Excessive flatulence can be caused by swallowing more air than usual or eating food that's difficult to digest. It can also be related to an underlying health problem affecting the digestive system, such as recurring indigestion or irritable bowel syndrome IBS. Read more about the causes of flatulence. There are no medical guidelines defining the normal frequency or volume of flatulence. You're probably the best person to assess your own symptoms.
See your GP if your flatulence is particularly troublesome — for example, if you're frequently passing smelly gas. These symptoms could be an indicator of a more serious health problem and may require investigation, such as a blood or stool test to look for an infection. Excessive flatulence can usually be controlled by making changes to your diet and lifestyle, such as:. There are also some over-the-counter medications that can help if your flatulence is troublesome, such as charcoal tablets or simethicone.
If your flatulence is related to an underlying health problem, treating the condition may help resolve it. Read more about treating flatulence. There are several natural causes of flatulence. Flatulence can also be caused by some health conditions related to the digestive system, or as a side effect of certain medicines. It's perfectly normal to swallow air while breathing and eating.
However, it's easy to swallow a lot more air than usual without realising it. This can cause excessive flatulence. Hot and fizzy drinks also increase the amount of carbon dioxide in your stomach, although this is more likely to cause belching rather than flatulence. Some carbohydrates in food can't be digested and absorbed by the intestines. These pass down into your colon to be broken down by bacteria, producing gas, which is released as flatulence. Foods containing a lot of unrefined cereal fibre, such as bran, can also sometimes cause problems with wind and bloating.
Other foods and drinks that contain a sweetener called sorbitol such as sugar-free gum or slimming products or a type of sugar called fructose such as fruit juice can also cause flatulence. This means chewing sugar-free gum can cause flatulence from both the sweetener and swallowing air.
Certain foods, such as cabbage or onions, can lead to the production of gases containing sulphur, which can result in foul-smelling wind. However, the production of smelly wind can vary from person to person depending on what you eat, so it's up to you to work out which foods cause the most smell.
Flatulence, often caused by indigestion , is a possible side effect of many types of medicine, including:. You should try to avoid eating foods high in unabsorbable carbohydrates.
For a list of these foods, see causes of flatulence. Reduce milk consumption if lactose intolerance is a problem. Consider taking charcoal products or other over-the-counter preparations. Seek medical advice for excessive flatulence Some digestive system disorders, such as irritable bowel syndrome, can produce a sensation of excessive flatus. See your doctor if you experience unusual flatulence, abdominal pain, changes to toilet habits, or any other uncomfortable symptom associated with digestion.
Lactose intolerance can be diagnosed by a biopsy of the small intestine. This procedure is done by a specialist using an endoscope camera attached to a thin flexible tube. The person is given a sedative. A test carbohydrate is ingested, and a series of breath samples are obtained over two to three hours to detect if abnormal fermentation is taking place.
Where to get help Your doctor Dietitian Things to remember Intestinal gas is a normal part of digestion. Excessive flatulence can be caused by lactose intolerance, certain foods or a sudden switch to a high-fibre diet.
Flatulence can be a symptom of some digestive system disorders, including irritable bowel syndrome. More information here. Hydrogen Breath Testing , , Shepherd Works. Give feedback about this page.
Was this page helpful? Yes No. Related information. From other websites myDr. It can also sometimes be a sign of a health condition.
Excessive or smelly wind can also be a side effect of some medicines, including:. Page last reviewed: 06 August Next review due: 06 August Farting flatulence.
It is usual to pass 1—3 pints of gas per day. For those who feel as though they have excessive gas, there are several steps to reduce flatulence. Here, we look at 12 possible remedies. There is usually no need to worry about farting. While some people do it more than others, it is a regular part of how the body works. However, if a person feels that their farting has changed, or it is making them feel particularly embarrassed and uncomfortable, there are some things they can try to reduce the amount they fart:.
The majority of gas produced by the body forms because of swallowed air. A person cannot completely avoid swallowing air, but certain habits can cause excess air to enter the body. Eating too quickly is one of them. Eating slowly with the mouth closed will reduce the amount of air a person swallows at mealtimes. People should try to sit down and take time over food rather than eating on the go. Many people chew gum to keep their breath fresh and to help avoid snacking.
However, those that do may find they have more gas than others. Chewing gum means continually swallowing air, which builds up and increases the number of times a person needs to fart. Different people may be sensitive to different foods and may have allergies that bring about a reaction in the body.
These can lead to gas and other unpleasant symptoms, such as bloating, nausea, and diarrhea. A person with excessive gas may find that an elimination diet helps. An elimination diet is where a person would cut out all of the known gas-causing foods before introducing them back in, one at a time, to find out which ones cause the problems.
Loose clothing helps to ensure a person remains as comfortable as possible should bloating occur. Wearing clothes that are not too tight also helps when gas does occur, allowing it to pass freely out of the body.
Some foods are known to increase gas production. Carbohydrates that contain fructose, lactose, insoluble fiber, and starch ferment in the large intestine. Gas releases as they ferment. Cutting these foods out entirely, however, is not recommended, as they are an essential part of a healthful, balanced diet.
Fruit and vegetables can often cause gas, but eating several portions of fruit and vegetables a day is more important than eliminating gas. People who smoke swallow more air than those who do not.
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