The stomach is periodically bloated. How to cure bloating

Bloating brings not only internal discomfort and painful sensations, but also social problems. But this is not the most important thing. Bloating and increased gas production can be a symptom of serious diseases of the digestive system; their treatment cannot be ignored, and for this you need to find out the reasons for the occurrence.

Why does bloating occur?

In medicine, bloating is called flatulence. This is an unhealthy condition that occurs with increased formation of gases and their accumulation in the organs abdominal cavity. It is accompanied by pain (often severe, but short-lived), belching, and excessive release of gases through the rectum (flatulence).

Where does excess gas in the body come from? Its formation is a natural reaction that accompanies digestion. Normally, every day, the human body excretes it in an amount of 50 to 500 ml. IN pathological condition this volume reaches 3 liters. Up to 50% comes from outside (exogenous route), the other half is formed inside (endogenous).

Air enters from the outside by swallowing it with food, while smoking, chewing gum, talking while eating, or as a result of rapid absorption of food. This condition is called alimentary flatulence.

From within, pathology develops according to the following reasons:

• Nervous and mental disorders.
• Changes in the intestinal microflora with a predominance of gas-producing bacteria.
• Poor circulation in the intestines.
• Lack of enzymes.
• Muscle weakness intestines (decreased peristalsis).
• Low atmospheric pressure.

One of the main reasons for increased gas formation is the consumption of foods that are either incompatible with each other or themselves cause bloating.

The accumulation of gases in the stomach and intestines occurs due to disruption of certain processes:

Gastritis

Change in acidity gastric juice impairs the breakdown of proteins, intestinal motility is disrupted and the removal of gases to the outside slows down.

• Belching.
• Heartburn.
• Pain, heaviness in the stomach.

Duodenitis

Inflammation prevents the normal flow of enzymes into the duodenum through the sphincter of Oddi, as a result, digestion occurs more slowly, and the processes of fermentation and putrefaction begin.

• Feeling of distended abdomen in the upper part.
• Constipation.
• Nausea with vomiting.
• Weakness.

Cholecystitis

Bile is an essential component of digestion. When the gallbladder becomes inflamed, its outflow is disrupted, which leads to inadequate digestion in the intestines, which is where bile performs its function.

• Belching.
• Bitter or sour taste.
• Nausea, vomiting.

Pancreatitis

Structural changes pancreatic tissue significantly reduces the secretion of pancreatic juice. This causes bloating after eating because the normal digestion process is disrupted. Without pancreatic juice enzymes, it is almost impossible to digest what you eat.

• Severe pain, often irritating.
• Nausea, vomiting.
• Flatulence.

Liver diseases

Severe bloating is not uncommon after consumption. fatty foods, this happens when the secretion of bile is impaired; its deficiency leads to incomplete breakdown of fats and the appearance of toxic substances.

• Bitterness in the mouth.
• Itchy skin.
• Fever.
• Weakness.

Neuroses

In a state of increased excitability, the central nervous system is quickly depleted, and one of the consequences is a disruption of the innervation of the intestines. Gases cease to be excreted and absorbed normally, and various dyspeptic disorders occur.

• Irritability.
• Drowsiness.
• Poor appetite.
• Anxious state.

Dysbacteriosis

When the balance is upset, opportunistic microflora begins to actively multiply, causing bloating and many other side effects.

• Diarrhea.
• Excessive gas formation in the intestines.
• Abdominal pain.

All types of intestinal pathologies cause flatulence due to changes in motility and microflora composition. The cause of the accumulation of gases and bloating after eating can be mechanical obstacles in the form of internal adhesions, narrowing of the intestine or neoplasms.

In newborns, this condition occurs due to the lack of certain digestive enzymes. In elderly people - due to weakening of the work of individual glands, age-related stretching of the intestine and atrophy of its parts muscle wall.

Eating disorders

Frequent bloating does not necessarily indicate illness. This could be an incorrectly designed diet, eating on the run, or an unacceptable combination of foods. Many of them cause fermentation, accompanied by the release of excess gas.

Bloating accompanies weight loss diets. They cause constipation, which traps gas. A radical change in diet, for example, switching to vegetarian food or a raw food diet, is also a factor in problems in the digestive system.

The condition can be caused by the fact that a person often eats heated food. Not all housewives think about this when preparing food for the future for several days, and heating it in the microwave or on the stove can be one of the causes of digestive problems. This also affects those who often eat away from home; in establishments, the quality of food varies greatly, not for the better.

Bloating in women

The causes of bloating and gas formation in women, in addition to those described above, can be associated with hormonal levels. Throughout her childbearing years, a woman may suffer from this before her period. This condition is associated with hormonal cycles that cause disruption of water metabolism, leading not only to bloating in the lower abdomen, but even to pain, swelling of the limbs, and short-term weight gain. Also, as a result of hormonal changes during menopause, a woman suffers from malfunctions of the digestive system, causing unpleasant disturbances.

