What causes excessive flatulence?
Sep 13, 2024
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Yang Ziqi
Introduction
Frequent flatulence may be caused by improper eating habits, swallowing air, lactose intolerance, irritable bowel syndrome, respiratory failure, and other reasons. It is important to maintain a balanced diet, eat more fresh vegetables and fruits, and consume an appropriate amount of eggs daily to ensure adequate and balanced nutrient intake. Pay attention to controlling the intake of fat and protein, avoiding excessive consumption of these nutrients that are prone to produce gas.
Generally speaking, excessive flatulence refers to frequent passing of gas. This condition may be caused by improper diet, swallowing air, lactose intolerance, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), respiratory failure, or other reasons. It is recommended to seek medical attention promptly, identify the underlying cause, and receive symptomatic treatment under the guidance of a qualified physician. Specific analyses are as follows:
1. Improper Diet
Consuming excessive amounts of gas-producing foods—such as high-fiber foods, legumes, and dairy products—can increase the volume of gas in the gastrointestinal tract, leading to frequent flatulence. Adjusting dietary habits, increasing physical activity to promote gastrointestinal motility, and facilitating gas expulsion can help alleviate symptoms.
2. Swallowing Air
Eating too quickly or talking while eating can lead to swallowing large amounts of air, increasing intestinal gas and resulting in frequent flatulence. Modifying eating habits, avoiding talking during meals, and reducing air intake can help prevent this issue.
3. Lactose Intolerance
Lactose intolerance is primarily caused by malnutrition, intestinal infections, or other factors. Individuals lacking lactase enzyme cannot effectively break down lactose in dairy products. Undigested lactose ferments in the intestine, producing gas and causing frequent flatulence, often accompanied by symptoms such as diarrhea and abdominal pain. It is recommended to follow a doctor’s instructions when using medications such as lactase tablets, lactasin tablets, or Bifidobacterium triple viable capsules for treatment.
4. Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)
IBS may result from excessive fatigue, malnutrition, or other causes. Patients with IBS exhibit abnormal intestinal responses to certain foods or stress, leading to accelerated or slowed intestinal motility and excess gas production, which results in the aforementioned symptoms. Additional symptoms may include diarrhea or constipation. Under the guidance of a healthcare professional, medications such as Bacillus licheniformis live bacteria granules, oral lactulose solution, or montmorillonite powder may be used for treatment.
5. Respiratory Failure
Respiratory failure involves severe impairment of pulmonary ventilation and gas exchange, often due to airway obstruction or other conditions. In cases of respiratory failure, patients may limit physical activity due to breathing difficulties, leading to reduced gastrointestinal motility and impaired gas expulsion, thereby causing frequent flatulence. Additional symptoms may include elevated blood pressure and increased cardiac output. Treatment should follow medical advice and may include medications such as roxithromycin dispersible tablets, salbutamol sulfate tablets, or tiotropium bromide powder inhaler.
Maintain a balanced diet by consuming fresh vegetables and fruits regularly, and ensure moderate daily intake of milk, meat, and eggs to achieve balanced nutrient intake.
