Where does flatulence come from: causes of bloating in both children and adults. Causes and ways to get rid of flatulence

Increased gas formation in the intestines is a common phenomenon. Occurs in adults and children. According to statistics, flatulence - an excessive amount of gas in the intestines - is experienced by every tenth inhabitant of the planet. If a woman's stomach is swollen, special attention should be paid to this, since flatulence, not being an independent disease, may indicate the presence of a serious pathology. Although it often occurs in healthy people after overeating foods that cause the formation of excess gases during digestion.

Gas formation in a healthy intestine

On average, a healthy person contains about 200 ml of gas. During and outside of defecation, 0.5–1.0 liters of gases formed during the life of bacteria are excreted. If the relationship between the formation, accumulation and removal of gases is disturbed, up to 3 liters of gases can accumulate in the intestines. And then this causes not just discomfort, but many painful symptoms.

Causes of symptoms in the female body

When the stomach is swollen, the reasons for women can be very diverse.

The causes of bloating and gas formation in women are often associated with intestinal pathology:

• dysbacteriosis;
• helminthiases;
• acute infections in the intestines;
• neoplasms compressing the intestines;
• diseases of the digestive system;
• or with functional impairment;
• postoperative intestinal atony, or resulting from peritonitis;
• intestinal obstruction;
• varicose veins or blood stagnation in the pelvic area;
• stress and depression;
• neurosis;
• psychogenic causes, including hysteria.

Pathologies of the digestive system that cause flatulence include:

• colitis;
• pancreatitis;
• cholelithiasis;
• and peptic ulcer (Helicobacter Pylori, which invades the stomach and is the etiological factor of these diseases, produces a large amount of gases during its life);
• cirrhosis of the liver.

Flatulence during pregnancy

Abdominal bloating in women during pregnancy is explained by:

• pressure on the intestines by an enlarged uterus;
• a sharp change in hormonal levels, which causes disruption of the physiological functioning of the intestines - atony and constipation (menstruation, pregnancy, menopause).

From the first days of pregnancy, progesterone is produced, which has a relaxing effect on the smooth muscles of the intestines. This leads to stagnation in the intestines, increased fermentation and excessive gas formation. Particularly pronounced in the first trimester along with early toxicosis.

In the later stages, mechanical pressure from the fetus occurs on the abdominal organs, including the intestines. The result of this impact is the development of constipation, dysbacteriosis and increased gas formation.

Despite the fact that flatulence is detected in many women during pregnancy, it is necessary to consult a doctor in order to exclude serious diseases.

Menopause is one of the causes of flatulence

Menopause, like pregnancy, leads to hormonal changes in the female body. Absorption in the intestines is impaired, which causes excessive gas formation, fluid retention in the body, resulting in weight gain, bloating, mainly in the evening and at night, as well as against the background of frequent mood changes due to hormonal changes.

Premenstrual syndrome - a reason for flatulence

PMS (premenstrual syndrome) is also one of the characteristics of the female body, which leads to the development of flatulence. Moreover, bloating occurs before, during and after menstruation. Normally, in the very first days of the cycle - during the follicular stage - the level of estrogen increases, the uterine mucosa thickens, which increases bloating. There is also fluid retention in the body for up to two weeks. This is a normal process and goes away quickly, unless there are other serious preconditions for the disease: menstrual irregularities, fibroids, tumors.

Stress and depression that accompany PMS and menopause also cause bloating in women. There is a connection with a violation of intestinal tone: the smooth muscles of the intestines spasm, which makes it difficult to pass gases and leads to their retention.

Errors in nutrition and other reasons

The causes of intestinal flatulence in women are associated with foods that are often eaten in large quantities:

• dairy (in any form) with a lack of lactase in the body - an enzyme that takes part in the breakdown of lactose - milk sugar;
• - legumes, fresh and pickled cabbage, apples, carbonated drinks;
• products that trigger fermentation - black bread, kvass, beer, kombucha.

Causes of flatulence in women, which also need to be remembered:

• taking certain medications that have a depressing effect on the hydrochloric acid of gastric juice and indirectly enhance the processes of fermentation and gas formation;
• impaired absorption in the intestine due to various enzymopathies (not only hypolactasia - lactase deficiency).

Allergies and bad habits

One of the causes of gas formation in the intestines, not related to the pathology of the digestive organs, is allergies.

• Various allergens that lead to sensitization of the body and cause a runny nose, lacrimation, rash, can also cause flatulence. In such cases, treatment should be aimed at the etiological factor that caused the allergic reaction and desensitization.
• Bad habits - smoking and regular drinking of alcohol - also negatively affect the state of the digestive organs and lead to excessive gas formation, as a result of which the stomach begins to swell and cause many problems.
• Insufficient fluid intake into the body leads to increased production of gases by intestinal microflora.

Clinical manifestations of flatulence

Despite the fact that the causes of gas formation are numerous and varied, the clinical symptoms of flatulence are always the same and require timely treatment.

Manifestations of flatulence in women are:

• bloating, distension, feeling of heaviness in the abdomen;
• cramping pain that disappears after the passage of gas;
• bowel problems (diarrhea or constipation).

In addition to these symptoms, there are signs of the underlying disease that caused the bloating.

Complex treatment - solution to the problem

Flatulence must be treated regardless of the etiological factor that caused it, even if bloating occurs in a healthy person.

Treatment has several goals and must be comprehensive, which requires:

• adjust your diet;
• eliminate the cause (or minimize it if a complete cure is not possible);
• restore intestinal motor function (prescription of prokinetics: Motilium, Domidon, Cerucal, Metoclopramide, etc.);
• treatment of disturbed intestinal biocenosis (probiotics, eubiotics);
• impact directly on flatulence (removal of excess gases, elimination of pain and discomfort).

Diet is an important stage of treatment

In all cases, treatment begins with a diet: if lactose is indigestible, exclude dairy products, do not consume legumes, vegetables and fruits containing coarse fiber, brown bread, carbonated drinks, etc.

It is mandatory to adhere to the nutritional culture:

• chewing food thoroughly;
• eating in small portions, often, at short intervals (ideally after 3 hours);
• drink at least 1.5 liters of clean water without gases per day;
• refusal to eat before bed, because at night the activity of the digestive tract organs decreases, causing food to “stand idle” in the intestines and increase the processes of fermentation and gas formation;
• In the morning on an empty stomach, drink a glass of clean water with the addition of lemon juice to improve intestinal tone.

In the case of a mechanical obstacle that causes flatulence, treatment is only surgical.

Drugs that directly remove gases from the body include various sorbents. Polysorb, Enterosgel, Espumisan are especially effective, but you can use activated carbon in adequate doses in the absence of constipation.

If necessary, antispasmodics (for severe pain), enzyme preparations, and sedatives are prescribed.

Only a doctor can determine what disease caused flatulence and how to treat the underlying disease or condition that led to bloating in women. In all cases, if this is not banal overeating, it is necessary to consult a specialist in order to identify a serious pathology in time.

An unhealthy lifestyle, low-quality food, and hormonal imbalances can cause the formation of gases in the intestines and functional dyspepsia. To eliminate the problems of tension and spasms of the gastrointestinal tract muscles, you need to correctly identify the causes of bloating.

The main causes of bloating and flatulence in adults

Intestinal gases are not just air bubbles. They are a putrefactive mass with a foam-like structure. Under normal conditions, the excretory system removes accumulations from the body naturally. With dysfunction of internal organs, this foam accumulates in the lower intestines, causing discomfort and causing flatulence.

