Flatulence: Causes, Treatment & Help

Flatulence or flatulence (colloquially also: fart or fart) is conceptually a derivative from the Latin of flatus “wind, flatulence” and refers to the gases formed by digestion, such as carbon monoxide, methane and other fermentation and putrefactive gases. As a false friend Umgsangsprachleich furthermore a form of flatulence is called, with which stool escapes unintentionally with. This can also be as a symptom of rectal cancer.

What is flatulence?

Flatulence is not a disease, but usually a harmless accumulation of gas in the intestines and is generally considered one of the digestive disorders. Flatulence is not a disease, but mostly harmless accumulations of gas in the intestines and are generally counted among the digestive disorders. Medically, a distinction is made between meteorism and flatulence. In the first form, flatulence is caused by an excessive buildup of gas in the intestines, which cannot escape and can sometimes lead to severe abdominal pain in those affected. For this reason, meteorism is also called stuck wind. Flatulence, on the other hand, is characterized by a barely suppressible and frequent discharge of so-called intestinal winds, whereby these are called excessive flatulence.

Causes

The causes of intestinal wind or flatulence are very diverse. The most common trigger is food. Often it is a temporary and harmless discomfort that occurs in conjunction with certain foods, such as beans, sauerkraut and onions. In most cases, however, an unbalanced diet is responsible for insufficient or incorrect digestive processes, which in turn cause flatulence. In particular, the consumption of very high-fiber and flatulent foods causes excessive intestinal gas because these foods are not completely broken down by the intestinal bacteria. Air swallowing during eating can also cause gastric bloating. In particular, air-containing foods and carbonated beverages, ice cream, vegetables, fruits, coffee as well as cereals are among the foods that promote flatulence. Likewise, stress and hasty eating behavior lead to discomfort in the digestive tract. The digestive gases or swallowed air are expelled from the body by releasing winds, belching or exhaling. In rare cases, however, serious diseases of the stomach, intestines, pancreas, heart, gall bladder or liver may be behind flatulence. In addition, other symptoms or pain occur, so that a visit to the doctor is inevitable to clarify the cause of the complaints. Due to the digestion formed gases such as carbon monoxide, methane and other fermentation and putrefactive gases, it comes to a bloating of the stomach or intestine. The result of this process is then often the escape of above-mentioned gases. Painful abdominal cramps are often due to stuck intestinal gases. As is generally known, various gases are produced in the intestine during every digestive process. However, a large part of these gases is already excreted through the lungs and the bloodstream. Flatulence is therefore a gas excretion that does not leave via this route, but is caused by an excess of gas in the intestine.

Intestinal gases are produced during every digestive process. However, most of it enters the bloodstream and is excreted through the lungs. Excess gas is thus the actual flatulence that is released through the anus. The cause of increased gas production in the intestine, is usually due to the composition of the ingested food or is caused by a digestive disorder. It is now known that legumes in particular promote a significant increase in intestinal gas. Special sugar molecules cannot be processed here by the small intestine and are decomposed only in the large intestine by bacteria. These foods, also known as dietary fibers, therefore particularly promote flatulence. Less common causes of flatulence are milk protein allergy and lactose intolerance. Here it comes additionally still to increased diarrhea.

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 incompatibility

Complications

Normal flatulence is mainly without complications and usually does not have a major impact on those affected. However, these suffer from the embarrassing winds and often associated discomfort. Thus, the psychological complications tend to come to the fore. However, flatulence also causes mild to severe abdominal pain. If the affected person is in company, he or she cannot relieve the gases and the flatulence – in addition to the aching abdomen – is intensified. If flatulence occurs regularly or even daily, this means a considerable reduction in the quality of life. Those affected withdraw or avoid crowds. Since it is usually certain foods, such as onions or raw fruit, that trigger the flatulence, sufferers in many cases drastically restrict their diet in order to curb the causes. As a result, weight loss or malnutrition may occur, which in more severe cases can trigger skin disorders or nerve dysfunction. If the pain is particularly bad, there is a possibility of rheumatoid arthritis. Small children in particular often have to struggle with flatulence, due to their still unstressed intestines. Consequently, colic and intestinal cramps may occur. If they do not want to eat anything, this can also lead to malnutrition, which is very dangerous for children and could cause developmental damage. If the flatulence persists for a long time, please consult a doctor to clarify the exact causes.

When should you go to the doctor?

Flatulence needs to be clarified by a doctor if it is accompanied by altered consistency of the stool. This can be noticeably soft stools, but also persistent diarrhea or constipation. Frequent bowel movements or a sudden loss of weight coupled with flatulence is also an indication to see the doctor. Behind flatulence with vomiting, severe cramps, fever, bloating despite an empty stomach or loss of appetite, there may be a serious illness that should be diagnosed. If instead a bloated abdomen occurs, but is not accompanied by flatulence, this should also be clarified by a physician. Initially, the family doctor is the appropriate contact for chronic flatulence. If necessary, he or she will recommend a visit to a gastroenterologist. Here, further diagnostic examinations can take place, for example a gastroscopy or colonoscopy. If the flatulence occurs daily over a period of more than three weeks, this is also a reason for a medical examination. In this case, a test for food intolerances is recommended. This is carried out by an allergist or a gastroenterologist. A doctor should be consulted especially in the case of infants and small children with flatulence. Here, these can lead to colic or intestinal obstruction, which is an emergency.

