Everyone struggles with bloating from time to time throughout their lives. Hard-to-digest food, hypersensitivity reactions or increased air swallowing can quickly lead to uncomfortable air accumulation in the intestines. However, if it is constantly occurring flatulence, various diseases can be behind it.
What is constant flatulence?
Flatulence is an excessive accumulation of air in the intestines of humans, which is usually perceived as very unpleasant and annoying. In medicine, flatulence is also referred to as flatulence. This is an excessive accumulation of air in the intestine of the person, which is usually perceived as very unpleasant and disturbing. This is especially true when it triggers pain and cramps. The accumulated air is usually transported out through the anus. The subject of flatulence is still considered taboo today. If the entire abdomen is distended and tense, the specialist speaks of meteorism. Basically, even constantly occurring flatulence is not a disease, but rather a symptom that can indicate various diseases and ailments. Lifestyle and diet can strongly promote the development of regular flatulence. Thus, there are a number of possible causes that can lead to increased gas formation in the intestines.
Causes
As a rule, frequently occurring flatulence indicates an imbalance in human digestion. The cause is primarily a buildup of gas in the intestines. Commonly, excess gases are absorbed by the organism and excreted through the lungs. However, if the accumulation of gases in the intestine increases, the body is no longer able to transport them out this way. This results in flatulence. This is not normal air, but putrefactive gases, which in the long run can damage the intestines and intestinal flora, as well as the entire organism. They are poison for the body on a permanent basis, which is why the trigger for flatulence should be identified and eliminated as soon as possible. An imbalance in digestion equally inevitably leads to poorer nutrient supply to the body, which can trigger other diseases. In addition, the immune system is weakened because the intestines can only perform their actual function to a limited extent. Possible causes for flatulence can be permanently wrong nutrition, but also stress and various diseases. When eating too hastily, an increased amount of air can be swallowed, which can also lead to flatulence. Depending on the accompanying symptoms, a medical professional can determine possible diseases. Accompanying symptoms include lower and upper abdominal pain, cramps, diarrhea and constipation. Diseases of the intestines and pancreas and bile may be the cause.
Diseases with this symptom
- Irritable bowel syndrome
- Gallstones
- Cirrhosis of the liver
- Ulcerative colitis
- Pancreatitis
- Colorectal cancer
- Irritable stomach
- Cholestasis
- Intestinal obstruction (ileus)
- Lactose intolerance
- Gastritis
- Cystic fibrosis
- Anemia
- Duodenal ulcer
- Food intolerance
Diagnosis and course
The diagnosis usually depends on the history of the disease and the presenting symptoms. Flatulence by itself is easily classified based on a brief history. In some cases, the physician will palpate the abdomen. Any rumbling in the intestinal area or hardening of the abdominal wall will enable him to draw initial conclusions about underlying diseases. If the patient describes recurring pain and diarrhea, for example, an inflammation in the intestinal area may be the cause of the flatulence. However, a whole range of possible food allergies is also a possibility. Depending on the suspicion, the doctor will initiate further investigations. For example, the patient can be examined for allergies with various blood tests. To date, lactose intolerance has also been tested by directly ingesting a certain amount of lactose. In this case, a diagnosis can be made after a certain waiting period and any symptoms that occur. Other examinations that can lead to clarification of the triggers are ultrasound, urine, stool and X-ray examinations. In addition, various diseases can also be detected in the blood.Depending on the case, gastrointestinal endoscopy may be considered for constant bloating without a directly apparent cause. Other imaging modalities are rarely consulted.
Complications
Bloating is usually harmless and usually resolves after one to two days without involving any complications. For example, however, constant flatulence results from inflammation in the gastrointestinal tract. Gastroenteritis is usually accompanied by diarrhea. Through this, masses of fluids and electrolytes are lost. This can lead to circulatory failure, especially in the elderly and infants, which can be accompanied by cardiac arrhythmias. In the worst case, this can lead to a heart attack, which can subsequently progress to cardiac death. Gluten intolerance (celiac disease) also leads to diarrhea. In addition, this increases the risk of developing colon cancer if the corresponding diet is not followed. Irritable bowel syndrome has no other organic complications, but psychological symptoms also develop here. The affected person is afraid of developing a chronic disease or even colon cancer. In addition, those affected usually develop a depressed mood and abstain from most foods. In general, flatulence leads to unpleasant noises and smells, so that the affected person develops a certain feeling of shame. Close relatives may also feel disturbed by this and keep their distance from the affected person, who may then isolate himself socially. This can lead to severe depression, which can lead the affected person into an abuse of alcohol and drugs and can lead to suicidal thoughts.