If there is a feeling of accumulated gases, but there are no visible signs of it natural causes, the woman needs to see a gynecologist. This condition can occur with inflammation of the ovaries or uterus, and can also be a symptom of the appearance of cysts or tumors.

Diagnostics

If your stomach is regularly bloated, the reasons should be determined with your doctor using special methods examinations. It begins with an examination, ascertaining the medical history and symptoms from the patient’s words. Already with palpation, percussion (tapping), auscultation (listening), the doctor will determine what examinations he needs to make an accurate diagnosis. Commonly used following methods:

• X-ray examination(irrigoscopy) will help to establish mechanical obstacles in the intestines (adhesions, polyps), the relief of the mucous membrane, functional state various departments.
• Endoscopic - will reveal the condition of the stomach, duodenum, colon, small intestine. The probe will visually show all disorders, inflammations and other possible pathologies.
• An ultrasound will show the structure and condition of the abdominal organs.

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The first thing you need to do is adjust your diet. Moreover, this applies to both the composition of food and eating habits. Proper nutrition- This is not only a diet for bloating. You need to train yourself:

• Eat fractionally - often and in small portions.
• Set a period between meals of at least 3 hours so that it has time to digest.
• Chew your food thoroughly so that less air gets into your stomach.
• Do not eat hot or very cold food, the same goes for drinks.
• Avoid fried and smoked foods.
• Do not eat fruit for lunch or dinner; eat them at least 2 hours after eating other foods.
• To prevent constipation, drink 1.5–2 liters of water per day.

As for the diet, it is necessary to limit as much as possible, and if possible completely exclude, foods that cause fermentation - peas, beans, cabbage, fresh bread and baked goods, dairy products (except fermented milk), soda, bran, black bread and others. It is better to prefer grains (crumbly porridges), baked fruits and vegetables, and easily digestible meats.

By following such a diet, you can forever get rid of unpleasant sensations that greatly poison your life.

Exercises

Any mother knows how to help a newborn baby get rid of gases. She massages him in a circular motion stomach, bends the legs, pressing them to the tummy. And the baby feels better.

Such exercises for bloating also exist for adults. Simple and effective gymnastics, which can be done constantly for prevention, but can only be done in moments of strong accumulation of gases:

1. Basic gymnastics: tense and relax your abdominal muscles 10–15 times.
2. Lie on your back, pull your legs bent at the knees towards your stomach, clasping them with your arms. Lie in this position for a couple of minutes.
3. In a lying position, bend your knees. As you exhale, press firmly with your hands on the intestinal area and hold your breath for a few seconds. While holding, make stroking movements with your hands towards the navel. Exhale, relax and inflate your stomach.
4. Get on all fours and place your outstretched arms on the floor. As you inhale, bend down, throw your head back, while exhaling, lower your head and arch your back up. During the exercise, the abdominal muscles contract and relax. Repeat several times.
5. Starting position: on your knees. Lunge forward with one leg, while you need to bend back at the waist with your arms raised and hold in this position for a few seconds. Repeat the lunge with the other leg.
6. Starting position – sitting with one leg bent under you. The second is bent at the knee. Move your body in a spiral and hold in this position for several seconds. This exercise is an excellent massage for the abdominal organs.

Bloating does not pose a serious threat to health, but it can reduce the quality of life. It is easy to get rid of this unpleasant condition by following a normal diet and doctor’s recommendations.

Flatulence is a pathology that is accompanied by increased gas formation in the intestines. This diagnosis confuses almost all patients, because the symptoms are too pronounced and cause a lot of inconvenience.

It is noteworthy that flatulence is often not a disease - for example, increased gas formation can occur against the background of regular consumption of fatty, spicy foods, and certain foods that contribute to the development of such a condition.

Many people believe that bad smell gases coming from the rectum naturally, is a required "attribute". In fact, not all gases are smelly - it all depends on whether the bacteria act on undigested food fragments that enter the intestines.

Intestinal gases are foam with the presence of many small bubbles, which are enveloped in mucus of a viscous structure. If they do not leave the intestine in a timely manner, then the intestinal lumen becomes blocked, the level of absorption of the intestinal walls decreases, and enzymatic activity begins to be inhibited.

The reasons that provoked flatulence may be various factors. It is important not only to generally diagnose the increased formation of gases in the intestines of a pathological form, but also to identify the cause of this condition - the therapeutic direction will depend on this.

