What causes Stomach Gas Bloating?

A lot of individuals experience stomach bloating but are confused with the term “bloating” and “distention.” To differentiate, bloating refers to the feeling that the abdominal area becomes larger. Distention is the actual phenomenon where the abdomen grows larger by at least a quart. To help understand the difference between bloating and distention further, bloating is determined from the affected person's description while distention is diagnosed by means of physical and medical examination.

While the two terms may be related, one can feel bloated without having the actual distention, usually after a heavy meal.

There are three known possible causes of abdominal distention. They are:

•  Air or Gas

•  Fluid

•  Tissue (i.e. tumors)

The most common cause of abdominal distention is gas buildup. This usually happens after a meal that has not been digested properly. When food is not completely digested, it releases gas that can build up and cause the intestines to swell up. Gas buildup may also occur after eating foods like beans, cabbage and carbonated drinks as well as other food products that are notorious for causing such phenomenon.

Distention comes in two types: continuous and intermittent .

Causes of continuous distention may be an enlargement of an organ (stomach, intestines, etc.) within the abdominal cavity, a tumor within the abdomen, obesity or ascites (accumulation of fluid around the organs within the abdomen).

Intermittent distention may arise from sporadic buildup of gas or fluid within any organ of the abdominal area. Often, intermittent distention may be remedied and avoided by lifestyle and dietary changes.

What causes flatulence?

Flatulence is the release of gas, usually by-products of digested food and microorganism from the intestines, through the rectum. The more common term for this occurrence is farting.

The release of gas may be silent or audible. The sound that comes with the actual discharge of gas is due to the vibration of the anal sphincter.

The microorganisms producing gas that causes flatulence are part of the normal flora of the intestines. They produce gas as they help break down the food we eat. The gas given off may be composed of nitrogen (around 90%), carbon dioxide, hydrogen and methane.

The unpleasant and embarrassing odor that often accompanies the gas during flatulence is due to the sulfur-containing compounds found in the gas produced.

Sugars

There are certain kinds of sugars that can cause gas buildup. Some of these are lactose, fructose and sorbitol.

Lactose is associated with dairy products. For people who are lactose intolerant, they lack the enzyme lactase, which is needed to digest lactose from certain foods. The result is improper digestion and eventually gas buildup.

Sorbitol is a known sweetener in diet and sugar-free products as well as in some fruits like apples and pears. Fructose is another type of sweetener, often in beverages and sweets.

Starches

Starches are composed of sugars and thus may also cause gas buildup. They are found in food products like bread, potatoes, corn, etc. Rice also contains starch but it is easily digested by the body and rarely causes gas.

How is excessive intestinal gas treated?

Abdominal gas buildup has a wide array of possible treatment. Doctors manage it depending on the cause.

The usual treatments for excessive abdominal gas are as follows:

•  Diet modification

If a particular food substance like sugar or starch causes gas buildup, the patient needs to avoid foods containing those stuffs to prevent recurrent episodes. Likewise, people who often pass gas and have distention due to gas buildup should avoid legumes, cabbage, onions as well as food products made from whole grain. Since complete elimination of the said substances may cause us to miss nutrients that these food also have, we can still keep eating them but at minimal amounts.

For people having problems digesting lactose but cannot fully remove dairy products in their diet as not to miss gaining other benefits of products like milk has, they can opt for lactose free milk available in the market.

Eating slowly, as opposed to gulping food, may also help prevent gas buildup. Gulping makes you ingest or swallow more air than normal eating which can add up to the gas produced in the abdomen. Habitual chewing of gum can also make you ingest more air than usual.

Alcoholic drinks and carbonated beverages contribute to air buildup and should similarly be avoided.

•  Over-the-counter and prescription medicines

Antacids

One of the common medications that people take for gas and bloating is simethicone. This drug is often known as the brand names Mylanta, Simeco, Maalox Anti-Gas, Gas Relief, Gas-X, Immodium Multi-Symptom Relief and other trade names. The brand names may vary in different countries. Simethicone is available in various forms: liquid suspension, chewable tablets and conventional capsule/tablets.

Simethicone does not reduce or prevent gas formation in the abdomen. However, it helps relieve discomfort associated with gas problems by making the gas exit the body easily so no buildup occurs.

Activated charcoal

Another over-the-counter gas remedy is activated charcoal. Unlike simethicon, activated charcoal prevents the formation of gas in the digestive system.

Probiotics

Probiotics are marketed as “friendly bacteria” and may help prevent excessive production of gas by maintaining an ideal microorganism level in the intestines.

Antibacterials

Antibiotics may be helpful if the cause of gas buildup is the over-proliferation of bacteria in the small intestines.

•  Enzymes

The enzyme lactase that is needed to fully digest food products with lactose is also present in capsule or chewable tablets.

For cases of pancreatic insufficiency leading to gas problems, pancreatic enzyme supplements would be very helpful.

Beano

Beano is the commercial name for alpha-D-galactosidase, an enzyme derived from molds. It is advisable to take this before a meal rich in gas-producing food. It can either be in liquid or tablet form. The liquid form is added to the food to be consumed while the tablet type is taken just before eating to help break down complex sugars.

•  Surgical procedures

Surgical procedures are beneficial in diagnosis and treatment of gas problems. Biopsy of the small intestines aids in cases where celiac disease is suspected. If positive, the doctor will recommend a gluten-free diet and the gas problem will eventually resolve.

Surgical removal of any hindrance to gastric emptying is effective if applicable such as cases of tissue mass, etc. Also, the risks over benefits ratio should be studied carefully before any procedure.

Since the management of excessive intestinal gas is cause-dependent, it is important to seek medical advise first before taking any medication or substance given above.