When should you see a doctor?
Constant flatulence indicates a chronic gastrointestinal disorder and should in any case be clarified by a doctor. A visit to the doctor is particularly recommended if the cause of the flatulence is not known, typical home remedies have no effect or the complaints increase in the course. Severe pain and cramps in the abdomen indicate a serious illness that should be treated. If there is a concomitant loss of appetite or a strong feeling of fullness, an immediate reaction is required. There may be an intestinal obstruction or severe liver dysfunction, which can be life-threatening if left untreated. Other alarm signals are altered stool characteristics, fever or sudden weight loss. If there are accompanying foul odors, there may be an underlying bacterial disease or food intolerance that requires rapid treatment. Allergy sufferers and patients with irritable bowel syndrome should discuss chronic flatulence with their doctor. If flatulence occurs repeatedly after consuming certain foods, this should also be clarified. If left untreated, chronic flatulence can damage the gastrointestinal tract and sometimes reduce general well-being.
Treatment and therapy
Therapy is carried out after the diagnosis has been made in relation to the underlying cause. Thus, no blanket statement can be made about the treatment of flatulence. In many cases, a change in diet is already sufficient. If food allergies are present, the affected person should avoid the corresponding foods in order to alleviate the symptoms. Otherwise, it is often enough to avoid flatulent foods and to eat a balanced and healthy diet. Instead of gulping down large meals, it makes sense to eat smaller portions several times a day, consciously and in peace. This can often prevent excessive air swallowing. Similarly, talking should be avoided while eating. Sufficient exercise can also help to return bowel movements to normal. The same applies to an appropriate fluid intake. If the flatulence is due to inflammation or other illnesses, these must be treated to combat the symptoms. Antispasmodic painkillers can relieve pain during this time, while stress-related digestive problems can be treated with autogenic training, for example. In some cases, psychotherapy may also be necessary. Various home remedies can additionally be used in a supportive manner to treat flatulence. Various teas such as fennel or chamomile are particularly effective. But also peppermint tea and anise can help against flatulence.
Outlook and prognosis
Constant flatulence should definitely be treated by a doctor. Without treatment, they usually do not disappear.If they occur constantly, they can lead to severe abdominal pain and other discomfort in the abdominal and stomach region. Not infrequently, in addition to flatulence, diarrhea and vomiting also occur, making everyday life much more difficult. Treatment of flatulence usually takes place either with medication or surgical intervention. Whether a surgical intervention is necessary, the doctor can decide after a gastroscopy. In most cases, treatment leads to success and is not accompanied by further complications or difficulties. In many cases, flatulence can also be treated by a change in diet or by a generally healthy lifestyle. If diarrhea and vomiting occur along with the bloating, it is usually an infection of the gastrointestinal tract. This infection can be treated relatively well, so that the constant flatulence disappears after treatment. If the flatulence is treated too late, the stomach or intestines may already be relatively damaged. In this case, it is not possible to limit the symptom completely.
Prevention
Parts of the above treatment options also simultaneously form a good way to prevent flatulence. These include, in particular, a conscious, balanced diet and regular exercise. Regular rest periods, especially when eating, help prevent bloating. They may also prevent excessive stress. In addition, at least two liters should be drunk a day to provide the body with sufficient fluids.
What you can do yourself
Flatulence is usually harmless in nature but can be very unpleasant in everyday life. There are certain lifestyle factors that cause flatulence and can be alleviated through your own interventions. It is important to take time to eat. Each bite should be chewed sufficiently. When food is eaten too quickly, more air enters the gastrointestinal tract with it. This can lead to unpleasant flatulence. In addition, a diet that is too high in fiber can lead to flatulence. Dietary fiber is very healthy, but not everyone can tolerate it in high doses. It is recommended to consume very high fiber foods such as legumes in moderation. High-fiber vegetables are better tolerated by light steaming. Caraway seeds or fennel seeds can be added to high-fiber foods during cooking. These aids facilitate digestion and prevent flatulence. Certain eating habits have a flatulent effect. It is important not to drink too much while eating. In addition, eating too late or at night can cause flatulence and should be avoided. Excessive portion sizes can also lead to flatulence. Therefore, it is better to eat several small meals throughout the day. Furthermore, abdominal massages can provide relief. To do this, simply make circular hand movements around the navel in a clockwise direction several times a day. The massage relieves tension in the intestinal tract and reduces flatulence. Light physical activity, such as a half-hour walk, also has a positive effect on the digestive system and is easy to incorporate into everyday life.
