What causes excessive flatulence, and what should be done about it?

Generally, excessive flatulence refers to increased gas passage. Increased gas passage is caused by factors such as diet, swallowing air, lactose intolerance, intestinal flora imbalance, and indigestion. It can be treated under a doctor's guidance through general management, medications, and other methods. Specific analysis is as follows:

1. Dietary factors

Consuming excessive amounts of gas-producing foods, such as beans and onions, leads to the production of large amounts of gas during digestion in the gastrointestinal tract, resulting in increased flatulence. Adjusting the diet and reducing intake of gas-producing foods is recommended.

2. Swallowing air

Eating too quickly or talking while eating can cause large amounts of air to be swallowed into the gastrointestinal tract, leading to the aforementioned symptoms. It is important to modify eating habits by chewing food thoroughly, eating slowly, and avoiding talking during meals.

3. Lactose intolerance

Lactose intolerance occurs due to a deficiency of the enzyme needed to break down lactose. Undigested lactose passes into the large intestine, where it is fermented by bacteria, producing gases such as hydrogen, carbon dioxide, and methane, which also causes the above symptoms. It is recommended to limit dairy intake and use low-lactose or lactose-free products.

4. Intestinal flora imbalance

Long-term use of broad-spectrum antibiotics, poor dietary habits, or abnormal intestinal immune function may disrupt the balance of gut microbiota—reducing beneficial bacteria while increasing harmful bacteria. The overgrowth of harmful bacteria leads to excessive gas production through fermentation in the intestines, causing increased flatulence, possibly accompanied by diarrhea, constipation, or bloating. Patients should follow medical advice and take medications such as Bifidobacterium quadruple viable tablets, nystatin tablets, or live Bacillus licheniformis capsules for treatment.

5. Indigestion

Chronic overeating, irregular eating patterns, and binge eating can lead to indigestion, increasing the burden on the gastrointestinal tract. Food remains in the digestive tract for prolonged periods and is broken down by bacteria, generating excessive gas and causing the symptoms mentioned above. Additional symptoms may include bloating and loss of appetite. Under medical supervision, patients may take medications such as domperidone tablets, mosapride tablets, or multienzyme tablets for treatment.

In daily life, attention should be paid to adjusting the diet: reduce intake of gas-producing foods, chew food thoroughly and eat slowly to avoid swallowing air, consider individual lactose tolerance when consuming dairy products, and maintain a balanced and regular diet to promote digestive health and reduce excessive gas passage.