Why do I keep passing gas?
Mar 24, 2025
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Shen Yonghua
Introduction
In general, persistent flatulence may be caused by dietary habits, swallowing air, indigestion, irritable bowel syndrome, constipation, or other factors, and symptomatic treatment such as general management and medication may be required. In daily life, it is recommended to consume fewer gas-producing foods, such as beans, onions, and potatoes, and to eat more fruits and vegetables rich in dietary fiber, which helps promote intestinal motility.
Flatulence refers to the discharge of gas from the rectum. Generally, persistent flatulence may be caused by dietary habits, swallowing air, indigestion, irritable bowel syndrome, constipation, and other factors. Symptomatic management through general treatment or medication may be necessary. If discomfort persists, it is recommended to seek medical treatment promptly. Detailed analysis is as follows:
1. Dietary Habits
Consuming excessive amounts of gas-producing foods, such as high-fiber foods, legumes, and dairy products, can increase the frequency of flatulence, possibly accompanied by bloating and abdominal discomfort. It is recommended to adjust the diet, reduce intake of gas-producing foods, and increase physical activity to promote gastrointestinal motility.
2. Swallowing Air
Eating too quickly, talking while eating, or chewing gum can easily lead to excessive air ingestion, causing increased flatulence, possibly accompanied by belching and bloating. It is recommended to change eating habits, chew food thoroughly and slowly, avoid talking while eating, and reduce gum chewing.
3. Indigestion
Overeating or mental stress may lead to gastrointestinal dysfunction and cause indigestion. Patients often experience bloating, early satiety after meals, belching, and increased frequency of flatulence. Patients should take medications such as domperidone tablets, mosapride citrate tablets, or digestive tablets as directed by a physician to promote gastrointestinal motility and improve digestion.
4. Irritable Bowel Syndrome
Factors such as family genetics or autonomic nervous system dysfunction may trigger irritable bowel syndrome. Patients often experience abdominal pain, increased frequency of bowel movements, and may also have frequent flatulence. It is recommended to use medications such as mebeverine hydrochloride tablets, alverine citrate capsules, or live Clostridium butyricum powder under a doctor's guidance to alleviate abdominal pain symptoms.
5. Constipation
Insufficient water intake, internal heat, or weakened intestinal motility may lead to constipation. Constipation causes prolonged retention of stool in the intestines, preventing gas from being expelled normally, which results in frequent flatulence along with bloating and abdominal pain. It is recommended to use medications such as Bifidobacterium powder, Xingshen Yang'er Granules, or Simotang Oral Liquid under medical guidance for treatment.
In daily life, it is recommended to eat fewer gas-producing foods such as legumes, onions, and potatoes, and consume more fruits and vegetables rich in dietary fiber to help promote intestinal motility.