What can cause flatulence:

Symptoms of flatulence and types of its course

The symptoms of the disease in question are quite pronounced - even without additional examinations a specialist will be able to make an accurate diagnosis. Signs of flatulence include:

• bloating – patients describe their condition as “the stomach is bursting”;
• abdominal pain – it can be paroxysmal or cramping;
• heartburn and belching with an unpleasant odor/aftertaste - these symptoms are inherent in flatulence, which developed against the background of a poor diet;
• constipation or diarrhea - everything is individual, depending on the general health of the gastrointestinal tract.

In some cases, the disease in question may be accompanied by atypical symptoms:

• heart rhythm disturbance;
• general weakness and drowsiness;
• headaches, slight dizziness;
• burning sensation in the area of ​​the anatomical location of the heart;
• Bad mood.

Flatulence can occur in different ways - doctors differentiate between two types of disease. In the first case, gases accumulated in large quantities do not leave the intestines, the patient complains of intense pain in the intestines, constipation, and deterioration in general well-being. In the second case, flatulence will manifest itself only by the release of too much gas from the rectum. People usually have no other complaints, but their level of activity is significantly reduced.

Treatment of flatulence

In general, treatment of the disease in question involves the use of complex measures. And first of all, doctors will give recommendations on correcting your diet.

Diet for flatulence

Most often, it is enough just to correct the regime and diet to get rid of increased gas formation. First you need to remember the basic rules for eating:

• eat food at regular intervals, which should be no more than 3 hours;
• foods need to be either finely chopped or chewed thoroughly - often it is an on-the-go snack that provokes the development of flatulence;
• During the day, a person must consume at least 1.5 liters of liquid - this rule applies only to pure water, and not to sweet drinks or coffee/tea;
• before going to bed, it is advisable to refuse food altogether - during sleep, intestinal activity is reduced, which can lead to stagnation of food masses;
• In the morning on an empty stomach you need to drink a glass of warm clean water with the addition of a small amount of lemon juice - this will help “start up” gastrointestinal tract.

As for the choice of food products, when drawing up a dietary menu in order to get rid of flatulence, you should take into account the following recommendations from experts:

1. You should not include foods on the menu that can cause the formation of gases in large quantities. These include white cabbage, legumes, and carbonated drinks.

   Note:Doctors advise patients with flatulence to listen to their own body - in some cases, increased gas formation can be caused by rice porridge, And fried fish, and zucchini. As soon as such foods/dishes are identified, it is enough to simply exclude them from the diet and the flatulence will stop.

2. The daily menu should include fresh vegetables, they can be steamed, fried and stewed, but with a minimum amount of fat. If you give up vegetables altogether, this can lead to a decrease in intestinal activity, peristalsis will be impaired - this is also one of the reasons for the development of the disease in question.
3. It is not advisable to include whole milk, turnips, onion and rutabaga without preliminary heat treatment. In some cases, even banal milk porridges can lead to the accumulation of large amounts of gas in the intestines.
4. It is worth paying close attention to product combination options. For example, if you eat dessert, washing it down with sweet juice, or eat fried meat with a salad of fresh cucumbers, then there is a high probability that the intestines will respond to such culinary delights with flatulence.

Also an important issue in the treatment of flatulence! Here all recommendations and advice from experts can be combined into three large groups.

Firstly, physical inactivity should not be allowed - this means that a person suffering from flatulence should engage in at least banal physical exercise. This will help you lose weight - obesity, by the way, can also cause the disease in question. What is meant:

• walking in the fresh air;
• refusal of elevators (well, unless the patient lives on very high floors);
• visiting the swimming pool;
• morning work-out;
• exercise on a treadmill.

Secondly, you need to ensure yourself a competent alternation of wakefulness and rest. Sleep should be at least 8 hours; if fatigue occurs, you need to stop working and set aside at least 15-20 minutes to rest and recuperate. The only thing doctors warn about is that in order to quickly recover and start working again, you should absolutely not drink “energy drinks,” strong coffee, and especially alcoholic drinks.

Thirdly, you need to work on your own psycho-emotional background. If there is a predisposition to stress and irritation, unmotivated bad mood and apathy, then you may need the help of specialists - a psychotherapist - to quickly and fully restore the disorders.

Drug treatment of flatulence

Pick up medications To treat flatulence, only a doctor should - he will first establish the causes of the development of the disease in question and only after that will make prescriptions. In this case, the following medications can be used specifically for flatulence:

1. Adsorbents- agents that reduce the absorption of gases and toxic substances into the intestinal walls, promote the natural release of gases through the rectum. These include:
   • White clay;
   • polysorb;
   • simethicone;
   • Activated carbon and others.
2. Biological products– they help restore the normal background of microflora. These include:
   • hilak forte;
   • Rioflora Immuno;
   • acylact;
   • bifidumbacterin and others.
3. Enzymatic preparations– they help the process of digestion of food in the stomach and simplify the absorption process useful substances intestinal walls, accelerate the movement of food masses. These include:
   • pancreatin;
   • Creon;
   • pepsin;
   • mezim and others.
4. Antispasmodics– are used only in case of flatulence, which is accompanied by intense abdominal pain. These include:
   • no-shpa;
   • drotaverine
5. Drugs with sedatives and/or– are used only when diagnosing flatulence, which has developed against the background of an unstable psycho-emotional background.

