WHAT IS GAS?
Abdominal Gas is the normal process of digestion. It is the passing of excess air trapped in the intestines. Although having gas is common, sometimes it may be embarrassing and inconvenient. On average, adult passes gas 14-23 times a day. Although the number of times appears more, it is considered normal. Gas is the end result of the bacterial degradation in the intestines along with the air that has entered stomach through mouth.
Abdominal distension occurs when substances, such as air (gas) accumulate in the abdomen causing its expansion. It is typically a symptom of an underlying disease or dysfunction in the body, rather than an illness in its own right. People suffering from this condition often describe it as "feeling bloated". Sufferers often experience a sensation of fullness, abdominal pressure and possibly nausea, pain or cramping.
In the most extreme cases, upward pressure on the diaphragm and lungs can also cause shortness of breath. Through a variety of causes, bloating is most commonly due to build-up of gas in the stomach, small intestine or colon. The pressure sensation is often relieved, or at least lessened, by belching or flatulence. Medications that settle gas in the stomach and intestines are also commonly used to treat the discomfort and lessen the abdominal distension.
COMPOSITION OF GAS:
Gas primarily consists of odourless vapours - carbon dioxide, oxygen, nitrogen, hydrogen, and sometimes methane. The unpleasant odour of gas comes from bacteria in the large intestine that release small amounts of gases that contain sulphur.
CAUSES OF GAS:
· Overeating
· Gastric distension
· Fructose intolerance and other Food intolerances. Gas or bloating may occur if your digestive system can't break down and absorb certain foods, such as the sugar in dairy products (lactose) or proteins such as gluten in wheat and other grains
· Premenstrual Syndrome, Menstruation, dysmenorrhea
· Food allergy
· Aerophagia (air swallowing, a nervous habit); Eating habits, such as eating too quickly, drinking through a straw, chewing gum, sucking on candies or talking while chewing results in swallowing more air.
· Irritable bowel syndrome
· Diverticulitis, crohn’s disease
· Celiac disease
· Non-celiac gluten sensitivity
· Partial bowel obstruction
· Gas-producing foods: Certain high-fibre foods may cause gas, including: Beans and peas (legumes), Fruits, Vegetables, Whole grains, carbonated beverages, such as soda and beer.
· Constipation
· Polycystic ovary syndrome and ovarian cysts (PCOD)
· Alvarez' syndrome, (bloating of unknown or psychogenic origin without excess of gas in the digestive tract)
· Massive infestation with intestinal parasites (e.g., Ascaris lumbricoides)
· Certain medications, such as phentermine, beta lactams, cephalosporin. Fibre supplements containing psyllium, such as Metamucil, may increase colon gas. Sugar substitutes, or artificial sweeteners, such as sorbitol, mannitol and xylitol, found in some sugar-free foods and beverages may cause excess colon gas.
· Occurs in some due to salivary hyper-secretion and dehydration.
· Ovarian cancer
Important but uncommon causes of abdominal bloating include:
§ Large intra-abdominal tumours, such as those arising from cancers of the ovarian, liver, uterus and stomach
§ Mega colon, an abnormal dilation
Medical conditions that may increase intestinal gas, bloating or gas pain include the following:
§ Small bowel bacterial overgrowth. An increase or change in the bacteria in the small intestine can cause excess gas, diarrhoea and weight loss.
SYMPTOMS OF GAS:
Gas causes a number of digestive symptoms, which can vary from person to person. Common symptoms include:
Belching or Burping
Stomach Cramps
Stomach Bloating or a Feeling of fullness
Distention, Or an Increase in Abdomen size
Chest Pains
TREATMENT:
Gas can be uncomfortable, but it isn’t usually serious. In most cases, symptoms don’t require medical attention and improve on their own within a few minutes to a few hours.
1. Let it out
Holding in gas can cause bloating, discomfort, and pain. The easiest way to avoid these symptoms is to simply let out the gas.
2. Pass stool
A bowel movement can relieve gas. Passing stool will usually release any gas trapped in the intestines.
3. Eat slowly
4. Avoid chewing gum
As a person chews gum they tend to swallow air, which increases the likelihood of trapped wind and gas pains. Sugarless gum also contains artificial sweeteners, which may cause bloating and gas.
5. Say no to straws
To avoid gas pain and bloating, it is best to sip from a glass.
6. Quit smoking
7. Choose non-carbonated drinks
8. Eliminate problematic foods
Keeping a food diary can help a person to identify trigger foods.
9. Drink tea
Some herbal teas may aid digestion and reduce gas pain fast. The most effective include teas made from:
Anise, Chamomile, Ginger, Peppermint
10. Snack on fennel seeds, ginger, garlic, and asafoetida.
Fennel is an age-old solution for trapped wind. Chewing on a teaspoon of the seeds is a popular natural remedy.
11. Take peppermint supplements
Peppermint inhibits the absorption of iron, so these capsules should not be taken with iron supplements or by people who have anaemia.
12. Clove oil
Consuming clove oil after meals can increase digestive enzymes and reduce the amount of gas in the intestines.
13. Apply heat
14. Add apple cider vinegar to water
15. Use activated charcoal
16. Take probiotics
17. Exercise
Gentle exercises can relax the muscles in the gut, helping to move gas through the digestive system. Walking or doing yoga poses after meals may be especially beneficial.
18. Breathe deeply
19. Take an over-the-counter remedy from best medicine app in India
Semithicone, proton pump inhibitors etc.
Brand names:
Gas-X
RANTAC
PAN-40
20. Ayurveda medicines like DHANWANTARI pills can be used and availed online in ayurvedic medicine shop in India
CONCLUSION:
Do not be embarrassed of your problems. Gas is the commonest problem due to variety of foods in the diet. In case of gastrointestinal disorders, do not hesitate to contact the physician and seek the treatment at earliest. Cut out junk from your diet. Practice healthy lifestyle and you will relieve your symptoms.