Flatulence (Meteorism)

Meteorism – colloquially called flatulence or bloating – (synonyms: colica flatulenta; flatulence; meteorism; meteorism intestinalis; meteorism peritonealis; ICD-10-GM R14: flatulence and related conditions) is the subjective sensation of a distended abdomen.

One of the causes of meteorism is an increased accumulation of gas in the gastrointestinal tract. It is believed that a bacterial imbalance in the intestines (dysbiosis) leads to excessive gas accumulation. These bacteria produce increased amounts of hydrogen, which is then converted into methane.

Furthermore, excessive gas production can also occur due to the consumption of certain foods or when the digestive tract cannot properly absorb food (malabsorption syndromes).

There are three ways for methane gas to leave the body: First, it can be absorbed through the intestines and released into the bloodstream to eventually be exhaled. Likewise, methane gas can escape through the intestines as flatus (wind), or it can cause a bloated abdomen.

Meteorism usually occurs in diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, but can also occur in healthy individuals.

Meteorism can be a symptom of many diseases (see under “Differential diagnoses”).

The prevalence (disease frequency) is 10-30% (in Germany).

Course and prognosis: In most cases flatulence is harmless. They are often caused by incorrect eating habits, but can also be induced by medication. If flatulence is prolonged, a doctor should be consulted to rule out an organic cause. The following warning signs in patients with meteorism should prompt further diagnosis: unwanted weight loss, blood in the stool, and thoracic pain (chest pain). If chest pain is present, immediate presentation to a physician is required, as it may be a symptom of heart disease. If abdominal discomfort (abdominal pain) or diarrhea (diarrhea) is present – in addition to bloating – the patient should see a doctor within a week.