Intestinal Gas (Belching, Bloating, Flatulence) (cont.)
Intestinal Gas At A Glance
- The usual cause of belching is excessive gas in the stomach that comes from
swallowed air. However, discomfort in the abdomen for any reason may also cause
belching. Therefore, belching does not always indicate the presence of excessive
gas in the stomach.
- Bloating is the subjective feeling that the abdomen is enlarged but does not
necessarily mean that the abdomen is, in fact, enlarged. Distention is the
objective enlargement of the abdomen.
- Continuous distention of the abdomen is usually caused by fluid, tumors,
enlarged organs, or fat within the abdomen.
- Intermittent distention of the abdomen may be caused by excessive formation
of intestinal gas, as well as physical or functional obstruction of the
intestines.
- Flatulence results from the production of gas by bacteria within the
intestines when they digest sugars and polysaccharides.
- Excessive production of gas and increased flatulence may occur because of:
(1) the greater ability of some bacteria to produce gas; (2) maldigestion or
malabsorption of sugars and polysaccharides; and (3) bacterial overgrowth of the small
intestine.
- Belching, bloating/distention, and flatulence are evaluated with a medical
history, simple abdominal X-rays, small intestinal X-rays, gastric emptying
studies, ultrasound examination, computerized tomography (CT), magnetic
resonance imaging (MRI), tests for maldigestion and malabsorption, and hydrogen
breath testing.
- The treatment of excessive intestinal gas depends on the underlying cause and
may include dietary changes, medications that reduce the amount of gas,
medications that stimulate the muscles of the intestine, or antibiotics.
Previous contributing medical editor: Leslie J. Schoenfield, MD, PhD
Last Editorial Review: 3/10/2009
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