Let's look at the main causes and treatment of flatulence in adults:

• Fermentation of poorly digested food. Fatty and salty foods contribute to the accumulation of food particles in the intestines and prevent their elimination. Over time, entire stones from unprocessed food form in the gastrointestinal tract. They begin to rot, releasing gas bubbles into the body. Probiotics and sorbents that absorb putrefactive particles help here;
• Consumption of incompatible products. Healthy eating rules are based on sharing food. You cannot mix proteins and carbohydrates, fats and fructose. They interfere with each other’s digestion and neutralize most of the nutrients. In some cases, they can even cause diarrhea. For emergency gastrointestinal assistance, it is recommended to take prebiotics;
• Fast food consumption. If you swallow food in large pieces, air enters the body along with it. It is not removed from the tract, but moves to the lower intestines. Because of this, there is a feeling of heaviness, sharp pain in the abdomen, pain, and flatulence. Such severity can be eliminated by walking or taking carminatives;
• Pregnancy and delayed menstrual bleeding. As the fetus grows, the intestines and genitourinary tract are compressed, which is why gases cannot escape normally. As a result, stomach rumbling, unpleasant belching, diarrhea (after the 3rd trimester - constipation) and frequent urination. The problem will not be resolved before delivery, although the condition can be alleviated by taking natural carminative drops and probiotics;
• Hormonal imbalances. Menstruation, ovulation, puberty or lactation, intestinal fermentation is disrupted. This contributes to the accumulation of gases and metabolic disorders. The same methods are used here as during pregnancy. Depending on the day of the cycle, the doctor may recommend cleansing with charcoal (but this is a very dangerous method - constipation is possible);
• Taking strong medications. These may be antibiotics or anesthetics. Often, bloating and diarrhea appear after surgery or general anesthesia for a fracture, as a reaction of the body to the intervention. The beneficial bacteria contained in probiotics will help neutralize their negative effect on the intestinal tract;
• Bad habits. Excessive alcohol consumption, smoking on an empty stomach - all this causes painful seething in the upper intestine. Giving up bad habits and using medications to normalize the microflora will help reduce the uncomfortable feeling of heaviness.

It is important to understand that gas formation itself is a natural process. Normal flatulence is the removal of excess gases from the body, occurring up to 18 times a day. If during the process you smell something similar to rotten eggs, then this is a clear sign of flatulence. If not, then this is simply the work of the excretory system and there is nothing unusual about it.

Constant bloating after eating

This phenomenon is most often caused by an imbalance of microflora. Dysbacteriosis occurs when eating foods that cause fermentation:

• Brown bread, baked goods;
• Legumes;
• Solanaceae;
• Dairy products;
• Carbonated drinks, yeast-containing products, etc.

In addition, the cause of flatulence after eating can be improper chewing of food. You cannot talk or laugh during meals. As mentioned above, this causes air bubbles to enter the intestines. The result is pain and spasms in the navel area, shortness of breath, and constipation.

Daily bloating may be a symptom of a serious illness. In addition to considering your diet, we strongly recommend that you consult a specialist. Treating this phenomenon at home can be not only pointless, but also dangerous.

The main causes of flatulence and constipation are improper absorption of fiber and the presence of pathogenic bacteria in the intestinal tract. This phenomenon also often accompanies pregnant or nursing mothers, since during such periods hormonal levels are added to the listed factors.

What measures can be taken for bloating and constipation:

1. Add green vegetables with minimal fiber to your diet. Onions, carrots and boiled potatoes have a positive effect on the gastrointestinal tract. If you have irritable bowel syndrome, you need to increase the amount of proteins (boiled chicken fillet) and fresh juices in the menu;
2. Take drops to improve microflora. These can be prebiotics or probiotics. They are selected after a medical examination;
3. Move as much as possible. Gymnastics, long walks, and quiet cycling activate the motility of the gastrointestinal tract. Undigested food debris moves to the lower intestines and is eliminated naturally.

If you have constipation and gas accumulation, it is important to drink a lot. It is recommended for an adult to consume at least 2 liters of water per day, for children up to 1.5 (depending on age and weight).

Gas formation due to a sudden change in diet

Often the causes of gas and bloating in women lie in a change in diet. This happens during mono-diets or exclusion of usual foods from the menu. Also, this reaction is caused by various allergens: honey, citrus fruits, eggs and fish products.

Symptoms of flatulence during a diet or from allergies:

• A rash appeared on the body. This is a characteristic manifestation of diathesis. You immediately need to analyze the menu and eliminate all possible irritants from it;
• The accumulation of gases is accompanied by diarrhea and acute abdominal pain. These are clear signs of intoxication of the body;
• Severe flatulence and bloating are complemented by unpleasant belching and heartburn, bitterness in the mouth. In some cases, nausea and dizziness are added, stool is disrupted (if the diet is very strict);
• Constant thirst is a faithful companion for those losing weight. In the same way, the body tries to “get rid” of allergens. To avoid excessive gas formation, do not forget to drink. Dry mucous membranes irritate the intestines and disrupt their functioning.

Remember that excess gases on the first day after starting the diet or after 5 days (with mono nutrition) are normal. The body needs time to adjust to a new regime.

Intoxication of the body and helminthiasis

Signs of helminthic bloat:

• Unpleasant gurgling in the stomach;
• Severe itching of the anus;
• Diarrhea or constipation (rare);
• Bloody discharge during bowel movements;
• General weakness, loss of appetite, weight loss.

Bloating during menstruation and menopause

Hormonal flatulence is a normal phenomenon that occurs in girls at certain periods of the life cycle. It is directly related to the work of the endocrine system, which, like the nervous system, controls almost all life processes. Gas formation of this kind is characterized by regularity (if it occurs during menstruation) and characteristic symptoms.

"Female" bloating:

• In addition to the feeling of heaviness when bloated, a dull pain may be felt in the abdomen - this is the reason for the change in the size of the ovaries. This also happens due to a rush of blood into the pelvic area;
• There is no evidence of putrefactive residues in the intestines. Flatulence occurs naturally, with a characteristic odor, but more often than usual;
• Appetite does not change, sharp abdominal pain is rare, there is no disorder of the gastrointestinal tract;
• In addition to flatulence, there is increased sweating, sudden mood swings, and possibly a rash. Skin sensitivity may increase;
• Pulls in the lumbar area. Occasionally, swelling of the extremities is added.

It is not possible to get rid of this bloating before menstruation or during menopause using artificial methods - the cause of flatulence is practically uncontrollable. But you can significantly alleviate the condition with carminative drugs. Also during this period, gastroenterologists recommend limiting foods that cause fermentation and sweets in the menu.

Other causes of flatulence

Heaviness in the gastrointestinal tract and abdominal pain are not always associated with unhealthy foods or everyday habits. Many factors do not depend on us at all.

Some causes of bloating and excessive flatulence include:

• Chronic diseases. In particular, the gastrointestinal tract and circulatory system. Any pathological conditions of the liver, intestines, or gallstones negatively affect the amount of enzymes in the body. Because of this, increased formation of gases begins and the ensuing problems with their removal;
• "Tradition of the Morning". After waking up, the body wakes up and begins to remove waste products that accumulate at night. When the body position changes from lying down to sitting and standing, the intestines relax, then sharply contract again. Naturally, at this moment, gases from the upper sections begin to descend to the lower ones. This is where the feeling of heaviness and dull pain in the abdomen arises;
• Genetic predisposition. A certain set of DNA, enzymes, microflora - all this is not only developed in the process of life, but is also inherited. If one of your parents had problems with increased sensitivity of the intestinal mucosa or stomach acidity - genetic flatulence;
• Intense exercise. When performing difficult exercises, during cardio training or heavy work, a person begins to breathe more often than usual. The blood is saturated with air, but the body does not have time to remove the waste gas. Gradually it accumulates in the intestines. The same thing happens in stressful situations;
• Excessive use of cough syrups. The vast majority of these medications contain xylitol. This is a synthetic sweetener that is difficult to remove from the body and during processing increases gas formation.

List of tablets for flatulence

Before treating flatulence, you need to establish the causes of bloating. Remember, this phenomenon may be a sign of a serious illness and you should not engage in treatment without consulting a specialist. Otherwise, relapses or even deterioration in health are possible.

Tablets for bloating are selected based on the cause of excessive gas formation. First of all, these are carminative drugs and agents that normalize microflora.

Medications:

• Mezim Forte. Helps against bloating during menopause, overeating and gastrointestinal upset. Restores normal enzyme balance;
• Espumisan. A powerful carminative. Its advantage over many others is that it can be used during pregnancy, in the middle of the cycle and during menopause;
• Smecta. Gently removes toxins and processed foods from the body, quickly relaxes the intestinal muscles. It will help normalize loose stools, but will not cope with chronic flatulence.

