Bloating, Belching & Flatulence – Know the Real Cause of Gas Formation
"Gas" can mean belching (which we call eructation), or stomach heaviness (which is called bloating), or passing gas from below through the anus (which is called flatulence). These are the medical terms. Gas formation is a natural process.
What is commonly called "gas"—acidity, reflux, ulcer, gastritis (stomach inflammation)—is also often referred to as gas. But that gas is different. In that case, the problem is due to acid, and acid-reducing medicines are given, along with some dietary changes.
The gas problem I am talking about—excessive belching, belching after eating, sour burps, belching all day, stomach heaviness, or passing a lot of gas—is different. This is when gas is formed while food is being digested. If it's happening too much, if you're belching a lot, passing too much gas from below, or if it has a foul smell, then it can be an abnormality. We will clarify this in this article: the different causes, symptoms, and treatments.
First, we'll understand the gas that forms in the stomach (belching) and its different causes. Then, the gas that forms in your small intestine, which is called bloating (stomach feeling heavy or full). And finally, the gas that forms in your large intestine, which is called flatulence. Let's understand all three.
Understanding the Digestive System and Gas Types
Friends, before understanding the stomach gas problem, let's first briefly understand the parts of the digestive system. Only then can we understand the gas problem.
* This is the food pipe (esophagus).
* Then comes the stomach pouch.
* This part is the small intestine, about 6 meters long.
* And this is the large intestine and the stool passage (rectum/anus).
We can understand the stomach gas problem in three types, as I mentioned:
* Stomach Gas (Belching/Eructation): If more gas forms in the stomach, it causes more belching.
* Small Intestine Gas (Bloating): This is the problem in the small intestine, causing a full, heavy feeling.
* Large Intestine Gas (Flatulence): This is the problem in the large intestine, which involves passing gas.
Now let's look at each one.
1. Stomach Gas (Belching or Eructation)
First, let's talk about belching. Belching means gas from the stomach coming up. Normally, swallowing some gas while eating is normal, so belching after eating is a common thing. If it's happening too much, it means there is a problem with your eating habits.
Causes:
* Eating Habits: Eating too quickly, not chewing food properly, or drinking water while eating. This brings gas into the stomach.
* Carbonated Drinks: Things high in carbon dioxide—soda, Pepsi, Cola.
* Alcohol: This also causes more belching.
* Food Types: Oily, masala (spicy) foods.
* Air Swallowing: Chewing gum or sucking on hard candy can make you swallow more air.
* Diseases: Some diseases can also cause belching. If it's only belching, it's likely a problem with your diet. But it can also be due to diseases like:
* Ulcers
* Gastritis (stomach inflammation)
* GERD (Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease), where stomach contents move back up.
* Stress: In some people, stress or tension can cause the sphincter here to relax, leading to belching.
Treatment:
* If Disease is Present: If belching is accompanied by other symptoms like a burning sensation or acidity, the main treatment will be to address the disease. This may involve:
* Antacids or PPIs (Proton Pump Inhibitors) to reduce acidity.
* Medicine to eradicate H. Pylori bacteria, if present.
* If Only Belching (Lifestyle Changes):
* Eat smaller meals.
* Don't talk while eating.
* Chew your food thoroughly.
* Avoid drinking water while eating.
* Avoid chewing gum and hard candy.
* Stress Management: If stress is the cause, specific medicines may be required.
2. Small Intestine Gas (Bloating)
Now let's learn about the gas that forms in the small intestine. This is what we call "bloating"—a feeling of fullness or pressure. The small intestine is about 6-7 meters long.
Causes:
The normal mechanism is that food comes here and the digestion process starts. But gas forms when certain foods, primarily carbohydrates that our body cannot digest, reach the intestine.
* Food Intolerances/Allergies:
* Lactose Intolerance: Some people lack the enzyme (lactase) to digest dairy products (milk, yogurt, cheese, etc.).
