Digestive Problems
Common Symptoms: Bloating and Gas
The presence of gas in the intestines is normal event and results from a combination of air swallowing and the formation of gas by bacteria in the colon. This gas must be eliminated either by belching via the mouth or by the passage of flatus via the anus.
Belching results from air ingested when eating and drinking, especially if using poorly fitting dentures, when eating rapidly or after drinking fizzy beverages. Air swallowing (aerophagia) can also be an unconscious habit, resulting in frequent and persistent belching. Being alert to the habit of air swallowing is the first step in relieving this problem.
Much of the air that is swallowed is expelled by belching, but a percentage passes through the small intestine (the bowel wall absorbs air slowly) and is passed as flatus. Flatus also results from the breakdown of undigested food in the colon by bacteria. Cabbage, broccoli, baked beans, onions, bran and other high fiber containing fruits, grains and vegetables are especially likely to cause excessive gas production and thus excessive flatus. In addition, some individuals lack the enzyme responsible for digesting lactose in the small intestine, and these individuals frequently complain of excessive gas after drinking milk or consuming dairy produce (cheese, cottage cheese, ice cream). Deficiency of lactase occurs in up to 90% Asian-Americans and 70% of African-Americans and is treated either by avoidance of dairy produce or by drinking lactase fortified milk.
Excessive intestinal gas may cause abdominal discomfort and bloating. Decreasing dietary fiber intake, chewing slowly and completely, avoiding fizzy drinks, chewing gum and candy and wearing well-fitting dentures may relieve these symptoms partially or completely. Bloating may also result from a poor posture and poor abdominal wall tone. Patients with irritable bowel syndrome appear to be especially sensitive to the effects of excessive intestinal gas and often complain of bloating which increases as the day progresses or after meals. Lying down tends to decrease bloating, at least partially, in such persons.