Sorbents help solve the problem of rotting food particles and waste products in the intestines:

• Activated carbon. Absorbs putrefactive particles and removes them from the body. It acts quickly, but has contraindications and side effects (constipation, dehydration);
• Polysorb. A softer analogue of coal. It works very similarly, but does not damage the mucous membrane. Has virtually no side effects;
• Enterosgel. Popular defoamer. Helps eliminate the main causes of putrefactive bloating - neutralizes bacteria, cleanses the mucous membrane from accumulations.

Treatment of bloating with folk remedies

To treat bloating and normalize the gastrointestinal tract, herbal infusions and teas are used. Good reviews about the so-called. dill water and dill seed tincture. This plant is an excellent carminative that can be used to treat flatulence even in children and pregnant women.

How to get rid of bloating at home:

1. Drink a decoction of pumpkin seeds. It perfectly relaxes the intestines and removes foam from it. It has a significant drawback - it can cause stool disorders;
2. Drink herbal teas as an aperitif to your meals. The best choices are chamomile or sage. As an alternative, sesame infusion is suitable;
3. Lemon juice with ginger tea is a powerful antiseptic that helps normalize the balance of microflora. This drink neutralizes putrefactive bacteria, creating conditions for the normal life of “useful” microorganisms;
4. Celery. In any form: boiled, fried, raw, it helps to cleanse the gastrointestinal tract, activate motor skills and remove toxins. A universal remedy for solving intestinal problems;
5. Do light gymnastics. Bends to the side, stretches, and self-massages of the umbilical zone will smooth out the muscles and promote the rapid release of gases.

Prevention

It is easier to prevent bloating than to then engage in desperate self-medication or exhausting visits to doctors.

How to prevent flatulence:

• Avoid eating (or drinking) dairy products in the evenings. They provoke fermentation. In the morning you will be surprised in the form of strong gas formation;
• Intestinal discomfort is caused by severe stress. It is better to do sports in the morning or afternoon. After 18, try to limit physical activity. Replace strength and cardio training with a measured walk;
• Drastic changes in diet are not good for anyone. If the doctor does not insist on urgent changes to the menu, proceed smoothly. Gradually introduce new products and remove old ones;
• At the slightest suspicion of flatulence, it is best to do nothing at all than to take desperate actions in the form of taking complex prebiotics, etc. Visit a doctor, maybe this is normal for your lifestyle and there are no problems?
• Frequent bloating, chronic constipation, periodic vomiting - signal an overload of the gallbladder. Minimize fatty foods. Instead, it is better to drink a glass of kefir or milk. But not at night - see point 1.

If the bloating is prolonged, its causes must be sought in the functioning of other systems (nervous, metabolic, circulatory). To do this, consult a gastroenterologist. He will conduct the necessary research and take tests. Based on the samples, the specialist will make the correct diagnosis and, possibly, save you a lot of time searching for the causes of flatulence.

Bloating appears due to the influence of various factors. The main causes of bloating and gas in women are associated with the approach of menstruation or pregnancy. What to do? How to solve the problem, eliminate its consequences and protect the body from bloating?

Nervousness, bloating before menstruation, and lower back pain occur with hormonal changes.

This condition is typical before menstruation, when the egg is released from the body and the period of ovulation begins.

Causes

You can get rid of unpleasant sensations, but to do this you need to find out the reasons why bloating occurs before menstruation. There are several reasons:

Water retention. When the hormonal balance changes before the onset of menstruation, the body accumulates fluid, which increases blood flow to the pelvis, reduces swelling, adds pounds to the woman and provokes the appearance of a tummy. These problems will go away as soon as your period ends. Binge eating. An imbalance of hormones retains fluid and negatively affects the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract and appetite. As a result, women experience severe hunger and gases accumulate in the intestines, which causes bloating and weight gain. It is necessary to improve and intensify urination and feces excretion. Increased progesterone levels. Hormones are to blame for this, which increase the concentration of progesterone, which loosens the uterine mucosa and relaxes the muscles. This causes the uterus to enlarge, which creates the effect of a “bloated” abdomen. Pregnancy. The waist increases. This is caused by the growth of the embryo in the uterus.

In what diseases is this condition possible?

In addition to the usual reasons due to physiology, the cause of bloating can be pathology (uterine fibroids). Bloating does not go away immediately after your period ends. And menstruation is accompanied by pain and unpleasant symptoms.

Bloating is one of the symptoms of PMS. Therefore, you can get rid of it with the help of hormonal drugs. They are prescribed by a gynecologist.

It is also important to undergo an examination and a pelvic ultrasound to rule out pathologies of the reproductive system.

Is your stomach distended, pain occurs, and urination occurs rarely? If this happens several times, flatulence may indicate serious gastrointestinal diseases:

cirrhosis of the liver; enterocolitis; intestinal diseases; difficulties with intestinal patency; disturbances in the functioning of the pancreas.

Diagnosis, signs and symptoms

If the cause of bloating is increased gas formation, then this problem has several types. The doctor will make an accurate diagnosis, but it is important to know what the features of each type of illness are:

Nutritional - poor diet, consumption of junk food and products that promote gas formation; Dysbacteriosis - disturbances in the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract, when few enzymes are produced (this happens with long-term treatment with various medications); Dynamic - problems with the intestinal muscles (food poisoning, toxic substances); Mechanical - difficulties in the passage of gases (tumors in the intestines); Psychogenic - nervous shock, stress; Circulatory - impaired blood circulation in the intestinal walls (often occurs against the background of liver cirrhosis).

The symptoms are:

feeling as if the tummy is full; bloating; rumbling; increased gas formation; belching; nausea; diarrhea, constipation; stomach ache.

In addition to an ultrasound of the pelvic organs, you also need to undergo tests:

To protect yourself from bloating, lead an active and healthy lifestyle:

play sports; move more; eat healthy, fresh food; drink plenty of water (this will improve urination); analyze your menu and adjust; get enough sleep, rest fully.

During pregnancy, increased gas formation and bloating are common. The reason is simple: the baby puts pressure on the intestines, hormonal changes are observed, the woman more often experiences stress and nervous tension.

During menstruation, bloating appears for many reasons: fluid retention in the body, constipation. The stomach is bloated, so you need to review the menu:

Taboo on salt. Reduce the amount of salt you eat. Salt causes bloating and makes you feel worse. Of course, moderate salt intake is beneficial. But, if its volumes are greater than planned, water retention occurs in the body, which increases the load on the blood vessels and heart. Be gone, fast food! Avoid fast food. In addition to sodium, it contains a sea of ​​harmful components that worsen your health. Goodbye sugar! It's also harmful. Sugar retains salt, increasing glucose levels in the body. Tea and coffee are diuretics. They contain caffeine, which promotes bloating. It is especially important to reduce the consumption of black tea, as it is the most harmful in this situation. And coffee contains a lot of acid, which contributes to the development of gastritis. Inflammation in the gastrointestinal tract increases the likelihood of bloating. Alcohol is forgotten! It promotes the formation of gases. Therefore, before and, especially, during menstruation, the problem may worsen. Avoid alcoholic drinks. At least two weeks before menstruation.

Analyze what you consume before your period. Keep a food diary and write down everything you eat. From small snacks to main courses. Write down everything, even how much sugar you put in your coffee. You also need:

Reduce portions of food consumed. If you still want to eat, just divide your meals into 5-6 times a day. Large portions of food will contribute to bloating. This will help you normalize your sugar levels; Eat fiber. It helps with flatulence. You should eat at least 25 grams of fiber every day during your period. Some foods contain a lot of fiber: eat more different types of cabbage, eat mushrooms, berries, legumes, greens, bran. But remember moderation. If you previously ate very little fiber, gradually increase the amount of fiber in your diet; Avoid consuming dairy products in large quantities. They cause gas in many people. Therefore, reduce their intake.

To get rid of flatulence, add to your menu:

seafood; fish; fresh fruits, vegetables; porridge, cereals; dietary meat; cottage cheese; curdled milk.

Peppermint tea will protect against bloating, relieve pain and stress. Peppermint has been used for a long time, so this natural remedy is considered an excellent option to help relieve unnecessary pain in the abdominal area. Improves urination, removes excess fluid.

Remedies for gas formation

To choose the right medicine, it is important to discover the cause of flatulence. When the source of the problem is an intestinal infection, dysbiosis, lack of enzymes, problems with motility and other pathologies, it is necessary to take broad-spectrum antibiotics.

