolved in a glass of warm water. Consume before meals 3-4 times a day.
		Polysorb	1 heaping tablespoon of powder is dissolved in ½ cup of water. Take 1 hour before or 1 hour after eating or taking other medications.
		Smecta	The contents of 1 sachet are dissolved in ½ cup of water. Take before meals 3 times a day.
Defoamers	Surfactants break down the fine bubble foam containing gas, reduce its volume and reduce pressure on the intestinal wall.	Espumizan	Take 2 tsp or 2 capsules. Multiplicity of reception 3-5 times a day.
Defoamers		colicid	Take 1 tablet 3-5 times a day during or after meals.
Prokinetics	Contribute to the strengthening of intestinal peristalsis and the removal of gases. Strengthen motility, accelerate the evacuation of the contents of the intestine. They have an antiemetic effect.	Motilium	Instant lingual tablets. 1 tablet is placed under the tongue, where it quickly dissolves, after which the drug is swallowed without drinking.
Prokinetics		Passagex	Adults: 1 tab 3 times a day half an hour before meals.
Gastric juice	Increases the acidity of gastric juice with reduced secretion of hydrochloric acid. Facilitates the digestion of food, reduces putrefactive and fermentation processes in the intestines.	natural gastric juice	1-2 tablespoons during or after each meal.
Enzyme preparations	Contain pancreatic enzymes and auxiliary components. Promote the breakdown of fats and vegetable fiber, as well as the absorption of nutrients.	Pancreatin	Take 150,000 IU / day. Tablets or capsules are swallowed without chewing during meals, with 1 glass of non-alkaline liquid (water, juices).
		Creon	Consume during each meal 20,000-75,000 units of lipase EF.
		Festal	1-2 tablets immediately after meals with a small amount of water.
Antispasmodics	Relax the smooth muscles of the intestinal wall, eliminating spasm. Reduce pain caused by bloating.	Papaverine	40-60 mg (1-2 tablets) 3-4 times a day.
Antispasmodics		No-shpa	1-2 tablets 2-3 times a day.
Phytotherapy	Infusions of medicinal herbs normalize intestinal motility and contribute to the speedy removal of gases. They also eliminate spasm and reduce soreness with the accumulation of gases. Medicinal herbs also stimulate the production of food enzymes.	Camomile tea	Brew 2 teaspoons with a glass of boiling water, leave for 3 hours. Take 1/3 cup 4 times a day.
		Infusion of dill, fennel, cumin	Pour 2 teaspoons of seeds with a glass of boiling water and leave for up to 2 hours. Take ¼ cup every hour.
		Mint infusion	Brew 2 teaspoons of crushed leaves with a glass of boiling water. Drink in small portions throughout the day.

Attention: the doses are indicated for adults. For children, drugs are available in the form of suspensions. The doctor selects the dosage based on the weight and age of the child.

Gas tube can only be used as a last resort for infants and bedridden patients. Its frequent use, especially in children, can lead to addiction - the child will not be able to get rid of gases on his own. In addition, with careless administration, there is a risk of damaging the intestinal walls and causing bleeding.

Do I need to call an ambulance for bloating?

Bloating is not a life-threatening condition. Taking adsorbents and antispasmodics improves well-being in 20-40 minutes. Pain with flatulence disappears immediately after emptying the intestines or passing gases.

If, after these measures, the patient continues to complain of severe pain in the abdomen, then this may indicate serious diseases:

an attack of acute appendicitis;
peritonitis;
intestinal obstruction;
ruptured ovarian cyst.

If these pathologies are suspected, it is imperative to call an ambulance team that will take the patient to the surgical department.

Complete sleep. Chronic lack of sleep leads to disruption of the work of all internal organs and slowing down of intestinal motility. A healthy 8-hour sleep improves intestinal innervation and accelerates motility.
Sufficient physical activity. Hypodynamia leads to a delay in the contents of the digestive tract. Constipation violates the composition of the microflora and causes flatulence. Hiking and playing sports improve intestinal motility. Exercises that involve the abdominal muscles are especially useful: bicycle, scissors, torso.
Lack of stress. Nervous shocks disrupt the innervation of the intestine, which entails a slowdown in its motility and reabsorption of gases.
Limit smoking especially during meals. In smokers, a large amount of air and smoke enters the stomach, which contributes to an increase in the volume of intestinal gas.

Diet for bloating

Eliminate foods that cause or increase fermentation from the diet

indigestible meats: goose, pork, lamb;
legumes: peas, beans, chickpeas, lentils;
cereals: millet, barley;
easily digestible carbohydrates: fresh pastries, cookies, cakes and pastries, chocolate;
whole milk, cream, ice cream, milkshakes;
Borodino bread, bread with bran;
raw and pickled vegetables containing coarse fiber: cabbage of all kinds, radishes, tomatoes;
fruits and berries: grapes, dates, kiwi, pears, apples, gooseberries, raspberries;
greens: spinach, sorrel, green onions;
carbonated drinks, kombucha, kvass, beer;
mushrooms;
alcohol;
chewing gum.

Include foods that improve intestinal motility in your diet

crumbly cereals from buckwheat and millet;
dairy products;
wholemeal bread from yesterday's baking;
boiled and baked vegetables and fruits.

Prevention of "intestinal colic" in children under one year old.