Flatulence or chronic gas problems can happen when gas is collected in the digestive system. On average, people may experience it 13 to 20 times a day. But in some cases, it can affect your daily activities and cause pain and bloating.
Causes Of Chronic Gas
There are four main causes of flatulence:
Diet
Certain foods, such as beans, potatoes, cruciferous vegetables (broccoli, cauliflower), lactose-containing dairy products, lentils, processed food, and sugary foods with artificial sweeteners. They might take a long time to digest and can cause gas production in the intestines. Carbohydrates are known to cause gas.
Swallowing Air
Chewing gum, sucking on candy, drinking carbonated beverages, and eating too quickly can all lead to swallowing excess air, which gets trapped in the digestive system and released as gas.
Digestive Conditions
Chronic gas can be a symptom of underlying digestive issues such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), lactose intolerance, celiac disease, or small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO).
Constipation
When stool remains in the colon for extended periods, bacteria can ferment the undigested food, producing gas.
Symptoms Of A Chronic Gas Problem
Some common symptoms include belching, bloating, distention, diarrhea, and constipation. If the symptoms are severe and cause persistent abdominal pain, unexplained weight loss, or blood in your stool and affect your daily activities, consult your doctor.
They might recommend tests like blood tests and lactose intolerance tests to identify the underlying causes.
Prevention Of Chronic Gas Problems
Modifying your dietary practices is essential for a healthy recovery.
- Identify and avoid foods that cause gas problems.
- Increase fiber intake and drink an adequate amount of water to avoid constipation.
- Avoid processed and sugary foods.
- Eat slowly
- Eat smaller and more frequent meals.
- Include probiotics such as yogurt and buttermilk in your diet.
- Exercise regularly to promote digestion.
Over-the-counter medicines can also be used for the treatment of flatulence. Consult a healthcare professional before including any medicine in your diet.
In conclusion, chronic gas doesn’t have to be a permanent source of discomfort. With a proper medical evaluation, the underlying cause can be identified. This knowledge empowers the development of a personalized treatment plan.
Whether it’s dietary adjustments, medication, or addressing an underlying digestive issue, solutions exist to manage chronic gas effectively. Furthermore, incorporating healthy lifestyle habits like stress management and exercise can provide additional relief.
By taking these steps, individuals suffering from chronic gas can experience significant improvement and reclaim a higher quality of life.