If the cause is dysbacteriosis, a course of taking bacteriophages, lacto- and bifidobacteria is needed.

If enzyme deficiency is observed, the problem can be cured with enzymes (Creon, Pancreatin, Motilium, Mezim). When bloating is caused by a tumor in the intestines, surgery is needed.

The most popular medical medications are: motilium, white coal, phosphalugel, espumizan, bobotik.

Motilium

The medicine is produced in the form of tablets and suspensions. Thanks to taking the drug, peristalsis improves. Gases come out naturally. As a result, the sensation of a “ball” in the stomach disappears and the discomfort goes away. Increases sphincter pressure in the esophagus, normalizes the digestive process.

Cannot be used for:

gastrointestinal bleeding; perforation of the gastrointestinal tract, obstruction of mechanical etiology; prolactinoma; hypersensitivity to some components of the drug; use of ketoconazole.

White coal

This drug is an absorbent. Toxins from the mucous membrane and air are absorbed. As a result, after taking the pills, rumbling, bloating in the abdomen, gas pain, nausea and belching go away.

You should not use the drug if:

individual intolerance; pregnancy, during lactation; bleeding in the gastrointestinal tract; obstruction; ulcers in the stomach, intestines (especially in the acute stage).

Price: from $0.1 to $3.

Espumisan

Destroys air in the gastrointestinal tract and blocks the formation of new gases. Rumbling, bloating, nausea, discomfort go away. There are no contraindications (except for individual sensitivity to the components of the drug). Can be used during pregnancy and breastfeeding.

Price: $5-6.5.

Bobotik

Suitable for babies, pregnant women and nursing mothers. The drug destroys gases, improves peristalsis, so re-bloating is not observed. Gases come out naturally.

Contraindications: complete intestinal obstruction, individual sensitivity. Pregnant and lactating women can use it as prescribed by a doctor.

Cost: $5.5-6

Phosphalugel

Take the gel orally with water. Suitable for children from 6 years old. You can take the medicine 2 times a day, in the morning on an empty stomach or before bed. Relieves gases, removes toxins, improves well-being during gastritis. Contraindications are:

renal failure; individual intolerance; hypophosphatemia; allergy; Alzheimer's disease.

It is also necessary to take the drug carefully during pregnancy, lactation, liver cirrhosis, heart failure, after 65 years, and with kidney problems.

Folk recipes

There are many medications that can improve the condition. In addition to pharmaceutical drugs, there are folk remedies against bloating. These include taking herbs and certain foods.

The naturalness of these methods greatly reduces the risk of side effects.

They will help you:

garlic; dill; caraway; dandelion; potato.

Several traditional medicines can be made from these products.

Dill

1 sugar cube; 5 drops of dill (or anise) oil.

Drop oil onto the cube and consume.

Garlic

Grind the dried garlic into a paste. You can also add garlic leaves to it. You need to eat 1 tsp. root vegetables (or 2 tsp with added herbs).

Potato

Potato juice should be drunk in the morning, on an empty stomach. Once the juice is consumed, you need to lie in bed for about 15 minutes. The course of treatment consists of 10 days. After this, you need a break for 1.5 weeks. Then you can repeat the course.

Caraway

Pour hot water over fresh cumin and leave for 3 hours or more. Use the infusion 5-6 times a day.

Dandelion

Grind the medicinal dandelion root. Add 2-3 teaspoons of the root with cold water. Leave for 10 hours. Take 50 ml before meals.

Preventive actions

Many women experience bloating during menstruation. This causes discomfort and sometimes pain.

Experts have not yet come to a common conclusion about whether this is dangerous to health. After all, after the menstruation has passed, the flatulence goes away.

If your stomach is swollen and your period has not come, you should urgently consult a gynecologist. After all, this state of affairs can cause a miscarriage (since the uterus is in good shape).

To get rid of discomfort, you need to:

give up carbohydrate foods at least 10 days before the start of your period; reduce the consumption of sweets and flour; eat less canned food; eat more protein foods that contain a lot of zinc; if gas occurs with bloating, drink chamomile tea or activated charcoal; improve urination.

To get rid of swelling, use decoctions of lingonberries and cranberries, which activate urination.

Watch your health, listen to what your body is telling you. Then you can easily maintain good health for many years. And bloating will not bother you again.

Be sure to watch this useful video on this topic.

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Many have encountered the unpleasant phenomenon of a swollen belly, a mass of gases forming in the intestines, and flatulence appears. Often, a discomforting state occurs after festive feasts or eating certain foods. If your health is in order, the cause of bloating can be explained simply: in the process of digesting poorly combined foods, gases have formed, and now they are asking to be released. In more complex cases, bloating and other symptoms may signal a particular disease.

Common causes of bloating

The following are common reasons why the stomach is bloated in practically healthy people:

The formation of a significant amount of gases is caused by the consumption of poorly combined foods. Fermentation and rumbling in the digestive system is provoked by excessive consumption of carbonated drinks. When taken in small quantities, gases are naturally removed. The habit of eliminating heartburn with soda. As you know, soda and gastric acid are antagonists. If you mix a small amount of baking soda with vinegar, a chemical reaction occurs, releasing carbon dioxide. When drinking soda, the resulting gases distend the stomach from the inside. Quick, impatient eating of food, which causes air to end up in the stomach. It is difficult or impossible to get rid of it through belching. Often the reason why the stomach swells after eating is associated with the habit of overeating. Abuse of fatty foods that require considerable time to digest. Fats create a feeling of fullness and heaviness in the stomach, causing bloating.

The stomach is swollen with constipation and flatulence

As you know, with constipation, bowel movements occur quite rarely, with an interval of about 48 hours or longer, up to a week. Fecal masses are very dense, which is why the process of defecation is accompanied by discomfort and pain.

It seems that emptying is not completed completely, the stomach and intestines are constantly filled with contents, which causes bloating. Pain may appear along the colon. The skin takes on an unhealthy sallow-gray hue, and a rash appears on the face or back.

The main causes of constipation are considered to be poor diet, excessive nervous and mental stress, and alcohol.

In the case of flatulence, the stomach and intestines swell due to the formation of a significant amount of gas. Painful sensations appear caused by the movement of gases along the intestines.

Flatulence is quite common in young children. In this case, the stomach is tense and the behavior is restless. Treatment is performed with activated carbon at the rate of 1 tablet per 10 kg of weight up to 3 times a day.

Constipation and flatulence are common during pregnancy. To prevent bloating, it is worth limiting or eliminating legumes, peas, cabbage, black bread, as well as grapes, plums, and juices from them.

Bloating due to changes in diet

With a sharp change in the usual diet (for example, in the case of a complete refusal of meat), the body is not able to quickly adapt and therefore reacts with bloating, distension in the stomach and intestines, constipation, loose stools, and other symptoms. For this reason, changes in nutrition should be carried out with a certain gradualness.

Another possible reason for a bloated stomach is considered to be a food allergy caused by the intake of allergenic foods. These can be citrus fruits (tangerine, orange, lemon), peaches, strawberries, sweets, chicken eggs, honey and its derivatives, spices, even meat or fish.

As a rule, an allergic reaction is manifested by changes in the skin, rashes, and eczema. Disorders of the digestive system often occur. The stomach begins to hurt, gases form, the intestines swell, belching and vomiting appear. Diarrhea or constipation, as well as intestinal dysbiosis, may occur.

Treatment of food allergies must be carried out under the supervision of a doctor. Incorrect self-medication can cause a serious aggravation of the disease, which is life-threatening. It is necessary to exclude allergenic foods from the diet. To identify them, you need to donate blood for analysis and conduct skin tests.

If, for various reasons, a significant amount of harmful substances has accumulated in the digestive system, the body’s defenses have to spend a lot of effort to neutralize their negative effects. The result is a rapid onset of fatigue, irritability, frequent illnesses and colds, and poor resistance to infections.

Bad breath and bloating appear. It is caused by the formation of gases in the intestines and fecal retention.

About 15 species of protozoan microorganisms can live inside healthy people, of which about 7 species are found in the intestines. For example, Giardia, Trichomonas, Balantidia, Cryptosporidium. Infection occurs through food, water, and household contact.

