What causes frequent hiccups, flatulence, and stomach bloating?

Sep 20, 2024 Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Shen Yonghua
Introduction
Hiccups refer to belching, and flatulence refers to passing gas. Frequent belching, gas passage, and bloating may be caused by excessive stress, indigestion, gastrointestinal dysfunction, gastric ulcers, or gastric erosion. It is important to regulate emotions, avoid oily, spicy, and irritating foods, maintain regular eating habits, and avoid excessive fatigue and stress to support gastrointestinal health.

Generally speaking, "hiccups" refer to belching (eructation), and "passing gas" refers to flatulence. Frequent belching, flatulence, and bloating may be caused by excessive stress, indigestion, gastrointestinal dysfunction, gastric ulcers, or gastric erosion. If discomfort occurs, it is recommended to seek medical attention promptly. Specific causes are analyzed as follows:

1. Excessive Stress

Long-term mental stress or tension can trigger a stress response in the body, disrupting normal gastrointestinal function and leading to belching, flatulence, and bloating. This may also be accompanied by symptoms such as anxiety, insomnia, and reduced appetite. It's important to learn emotional regulation and maintain a relaxed state of mind.

2. Indigestion

Improper diet or weakened gastrointestinal function can cause food to remain in the digestive tract for too long, preventing proper digestion and resulting in belching, flatulence, and bloating. Other possible symptoms include upper abdominal discomfort, a feeling of fullness, and nausea. It is advisable to avoid oily, spicy, and irritating foods and increase dietary fiber intake.

3. Gastrointestinal Dysfunction

Gastrointestinal dysfunction refers to impaired gut function caused by various factors such as irregular eating habits and psychological stress. Besides belching, flatulence, and bloating, symptoms may include abdominal discomfort and increased bowel sounds. Treatment may include medications such as Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus Tristrain Live Tablets, Itopride Hydrochloride Tablets, or Trimebutine Maleate Capsules, taken under medical guidance.

4. Gastric Ulcer

When the gastric mucosa is eroded by digestive juices such as gastric acid and pepsin, ulcers form, impairing normal stomach function. Bloating, belching, and increased flatulence are common symptoms of gastric ulcers. Additional symptoms may include upper abdominal pain, worsening pain after meals, acid reflux, belching, and black stools. Medications such as Omeprazole Enteric-Coated Capsules, Lansoprazole Enteric-Coated Tablets, or Hydrotalcite Tablets may be used as directed by a physician.

5. Gastric Erosion

Damage to the gastric mucosa leads to localized erosion, impairing normal stomach function. Patients with gastric erosion often experience bloating, belching, and increased flatulence, along with symptoms such as upper abdominal pain, post-meal fullness, acid reflux, belching, and loss of appetite. Treatment may include medications such as Ranitidine Hydrochloride Capsules, Sucralfate Chewable Tablets, or Teprenone Capsules, taken as prescribed.

To prevent and relieve symptoms such as belching, flatulence, and bloating, it is important to manage emotions, stay relaxed, avoid oily, spicy, and irritating foods, maintain regular meal times, increase dietary fiber intake, and avoid excessive fatigue and stress to support gastrointestinal health.

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