* Raffinose: A type of sugar found in legumes (like rajma/kidney beans, beans) and certain vegetables (cabbage, cauliflower, broccoli) that is hard to digest.
* Fructose: Sugar found in some fruits.
* Sorbitol: A sugar alcohol found in some fruits and artificial sweeteners.
* Infection: An infection in the intestine (gastroenteritis) from bacteria, fungus, or yeast.
* Bacterial Overgrowth (SIBO): The stomach has good and bad bacteria. If the good bacteria decrease and the bad bacteria increase (bacterial overgrowth), more gas will form, and indigestion will occur.
* Other Causes:
* Hormonal changes (like during pregnancy).
* Certain medicines.
* Obstruction: Sometimes the intestine can get twisted or blocked by a growth, which requires surgical removal.
* Cancer.
Treatment:
* Dietary Changes: The main treatment is to identify and remove trigger foods.
* Those with lactose intolerance must avoid dairy products.
* Those who react to certain vegetables, legumes (rajma, peas), or fruits must avoid them.
* Simple, digestible carbohydrates like rice and potatoes are usually well-tolerated.
* Medicines:
* Antacids may be given.
* Lactase enzyme supplements can help people with lactose intolerance.
* Simethicone: This medicine works by combining small gas bubbles into larger ones, making them easier to pass.
* Treating Underlying Cause: If there is an infection, it will be treated with appropriate medication. If there is an obstruction, it may require surgery.
3. Large Intestine Gas (Flatulence)
Now let's come to the third problem: gas that passes through the anal route, known as flatulence.
Causes:
Normally, passing gas 10 to 15 times a day is fine. Gas formation is a normal part of digestion. But if it's happening more than that, it's considered an abnormality.
* Bacterial Fermentation: In most cases, undigested food particles (especially fiber and carbs) reach the large intestine. The bacteria here act on this food (fermentation or putrefaction), and this process releases gas.
Treatment:
* Identify Trigger Foods: The solution is to identify which food is causing the excess gas and remove it from your diet.
* Common Triggers: The triggers are often the same as for bloating:
* Dairy products
* Vegetables (cabbage, broccoli, etc.)
* Lentils (daals)
* Legumes (rajma/kidney beans)
* Some fruits
The cause is not the same for everyone; it depends on the individual's digestive capacity.
Warning Signs (Red Flags)
This is important. If you have excessive gas along with any of the following symptoms, it could mean there is a serious disease inside the stomach (like an infection, cancer, or obstruction):
* Severe cramping or pain that does not get better.
* Vomiting (especially vomiting up food).
* Unexplained weight loss.
* Anemia (low blood count).
* Fatigue.
Conclusion: Gas vs. Acidity
I hope you have understood the three types of gas: stomach gas (belching), small intestine gas (bloating), and large intestine gas (flatulence). It's clear that all three are different.
Gas formation is a normal process. But people must keep one more thing in mind: gas is different from acidity, heartburn, gastritis, or ulcers.
* Acidity/Heartburn/Ulcer: In these problems, excess acid is produced.
* Gas (Belching/Bloating/Flatulence): In this problem, actual gases are formed, like carbon dioxide, methane, nitrogen, or hydrogen.
This gas is generally harmless, whereas the acidity problem is different and requires reducing acid. The gas problem is usually controlled by diet. Identify the problematic food. Sometimes, if a different disease is found, it will be treated, but broadly, these things are managed with diet.
Best Treatment Advice
In my opinion, the most important treatment is:
* Exercise: A little bit of walking or strolling.
* Eating Habits: Eat food well, meaning chew it properly. Eat smaller meals.
* Timing: Don't sleep immediately after eating.
* Avoid: Stay away from alcohol and smoking.
* Avoid: Stay away from carbonated beverages (soda, cola).
* Manage Stress: Stress and anxiety also create gas.
* Avoid Triggers: Avoid dairy products, rajma, and specific vegetables that you're sensitive to.
If you avoid these things, you will get a lot of relief. I hope all your doubts are cleared from this article.
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