When lamblia enters the body, damaging the mucous membrane of the gallbladder, symptoms of giardiasis appear: swelling and bloating, nausea, stool becomes liquid or constipation occurs, pain in the upper abdomen and in the umbilical region.

If you do not pay attention to these symptoms, diseases such as gallbladder dyskinesia (impaired motility) and cholecystitis (inflammation of the gallbladder) may develop.

In the case of biliary dyskinesia, chronic cholecystitis, chronic hepatitis, the cause of bloating is considered to be a violation of the outflow of bile from the gallbladder. Pain in the right hypochondrium, irritability is felt. Fatty foods cause loose stools.

The cause of bloating in amoebic dysentery is damage to the colon mucosa, accompanied by the release of a significant amount of mucus and pus. The processes of digestion, absorption of nutrients, and removal of waste from the intestines are disrupted.

As a rule, he feels bloated, often wants to go to the toilet, and has loose stools. Nausea, vomiting, chills, feeling weak. The stomach is swollen and painful.

In the case of rotavirus infection (“stomach flu”), the gastrointestinal tract is affected. In the initial period, disturbances in the intestines are manifested by rumbling, bloating, and pain. Once in the duodenum and at the top of the small intestine, rotavirus damages the mucous membrane, which disrupts the production of intestinal digestive enzymes and, as a result, the absorption of nutrients. The temperature rises, vomiting, and diarrhea occurs, causing significant dehydration.

As a result of long-term treatment with medications, the intestinal barrier function decreases and dysbiosis occurs:

If staphylococci predominate in the intestines, the temperature rises, chills, pain and bloating of the stomach, especially along the large intestine. The stool is frequent and liquid, with mucus, blood and pus. If dysbiosis is caused by Candida and Aspergilla fungi, pain in the navel area, heaviness and bloating are felt. The stool is also liquid, bloody and foamy, with the release of films and lumps. There is no appetite, the tongue is crimson, stomatitis often occurs. Intestinal dysbiosis, caused by one of the pathogenic varieties of Aspergilla, often develops with gastritis with high acidity, as well as after long-term use of antibiotics, especially tetracycline. Symptoms include nausea, rashes on the mucous membranes, and a musty taste in the mouth.
This type of dysbacteriosis is characterized by significant intoxication, since Aspergilla synthesizes enzymes, which results in the formation of a mass of harmful substances in the body. Due to intoxication after eating, a state similar to intoxication is observed.

After eliminating dysbiosis, the body experiences a deficiency of vitamins, especially group B:

sleep is disturbed (B1 deficiency); stomatitis, hair loss, changes in nails occur (B2 deficiency); hematopoietic function is disrupted; in complex cases, the sheath around the nerve fibers of the central or peripheral nervous system is damaged, causing limbs to become numb, and the coordination of movements of various muscles is disrupted (B12 deficiency ); absorption of fat-soluble vitamins is impaired.

Bloating with gastritis and hemorrhoids

In the case of acute gastritis, inflammation of the gastric mucosa, there is a feeling of fullness in the stomach, bloating, loose stools or constipation.

The chronic form, subdivided into gastritis with high and low acidity, is accompanied by abdominal pain and disturbances in the production of gastric juice. Smoking contributes to the appearance and development of the disease.

In case of high acidity, the belching is sour, nauseating, and heartburn is tormented. Low acidity is characterized by nausea, vomiting, rapid saturation, and flatulence. The skin becomes dry, nails become brittle, and hair thins.

The cause of bloating may be hemorrhoids. This disease is caused by pathological expansion and tortuosity of the hemorrhoidal veins of the rectum. The pathology develops when blood stagnates in the pelvis in case of constipation, a sedentary lifestyle, during pregnancy and physical stress.

There are protruding and hidden hemorrhoids:

With protruding hemorrhoids, the head hurts and feels dizzy, the limbs go numb, the stomach becomes tense and swollen, there is a burning sensation in the anus, loose stools alternating with constipation. Hidden hemorrhoids are manifested by fainting, suffocation, increased heart rate, and pain in the sacrum.

The resulting lumps are removed surgically or using traditional medicine.

To prevent the disease, it is useful to move enough and prefer firm seats. Do not consume spices, hot foods, or alcohol.

Causes of bloating due to digestive disorders

In the case of gastric dyspepsia, difficulty in digestion, after eating there is a feeling of heaviness in the stomach, an unpleasant taste and bad breath. In the morning he feels nauseous and burps. The stomach growls and swells at the top. The cause of exacerbation of this type of dyspepsia is considered to be certain foods that cause an activation of the listed symptoms.

Intestinal dyspepsia is associated with insufficient secretory activity of the stomach, pancreas, and lack of bile secretion. It is caused by poor nutrition, ingestion of significant amounts of food, predominantly protein or carbohydrate in nature, intestinal infection, and dysbacteriosis. There is a feeling of transfusion and rumbling in the intestines, the stomach is bloated, flatulence and loose stools are observed.

In the case of intestinal dyspepsia, food is not completely broken down. Bacteria found in the small intestine begin to participate in enzymatic breakdown. As a result, harmful substances are formed that cause intoxication. The intestinal mucosa is irritated, peristalsis is activated.

Bloating due to intestinal diseases

In the case of diseases of the small intestine, the stomach hurts near the navel or in the middle section. The gases formed in the intestines burst from the inside. Often their appearance is associated with the consumption of certain foods.

Gases are formed 2-3 hours after eating, when the food is in the intestines. Painful sensations are accompanied by bloating, transfusions in the lower sections, as well as flatulence.

With acute enteritis there is no constipation, the stool is liquid. In severe forms, food is practically not absorbed, causing the patient to lose weight and hair loss. Irritability is observed, mood changes often. The stomach hurts and is swollen.

In the chronic form of the disease, symptoms intensify after drinking cow's milk.

In the case of colitis, inflammatory diseases, the removal of water from the stool in the colon is impaired, causing the stool to become liquid. In addition, the inflamed area of ​​the intestine may expand or, conversely, shrink as a result of spasm. The passage of feces becomes difficult, pain, bloating and constipation appear.

With intestinal dyskinesia, the motor function of the intestines is disrupted, as a rule, a spasm occurs. The lower abdomen is swollen and painful, rumbling and transfusion can be heard. The cause of an attack may be a tight belt, incorrect posture, eating too much, or excessive excitement. Constipation predominates, defecation is accompanied by a feeling of incomplete bowel movement.

Mesenteric ischemia, a violation of blood flow in the intestines, usually affects the elderly. The disease is characterized by narrowing or blockage of the mesenteric arteries of the small or large intestine, which often occurs with atrial fibrillation.

Arteries narrowed by atherosclerotic formations cause severe pain during intestinal peristalsis. Pain in the middle and upper part of the abdominal cavity. Painful sensations occur after eating and last for 1-1.5 hours. Often you feel nauseous, your stomach swells, you experience loose stools or, conversely, constipation.

In acute form, emergency hospitalization is required.

Celiac disease is characterized by a hereditary inability of the intestines to digest gluten, which is why a lot of harmful substances accumulate in the small intestine, disrupting digestive activity and metabolic processes. The body is dehydrated, anemia and caries may occur.

The cause of bloating and loose stools is the consumption of pasta, flour, confectionery, oatmeal or semolina, and sausages. It is worth sticking to a diet of vegetables, fruits, dairy products, eggs, rice, boiled meat or fish, corn, honey, coffee, tea.

Folk remedies for bloating, constipation and flatulence

For constipation, it is useful to eat crumbly porridge: buckwheat, millet, pearl barley. It is worth giving up strong tea, coffee, chocolate, thick cereals, white bread, and pasta.

It is useful to include in your diet fresh vegetables and fruits rich in fiber, with the exception of those that have an astringent effect: blueberries, lingonberries, pomegranate, quince.

