What causes increased flatulence in the afternoon?

Generally speaking, flatulence refers to the discharge of intestinal gas. Increased flatulence in the afternoon may be caused by dietary habits, prolonged sitting, functional dyspepsia, intestinal flora imbalance, chronic superficial gastritis, and other factors. It is recommended to seek timely medical consultation to identify the underlying cause and receive treatment as directed by a physician. Specific explanations are as follows:

1. Dietary habits: Consuming excessive amounts of gas-producing foods at lunch, such as onions, sweet potatoes, and taro, can lead to increased gas production when these foods are broken down by intestinal bacteria, resulting in more flatulence in the afternoon. Usually, there are no other significant discomforts, although mild abdominal distension might occur. It is advisable to adjust your diet by reducing gas-producing foods and increasing fiber-rich foods to promote intestinal motility and facilitate gas expulsion.

2. Prolonged sitting: Extended periods of sitting without movement can slow intestinal motility, preventing gas from being expelled promptly, which may result in a buildup and subsequent release of gas in the afternoon. Mild abdominal distension may also occur. It is recommended to get up and move around periodically, such as walking, stretching, or practicing tai chi, to enhance intestinal motility and reduce gas accumulation.

3. Functional dyspepsia: Reduced secretion of digestive enzymes or weakened gastrointestinal motility can lead to inadequate digestion and absorption of food in the gastrointestinal tract, resulting in flatulence. This may also be accompanied by upper abdominal discomfort. Medications such as compound aluminum hydroxide tablets, hydrotalcite chewable tablets, and cimetidine tablets may be taken under medical guidance to neutralize or suppress excess stomach acid.

4. Imbalance of intestinal flora: Disruption of the intestinal flora balance due to various factors can lead to excessive growth of harmful bacteria, which produce large amounts of gas and may be accompanied by bloating. Treatment under a physician's guidance may include medications such as live Bacillus licheniformis capsules, montmorillonite powder, and compound diphenoate tablets to restore intestinal flora balance and alleviate diarrhea.

5. Chronic superficial gastritis: Inflammatory irritation of the gastric mucosa can delay gastric emptying, causing food to remain in the stomach for prolonged periods and be broken down by bacteria, producing gas and resulting in afternoon flatulence. This may also be accompanied by upper abdominal pain. Under a physician's guidance, medications such as amoxicillin capsules, clarithromycin tablets, and Xiangsha Yangwei pills may be used to combat infection and improve gastrointestinal function.

In daily life, patients should maintain healthy lifestyle and dietary habits and engage in appropriate physical activity to promote intestinal motility and digestion.