Diagnosis
The diagnosis of flatulence, which occurs after the consumption of beer, is largely anamnestic. This means that the attending physician obtains as much information as possible in order to get an idea of the clinical picture described. Here it is important to weigh up whether a serious illness is present or whether it is just normal flatulence after the consumption of beer.
Since flatulence is a very unspecific symptom, it is usually not easy to determine the cause of the symptoms. If the flatulence generally occurs after the consumption of beer and is not present when the drink is discontinued, it is relatively likely that the beer consumed is the cause of the symptoms. Now it is important to find out whether it is a harmless reaction to the ingredients contained in the beer or, for example, an indication of food intolerance.
Therapy
The therapy depends on the diagnosis made. If flatulence is the result of the simple consumption of beer and alcohol, a gentle diet should be eaten first. Usually the diarrhoea stops after 24 hours at the latest.
In any case, alcohol should be avoided at first to ensure that no other diseases are the cause of the symptoms. If the diarrhoea lasts longer than one or two days, a doctor should be consulted. There may be diseases such as infections or food intolerances that require therapy.
In the case of bacterial infections of the intestine which lead to diarrhoea, depending on the individual situation, an antibiotic is given or the patient waits. These infections are mostly so-called self-limiting diseases, which improve after a few days even without therapy. In case of a food intolerance to one of the ingredients in beer, the respective beer types should be avoided.
How can one prevent nightly flatulence after beer?
The best and most effective way to prevent flatulence caused by alcohol is to avoid large quantities of alcoholic beverages. The more alcohol is drunk, the more substances have to be broken down in the intestines, producing larger quantities of gases. Some factors, however, can contribute to and increase flatulence.
High physical and psychological stress contributes to intestinal problems. Also little movement in everyday life, for example long periods of sedentary work, leads to reduced intestinal activity. This causes more gases to be produced.
The typical digestive walk therefore also helps after drinking beer. Nutrition also plays a major role in the formation of intestinal gases. If you drink a lot of beer and eat large portions of fatty and protein-rich food, this can increase the development of flatulence.
Large quantities of gases are produced when proteins are broken down. So-called “dietary fibres”, on the other hand, promote intestinal mobility, reduce flatulence and even prevent intestinal cancer. A risk factor for flatulence, which should be considered in addition to beer consumption, is smoking.
To avoid flatulence at night before going to bed, it can also help to drink a few glasses of water in the hour before going to bed. The general state of health and flatulence can be significantly improved. In an emergency, in case of particularly strong and long-lasting flatulence, other causes should be excluded and medication can improve the symptoms. Various intestinal diseases can be behind it in an emergency. So-called probiotics help the intestinal motility and reduce flatulence, even with beer consumption.