In case of severe constipation, eat a salad of grated cabbage and apple, seasoned with cabbage juice, every other day. You can eat as much as you like.
A contraindication for cabbage treatment is the presence of mustard oil glycosides in the plant; they can cause the formation of goiter. Cabbage should be excluded from the diet in case of pancreatitis. It cannot be treated for enteritis and colitis, exacerbation of gastritis, increased peristalsis, spasms of the stomach, intestines, biliary tract. Raw pumpkin juice, consumed 2-3 glasses during the day, helps with constipation and bloating. You can cope with constipation with a glass of milk with 1c .l. honey taken at night. Aloe juice, mixed with honey in a ratio of 3 to 1, weakens. Take 1 tsp. on an empty stomach and before bedtime.
You should not treat with aloe for diseases of the kidneys, liver, or gallbladder if bile stagnation occurs. Aloe is contraindicated for hemorrhoids and pregnancy, as it causes a rush of blood to the pelvic organs. Oranges are useful for treating constipation.
Oranges are contraindicated for stomach and duodenal ulcers, gastritis with high acidity, exacerbation of inflammatory bowel diseases, and in case of allergies.

Dill treats various gastrointestinal diseases, relieves spasms of the stomach and intestines, eliminates fermentation and rotting, and the formation of gases. The plant stimulates appetite, eliminates bloating, expels helminths, and weakens.

Thus, dill helps to cope with flatulence, bloating, and improve digestion:

Brew 1 tsp. dill seeds with a glass of boiling water, leave for 1 hour. Take in equal portions throughout the day. Chopped dill, used as a seasoning for food, eliminates increased gas formation. Grind 1 tbsp. dill seeds into a pulp, brew a glass of boiling water, leave in a thermos for 40 minutes, strain.

You should know that dill seeds cause dilation of blood vessels, which reduces blood pressure. Therefore, you should not be treated with this method for hypotension.

For bloating and flatulence, an infusion prepared from a mixture of chamomile flowers (2 parts), as well as peppermint leaves, rhizomes of valerian officinalis, and calendula officinalis flowers, taken 1 part each, helps.

Brew 1 tsp. mixture with a glass of boiling water, leave overnight in a thermos. Drink a glass of infusion during the day, taking the folk remedy an hour after meals.

You should not take valerian officinalis if you have high blood pressure, as in this case it disturbs sleep. Valerian preparations increase blood clotting, which is especially undesirable in old age.

Traditional recipes for bloating

Coltsfoot protects the intestinal walls, reduces inflammation, eliminates increased gas formation and bloating.

Brew 2 tbsp. coltsfoot leaves with a glass of boiling water, leave for 1 hour, strain.
Take 1.s.l. half an hour before meals. Brew 1 tbsp. dried plantain leaves with a glass of boiling water, leave for 4 hours, strain, add 1 tbsp. honey Store the composition in a cool, dark place for no more than two days.
Take 1 tbsp. immediately after eating. Brew 1 tbsp. dried bird cherry fruits with a glass of boiling water, simmer over low heat for 15 minutes. After 30 minutes, add 30 drops of 20% propolis tincture.
Take 100 ml half an hour before meals.

Remedy for giardiasis:

wash and peel 12-15g of horseradish and garlic, mince. Pour a glass of vodka, leave for 10 days, shaking every day, strain. Take 1 tbsp. half an hour before meals, washed down with water.

Recipes for cholecystitis:

Thoroughly mix carrot and beet juices, cognac, and honey in equal parts. Store in a cool, dark place.
Take half a glass half an hour before meals. Brew 1 tsp. plantain leaves with a glass of boiling water, leave for 10-15 minutes, strain.
Drink in small sips within an hour.

Effectively treat the causes of bloating, stomach and duodenal ulcers with cabbage juice or leaf salad.

Take 1-2 tablespoons of fresh juice. half an hour before meals, gradually increasing the volume to 1/2 cup. The optimal single serving of fresh cabbage salad is 100g. The leaves must be chewed thoroughly. When you overeat, heartburn and bloating occur.

Regular course treatment with cabbage juice lasting a month helps get rid of belching and inflammation in the small and large intestines.

St. John's wort has an astringent and anti-inflammatory effect, therefore it is used in the treatment of diseases of the stomach and intestines.

St. John's wort tea. Brew 1 tsp. herbs with a glass of boiling water, strain after 5 minutes.
Take 2-3 glasses a day for several weeks. St. John's wort oil. Grind 1 tbsp. fresh flowers, pour 10 tsp. olive oil and place in a light glass container. Without covering, leave it for 5 days in a warm place for fermentation to begin. Shake the contents periodically. Then close the container and expose it to the sun until the contents turn red (about 1.5 months). Strain the oil and store in a dark place.
Take 1 tsp. 2 times a day for a mild choleretic effect, as well as to normalize the activity of the stomach, excited due to nervous shock.

Long-term use of St. John's wort products causes exacerbation of gastritis. With a stomach ulcer, pain and intestinal cramps may occur.

In addition, St. John's wort increases the skin's sensitivity to ultraviolet radiation, so after taking the infusions you do not need to be in the sun.

Increased gas formation, accompanied by discomfort and an increase in abdominal volume, signals a violation of the digestive processes and possible pathologies of the abdominal organs. Today we’ll talk about the causes and treatment of bloating, and also find out how you can cope with the unpleasant symptom with the help of medications and folk remedies.

The formation of gases in the intestines occurs constantly; this process is considered a physiological norm for a healthy person. The volume of intestinal gases released per day ranges from 700 ml to 1.5 liters. The gases consist of methane, nitrogen, volatile hydrocarbons and carbon dioxide. Their formation is facilitated by air that enters the stomach if a person actively talks while eating. But the main volume of gases is released by bacteria inhabiting the intestines during the digestion and breakdown of incoming food.

Subsequently, gaseous compounds leave the body in the form of belching and are partially absorbed into the blood through the vessels, but the main part is excreted through the rectum. If a person is healthy and digestive processes occur without deviations, the release of gas occurs unnoticed, not accompanied by an unpleasant odor or characteristic sounds.

But if the digestive system malfunctions, bloating, flatulence, and increased gas formation occur. A person feels discomfort, bloating, rumbling and heaviness in the stomach. After eating, there is an increased release of gases with an unpleasant odor, painful spasms occur caused by stretching of the intestinal walls, belching with an unpleasant aftertaste, nausea, and upset stool appear. But the discomfort usually goes away quickly after a bowel movement. Why does the stomach swell, what causes this condition? Let's get this out.

Causes of bloating - why is my stomach constantly swollen?

It is believed that bloating and increased gas production can be caused by poor diet or concomitant diseases of the digestive system. Most often, it is enough to adjust the diet so that the unpleasant symptoms associated with flatulence disappear. All foods that make the stomach swell and increase gas formation can be divided into several groups:

products containing coarse fiber. Increased gas formation is caused by the consumption of legumes (peas, beans), white cabbage, onions, tomatoes, apples, grapes, bell peppers, turnips, radishes; products that enhance fermentation and putrefactive processes in the intestines (baked goods, rye bread); foods high in gluten (cereals, sausages, sauces); dairy products that cause bloating due to a lack of a certain digestive enzyme responsible for digesting lactose.

In addition, discomfort and bloating are caused by foods high in “fast carbohydrates” (sweets, chocolate), sweet carbonated drinks, beer, kvass. Indigestion is caused by snacking on the run, talking while eating, overeating, and eating heavy, spicy or fatty foods.

Chronic stress, psycho-emotional stress, and nervous breakdowns can cause bloating and increased gas production.

All processes in the body are controlled by the nervous system, and disruption of its functions has the most unfavorable effect on the state of the body, causing malfunctions of the digestive system and other pathological conditions.

Often, flatulence and bloating are a consequence of an imbalance of microflora in the intestines (dysbacteriosis), which is caused by prolonged and unsystematic use of antibiotics and other medications.

In women, the cause of this condition may be premenstrual syndrome (PMS) or late pregnancy, when the fetus puts pressure on internal organs and disrupts intestinal function.

Morning flatulence is considered to be a completely harmless phenomenon, caused by difficulty in flatulence in a certain position that a person takes during sleep. After awakening, when the body returns to active mode, these phenomena disappear.

