Flatulance Disease

Flatulence is an embarrassing problem, but everyone passes gas, whether they will admit to it or not. It is considered normal to pass gas between 10 and 20 times a day. If it happens much more frequently than this, patients should see a doctor, as it may be a sign of a more serious condition.

Definition

• Flatulence is gas or gas pains experienced in the abdomen. The average person passes gas 12 times a day, so it is a completely normal occurrence. However, there are times when it can be more serious.

Symptoms

• Most people with flatulence voluntarily (or involuntarily) pass gas. People may also have a bloated feeling in their abdomen, or experience sharp jabbing pains or knotting-style cramps.

Causes

• Air naturally exists in the body, and sometimes it makes its way into the digestive system, turning into gas. High-fiber foods (which are also quite healthy to eat) such as vegetables and grains, can also cause gas, as can unhealthier fare such as carbonated drinks. Other digestive problems or medications can also cause gas.

When to See a Doctor

• As noted above, gas is perfectly normal to experience. However, if a person has excessive amounts of gas, he should see a doctor. A doctor should also be consulted if there are prolonged or recurring abdominal pains. Other symptoms, such as feeling nauseous, vomiting, bleeding, noticeable weight loss, fever or chest pains can also signal a more serious problem.

Treatments

• Gas cannot be fully prevented, but some over-the-counter remedies may reduce its occurrence. If patients can pinpoint the foods causing the gas, they can remove them from their diet, but only if it does not adversely affect their health (or if they can find a substitute that delivers the same nutrients). Peppermint tea is also helpful in reducing gas and gas-associated pains.