Treatment and therapy

The therapy and treatment against flatulence depends exclusively on the cause. If the flatulence occurs together with other symptoms, the treatment applies to the underlying disease. However, if the flatulence is caused by stress or food, avoiding the triggering factors will already help to bring about significant relief. Nutritional counseling may prove useful in this regard. If desired, medicines or herbal remedies can be used to dissolve the air bubbles in the intestines. On the one hand, some medications can be purchased over-the-counter at the pharmacy or the doctor prescribes the appropriate preparation. Various home remedies also have a deflating and antispasmodic effect. Peppermint, anise, lemon balm, chamomile or fennel can be used for flatulence. Various home remedies have been known for centuries and are often recommended. However, there are also medicines that can be prescribed by a doctor.

  • Reduction of foods that promote flatulence.
  • Refraining from food in case of food intolerance.
  • Light stream massages for babies to loosen stuck gas bubbles
  • Wäremzufuhr of the abdomen, for example, with hot water bottles.
  • Better digestion dietary fiber by caraway, not in babies.

Outlook and prognosis

Flatulence usually passes without any complications. Affected people are more likely to suffer from psychological complications, as frequent flatulence makes them uncomfortable.In company, sufferers do not release the gases produced, so that flatulence can also be exacerbated as a result. This can be compounded by abdominal and lower abdominal pain, which becomes increasingly severe over time. Those who suffer from regular flatulence feel immensely restricted in their daily lives. People who are affected often withdraw and avoid participating in public life. Triggers of strong flatulence are certain foods. For this reason, patients restrict themselves to very specific meals, so that eating habits are also affected. The consequences of this can be weight loss in extreme cases or deficiency symptoms caused by an undersupply of important vitamins. In the worst case, such an undersupply of important nutrients can lead to nerve dysfunction or skin diseases. There is also a risk of inflammation of the joints. Children can also suffer from severe flatulence, which can lead to increased colic and extreme intestinal cramps. As a general rule, anyone suffering from frequent or even chronic flatulence should see a doctor for proper treatment. A doctor will determine the cause of the gas so that it can be treated explicitly.

Prevention

By being proactive, flatulence can be prevented or alleviated.

  • Eat foods that are easy to digest: avoid too much fiber, raw vegetables and hot spices if possible.
  • Avoid foods that cause flatulence: For example, cabbage, lentils, white beans, onions, but also nuts and raisins.
  • Take enough time to eat and chew thoroughly
  • Eat several small meals during the day
  • Sensitive people should avoid drinks with carbonic acid
  • Before a meal should first drink still mineral water in small sips
  • To promote digestion and prevent flatulence contribute regularly sport and exercise

For existing flatulence, circular massages in the abdominal area can provide relief. Also, the application of a hot water bottle has a relaxing effect on the bloated abdomen. Certain tea blends of fennel, caraway, anise, yarrow support digestion and are very effective against flatulence.

Aftercare

Medical aftercare aims to prevent recurrence of disease and provide everyday support to avoid complications. However, this is often not necessary with flatulence. They disappear on their own after a short time. Abstaining from certain foods is sufficient as a self-measure. Flatulence may recur; however, it does not cause a life-threatening condition. Therefore, close-meshed and costly follow-ups are not indicated. The situation is different if flatulence is permanent. In this case, other complaints or influences cause the air in the abdomen. Therapy is then aimed at eliminating the cause of the flatulence. If the trigger can be eliminated, the associated reactions disappear. Thus, a change in medication and treatment promise success in most cases. The physician agrees on an individual rhythm with his patient in order to check the effectiveness of the therapy. Follow-up care, on the other hand, is more complex when stress or anxiety cause the flatulence. In this case, psychotherapy is usually advisable, in which relaxation techniques are learned. The doctor prescribes appropriate prescriptions until the final success.

Home remedies and herbs against flatulence

  • Aniseed helps against flatulence, cough mucus, asthma and white flux and ensures a good night’s sleep.
  • Fennel tea helps with chest problems, indigestion and flatulence.
  • For flatulence, regularly drink a glass of milk boiled with fennel or caraway seeds.
  • Flatulence is best combated with garlic in any form of application.

What you can do yourself

To counteract flatulence, numerous home remedies are suitable. By using a hot water bottle, the discomfort can be quickly alleviated. Likewise, a short walk after each meal has a flatulence-reducing effect. It is also advisable to avoid flatulent, fatty and excessively sugary foods.Furthermore, there are many medications available for the treatment of flatulence. You can choose between herbal and chemical preparations. Teas, drops or oils are particularly suitable for relieving flatulence. Worth mentioning are wild garlic, basil and alder buckthorn as well as hazelnut. Similarly, ginger, fennel and caraway have a flatulence-relieving effect. These plants can additionally be used as herbal additions to meals. Thus flatulent meals are substantially more digestible. Chemical preparations should only be used if no home remedies or medications have been able to provide relief. They are taken as chewable tablets or suspensions and break down the gas bubbles in the intestine. Moreover, their effectiveness is questionable. Medications containing galangal root are recommended. These relieve psychovegetative complaints and support the treatment of fever and colds. They also have an appetite stimulating effect. Medicines with the active ingredients pancreatic powder and simeticon are also beneficial. They promote digestion and dissolve gas accumulations in the gastrointestinal tract. They also eliminate flatulence and replace missing enzymes.