Diseases that cause bloating

Pathological conditions associated with impaired digestive processes, enzymatic deficiency, decreased production of bile acids and stagnation of bile. As a result, food is poorly digested and absorbed, fermentation and putrefaction processes intensify in the intestines, accompanied by increased formation of gases. Mechanical flatulence. Occurs when intestinal patency is impaired, caused by a tumor process, adhesions or stenosis (narrowing of its walls). Dynamic flatulence. Develops when intestinal motor function is impaired. This condition can be provoked by poor nutrition, a sedentary lifestyle, inflammation, severe infections and intoxication of the body. Inflammatory diseases of the intestines and abdominal organs (hepatitis, cirrhosis, cholecystitis, pancreatitis, Crohn's disease, irritable bowel syndrome, colitis of various etiologies). A common cause of discomfort is impaired absorption of gases into the blood due to swelling and inflammation of the intestinal walls or blockage of blood vessels with blood clots.

Constant bloating, which is a consequence of the disease, does not disappear after adjusting the diet. Over time, a person’s well-being worsens, and other symptoms appear:

chronic constipation or diarrhea; abdominal pain of varying degrees of intensity; lack of appetite; nausea, vomiting; belching, heartburn; unpleasant taste in the mouth, coating on the tongue.

If bloating is accompanied by diarrhea, the cause of this condition may be:

dysbacteriosis, helminthic infestations, allergic enterocolitis, intestinal infections.

Such symptoms are characteristic of irritable bowel syndrome or severe liver damage (cirrhosis).

Bloating as a symptom

If bloating and gas formation occurs simultaneously with pain, this may be a sign of the following pathologies:

gynecological diseases (inflammation of the appendages, fibroids, endometriosis, ectopic pregnancy); chronic enterocolitis; Crohn's disease; peritonitis (inflammation of the peritoneum); acute intestinal obstruction; biliary dyskinesia; exacerbation of pancreatitis, cholecystitis, cholelithiasis.

If bloating is accompanied by belching, vomiting, constipation, the cause of the problem may be the pathologies listed above, or exacerbation of chronic colitis, gastritis, acute intestinal obstruction, cholelithiasis, severe damage to the liver or pancreas.

With diseases of the small intestine, pain occurs in the navel area, and the resulting gases distend the stomach from the inside. Symptoms appear after eating and are accompanied by rumbling in the stomach and flatulence.

When enteritis worsens, loose stools appear, food is practically not absorbed, the condition of the skin and hair worsens, and the patient loses weight. There is increased irritability, the stomach is swollen and painful, and belching appears with an unpleasant aftertaste. Inflammatory processes in the intestines and colitis are also accompanied by diarrhea, painful cramps, and an increase in abdominal volume.

With biliary dyskinesia, intestinal motility is disrupted, atonic constipation appears, symptoms of intoxication of the body, yellowness of the skin, the stomach swells and boils, and during defecation there is a feeling of incomplete bowel movement. Unpleasant symptoms can be triggered by overeating, poor diet, or stress factors.

In case of cholecystitis, hepatitis, cirrhosis, the cause of bloating is insufficient production of bile and disruption of its outflow from the gallbladder. Eating spicy, fatty foods causes characteristic symptoms (bloating, flatulence, diarrhea, pain in the right hypochondrium).

Watch a 2-minute video where the doctor specifically talks about the causes of bloating and methods of treating this condition.

What to do if alarming symptoms and discomfort accompanying bloating appear?

It is necessary to seek advice from a specialist (general practitioner, gastroenterologist), undergo a full examination and establish the cause causing this condition. After this, you can begin treatment, including taking medications, using traditional recipes, and adjusting your lifestyle and diet.

Cure for bloating - the right treatment

Abdominal bloating, accompanied by vomiting, acute abdominal pain, gas and stool retention, bleeding from the anus, a sharp drop in blood pressure, or loss of consciousness indicates a condition that doctors call “acute abdomen.” In this case, you need to immediately call an ambulance to hospitalize the patient in a hospital, where, most likely, the patient will undergo surgical intervention.

Good to know!

If there are no life-threatening symptoms, then before visiting a doctor, you can take medications at home that will help improve your well-being.

Sorbents. These are drugs that absorb toxins and harmful substances, eliminate increased gas formation and bloating. Popular products are activated carbon, Enterosgel, Polysorb, Smecta. Medicines are taken according to instructions, activated carbon - at the rate of 1 tablet per 10 kg of weight. Drugs that eliminate flatulence (so-called defoamers). This list includes Espumisan, Infacol, Simikol, Simethicone, Mezim Forte. The active substances of the medications eliminate increased gas formation, facilitate the absorption of gases into the blood and their removal from the rectum. Herbal remedies with carminative effect. At the pharmacy you can buy “Carminative collection”, “Dill water”, tincture of fennel and caraway fruits, which reduce gas formation in the intestines. Antispasmodics. If bloating is accompanied by painful cramps, you can take antispasmodics (Mebeverine, Buscopan, Drotaverine, Papaverine). Enzyme preparations (Pancreatin, Creon, Festal) will help improve digestion and eliminate flatulence.

If the cause of bloating is dysbacteriosis, take probiotics (Linex, Bifidumbacterin, Bifiform). These products contain beneficial lactic acid bacteria, which will help restore beneficial microflora and normalize digestive processes.

Folk remedies for bloating

To treat increased gas formation and bloating at home, you can use time-tested folk recipes:

Infusion of dill or fennel seeds. To prepare it, 1 tsp. seeds, pour 200 ml of boiling water, leave for 20 minutes, filter. Drink this volume of infusion before each meal for 10 days, after which they take a 7-day break and repeat the course of treatment. Parsley infusion. To prepare the remedy, you need to take fresh parsley leaves (a small bunch is enough), chop them, pour a liter of boiling water and leave to infuse for 8 hours. The finished infusion is filtered and taken 1/2 cup after meals. Tea with mint and ginger. Mint has soothing properties, and ginger provides anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial effects. The medicinal drink is prepared from mint leaves and crushed ginger root, taken in equal quantities (1 tsp each). They are poured with 250 ml of boiling water, left for half an hour under a closed lid, filtered and drunk before each meal.

A good remedy that reduces gas formation in the intestines is a decoction of pumpkin seeds, tea with chamomile, St. John's wort or sage, a decoction of bird cherry fruits, leaves of coltsfoot or plantain. In order not to provoke unwanted complications, be sure to consult with your doctor before using traditional recipes.

Diet therapy

Meals for bloating should be fractional. Food should be taken frequently (5-6 times a day), in small portions, preferably at the same time. This will help improve the digestion process and improve the production of digestive enzymes. As a result, food will be better digested, and the processes of fermentation and putrefaction in the intestines, which cause increased gas formation, will decrease. There should be a gap of three hours between meals. Frequent snacks with foods high in fast carbohydrates (confectionery, baked goods) should be avoided, as they increase fermentation in the intestines.

Food must be chewed thoroughly, observing the well-known rule: “While I am eating, I am deaf and dumb.” That is, you should not talk with your mouth full, since air will enter the esophagus, which, mixing with intestinal gases, will cause bloating. Food should be served warm; the preferred methods of heat treatment of dishes are stewing, boiling, steaming. Such dishes, unlike fried ones, are digested faster and do not cause a feeling of heaviness. To prevent constipation, it is recommended to maintain a drinking regime and drink at least 1.5 - 2 liters of liquid per day.

It is useful to include foods that improve intestinal motility in your daily menu. These are boiled or baked vegetables, fruit and vegetable salads, low-fat fermented milk drinks, crumbly cereals, dietary meats, and lean fish.

Eliminate from diet

Products that increase fermentation and cause increased gas formation are excluded from the diet:

fatty meats (lamb, pork, goose); legumes (peas, beans, lentils); fresh baked goods, baked goods, confectionery products; sweets, chocolate, ice cream; whole milk, cream, sour cream; raw vegetables with coarse fiber (cabbage, rutabaga, radish, radish); fruits and berries (apples, grapes, figs, gooseberries, dates); sweet carbonated drinks, kvass; alcohol, beer.

You should not eat foods that are incompatible with each other, avoid overeating or prolonged fasting. Following these recommendations, proper rest, sufficient physical activity, and the absence of stress factors will help restore normal digestion and eliminate bloating.

The causes of bloating and gas formation in women and men are the same, but in women there are more such factors due to the structural features of the body. Bloating occurs as a result of the accumulation of gases in the stomach or intestines and is called flatulence.

1 Why does flatulence occur?

Whatever the reasons, bloating and gas cause many unpleasant sensations, such as:

• heaviness appears in the stomach;
• the impression that the abdomen has increased in size, although physically it usually does not increase;
• a feeling of seething in the intestines, accompanied by characteristic sounds;
• short-term or constant pain, colic;
• sometimes heartburn, belching, hiccups, nausea may appear;
• with large accumulations of gas, internal organs can be compressed, and pain, sometimes acute, appears in them.

Such sensations arise due to the fact that gases accumulate in the stomach, distending it and squeezing other organs, or gases collect in the intestines and cause significant discomfort as they move through it.

Regular bloating and gas may be signs of illness or caused by temporary causes. In order to effectively combat this phenomenon, it is necessary to establish what causes them. The most common causes of bloating in women are:

• poor nutrition;
• intolerance to a number of foods;
• diseases of the gastrointestinal tract;
• bad habits;
• menstrual irregularities;
• pregnancy;
• menopause

Each of these reasons should be studied in order to understand why gas formation occurs in a particular case, otherwise it is not always possible to cope with attacks of flatulence.

2 Poor nutrition

The most common cause of gas formation is poor diet. Bloating can be caused by both a general poor diet and a number of foods.

A common cause of flatulence is regular milk. Since adults do not have enough enzymes to break it down in the stomach and intestines, intestinal gases are formed.

Other foods that cause gas include vegetables, canned fruit products (including juices), carbonated drinks, sugar substitutes, bran and other whole grains. Eating fruits also often causes bloating. Especially if fruits are consumed after a heavy meal. The fact is that fruit dessert is digested in the stomach much faster than, for example, meat or flour products. As a result, a fermentation process begins in the stomach, during which a large amount of gases is formed. Therefore, fruits should be eaten either before meals or an hour after meals.

Not only foods can provoke gas formation, but also the form in which they are consumed. Quickly swallowing food or swallowing food in large pieces is accompanied by a large intake of ordinary air into the stomach. It is involved in the digestive process and goes through the intestines, causing the feeling that the stomach is swollen and enlarged.

Regular use of chewing gum also causes large amounts of air to enter the stomach.

For some people, gas may be caused by eating reheated food. When heated, many foods change their molecular compounds, causing their digestion to proceed differently than fresh foods. This problem is often faced by people who often eat in restaurants and cafes. In such establishments, as a rule, they prepare dishes in large quantities, heating them in portions for customers. If the cause of gas formation is precisely reheated food, then you should be more careful when preparing food and not purchase products for your home that require repeated thermal exposure. These products even include bread for making toast.

When heartburn occurs frequently, many people take various medications to suppress it. Sometimes baking soda is taken for these purposes. Both soda and other heartburn medications release a lot of gases when they enter the acidic environment of the stomach. Therefore, trying to cope with heartburn, many often cause bloating.

Another medicine that causes bloating is antibiotics. When treated with them, general disorders of the digestive system may occur. Once the course of treatment is completed, such side effects usually go away.

3 Association with diseases

Any disease of the gastrointestinal tract can be accompanied by increased gas formation and bloating. Constant flatulence with the right diet can be a sign of such diseases. Considering that gas formation causes a number of serious diseases, you should carefully consider your condition. And if bloating is accompanied by pain, then you should consult a doctor to diagnose the gastrointestinal tract.

If an attack of flatulence is accompanied by severe cutting or dull pain, and bleeding appears from the anus, then you must immediately seek emergency medical help.

Gastritis, especially chronic during the period of exacerbation, and stomach ulcers cause a general disruption of the process of digesting food in the stomach. As a result, many volatile gases are formed during the breakdown of products. In addition, gas formation in these diseases is caused by the activity of Helicobacter bacteria living on the mucous membranes. Gas formation caused by these reasons can only be prevented temporarily. Complete relief from it will be possible only by treating the disease itself.

Flatulence often becomes a sign of a violation of the intestinal microflora, obstruction or acute intestinal syndrome. It occurs in various diseases of the liver and pancreas. In addition to gas formation, such diseases also cause other serious disorders in the body, and they should be treated immediately.

The inflammatory process in the appendix, cholelithiasis, and various types of tumors also cause bloating and pain in the lower abdomen. Treating such diseases with home remedies is extremely dangerous, you must seek medical help.

In addition to diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, allergies can cause excessive gas formation. A malfunctioning immune system causes not only a runny nose, watery eyes and rashes on the body, but also disorders in other organs. Taking anti-allergy medications relieves these effects.

Stress and depression negatively affect the entire body. With them, there is often a decrease in appetite, tension in the intestines, or, conversely, its weakening. Such phenomena must be treated comprehensively.

Gas formation caused by any disease completely disappears after the cause of the disease is cured. Often, with this treatment, doctors prescribe medications designed to reduce intestinal problems. You can take medications on your own, but without eliminating the cause, you will not be able to completely get rid of attacks of flatulence.

4 Bad habits

Smoking causes great harm to the intestines. When smoking, a large amount of toxic substances enters the body, which the body tries to remove in every possible way. Smoke impairs blood circulation and increases the intensity of acid production in the stomach. All this, especially with regular exposure, causes numerous problems in the body, including the gastrointestinal tract.

Drinking alcohol also has a very negative effect on digestion. Trying to remove dangerous compounds from the body, the stomach begins to work in an enhanced mode. In addition, alcohol causes fermentation in the stomach, which releases a large amount of gases.

5 Hormonal reasons

Hormonal causes of gas formation occur only in women and cause them additional discomfort at certain periods of their lives.

During pregnancy, all women experience disturbances in the functioning of the intestines and stomach due to the fact that the growing fetus pushes away and compresses all internal organs, interfering with their full functioning. The intestines are especially affected, compression of which causes accumulation of gases. Unfortunately, there is no effective way to treat such gas formation, but a proper diet helps reduce negative effects in the intestines.

For many women, bloating occurs before, and sometimes during, menstruation. This is due to cyclical changes in hormonal levels, which cause a slowdown in water metabolism in the body. Before menstruation, a large amount of blood rushes to the pelvic area, compressing the internal organs. The result of this is not only pain in the lower abdomen in women and bloating, but also an increase in body weight by 1-2 kilograms. After menstruation, these phenomena disappear. If bloating causes a woman serious discomfort during menstruation, the doctor may prescribe medications to relieve premenstrual syndrome and, in particular, to reduce gas formation.

During menopause, women experience not just a temporary change in hormonal levels, but a complete restructuring. The consequences of this are numerous disruptions in the functioning of the entire body, including the gastrointestinal tract. It is best to cope with the negative consequences of menopause according to your doctor’s recommendations.

If a woman has pain in the lower abdomen and there is a feeling of heaviness and bloating, and there are no natural reasons for this condition, then perhaps this condition is a sign of diseases of the ovaries or uterus. Tumors, cysts, and inflammatory processes in the female reproductive system often cause increased gas formation.

6 Treatment methods

Any treatment for bloating and gas in women should begin with establishing the cause of their occurrence. However, there are drugs and methods to alleviate the condition before the long process of diagnosing the disease is completed.

The easiest way to cope with discomfort in the stomach and intestines is activated charcoal. A simple, effective and harmless remedy is perfect for quickly relieving the feeling of bloating.

If you have bloating, you should limit yourself to eating foods that may increase intestinal discomfort. To normalize its functioning, it is good to drink tea with chamomile or mint. A drink made from cumin or dill will help relieve gas. These seasonings have a wonderful effect on the stomach and intestines. The medicinal drink itself is prepared simply: 1 tsp. seasonings are infused in a closed glass of boiling water for 15 minutes.

To prevent flatulence, you should follow a proper diet and not neglect healthy foods, such as oatmeal. But products that cause gas formation should be excluded. These are mainly beans, peas, milk and baked goods.

You should definitely make sure that you eat slowly. You should chew food thoroughly and not talk while doing so to prevent air from entering the stomach. The food should be fresh, it is advisable to avoid reheating it.

Physical exercises aimed at strengthening the abdominal muscles will also be useful - running, walking, squatting, swimming. All these sports help normalize intestinal function.

It is best to give up bad habits. This will have a good effect not only on the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract, but also on all systems of the body.

If gas formation continues despite all preventive measures, you need to contact a specialist to find out the reasons for its occurrence. Flatulence caused by any disease must be treated only together with the underlying disease.