Note:You cannot take any medications on your own. The fact is that they all have many contraindications, and if flatulence occurs against the background of any pathologies included in the list of these same contraindications, then the patient’s condition will only worsen.

Traditional medicine in the treatment of flatulence

In general, there are a lot of recipes that will help cope with the increased formation of gases in the intestines. In most cases they are considered effective and official medicine, therefore, after consultation with your doctor traditional treatment can be safely used.

The most effective folk remedies for the treatment of flatulence:

Flatulence - enough unpleasant disease, which does not pose a danger to human life. But it needs to be treated, since it is almost impossible to lead the same active lifestyle with developing flatulence - continuous difficulties and discomfort.

Bloating is a consequence of gas formation in the intestines. As a rule, this is not a big deal: gases that constantly form are normal. Most of them enter the bloodstream and then into the lungs, where they exit the body. But if a person suffers from regular bloating and flatulence, this may be a symptom of a stomach and intestinal disorder. In this article we will look at why the stomach is swollen and gases often pass, what could be the cause of this and what treatment methods will help.

It is not customary to talk about things like flatulence, and people are often embarrassed to see a doctor because of such a problem, which, of course, is wrong. If this symptom does not go away for a long time, the doctor must definitely examine you.

The following gases usually accumulate in the intestines:

• nitrogen (N 2);
• carbon dioxide (CO 2);
• hydrogen (H2);
• methane (CH 4);
• oxygen (O 2).

They account for about 99 percent of intestinal gases and are odorless. The foul odor of gas occurs when intestinal bacteria destroy protein from food. As a rule, the following connections cause it:

• hydrogen sulfide (H 2 S);
• ammonia (NH 3);
• dimethyl sulfide (C 2 H 6 S);
• methanethiol (CH 4 S);
• volatile (or gaseous) fatty acids (eg butyric acid, propionic acid).

Remember! Most often, short-term bloating is not a symptom of illness. In most cases, this occurs due to nutritional problems, which can be dealt with by adjusting the diet.

Bloating is a common problem: in Russia, according to a study, about 13 percent of respondents say they have suffered from flatulence in the last seven days. About one in five adults sometimes experience a bloated stomach - especially common in people with irritable bowel syndrome, which affects about 15 million people.

How does air appear in the intestines?

The fact that after eating food more air appears in the intestines is quite natural. However, flatulence can occur not only due to the characteristics of digestion, but also due to stress, nervousness or the habit of eating too quickly, which is why people swallow a lot of air (aerophagia).

Most gases are released during digestion, such as carbon dioxide (CO2) from the neutralization of stomach acid and fatty acids in the intestines. Fatty acid come from dietary fats. They are also formed along with CO 2 when sugar-containing compounds (carbohydrates) enter the colon and are fermented by bacteria there. This occurs, for example, with lactose intolerance, but can also be associated with eating foods high in fiber.

Some of the accumulated CO 2 , which is odorless, enters the lungs through the blood and is exhaled. The remaining air in the intestines - a mixture of CO 2, hydrogen, nitrogen, methane, ammonia, sulfur and other fermentation products (odor components) - leaves the intestines through anal passage in about half an hour. By comparison, solid food requires careful digestion and takes one to two days to process.

Last but not least, certain foods often cause bloating or flatulence. Most often it is fatty and sweet food, semi-finished products, as well as ready-to-eat products containing flavoring additives, lactose, sorbitol as a sugar substitute or fructose as a sweetener. These ingredients cause stomach problems for many. Although simple fructose is naturally found in many fruits.

Why the stomach swells and gases often pass: reasons

Bloating and flatulence are caused by an imbalance in normal microflora intestines. Because of this, gas-forming intestinal bacteria develop very actively.

There are several reasons:

• aerophagia – swallowing large amounts of air while eating;
• increased production of gases in the intestines;
• deterioration in the process of removing gases through the blood;
• poor nutrition;
• diseases of the stomach and intestines.

Diseases of the stomach or intestines are one of the causes of flatulence

Poor nutrition

Diseases

In addition, some acute or chronic bowel diseases and irritable bowel syndrome are among the causes of flatulence. Constant bloating is almost always a symptom. Researchers believe that disrupted microflora is the cause of this disease and associated symptoms such as diarrhea, constipation and bloating.

Intestinal diseases can also cause a person to have a swollen stomach and often pass gas. These include:

• Crohn's disease;
• ulcerative colitis;
• celiac disease;
• diverticulosis;
• diverticulitis;
• intestinal stenosis;
• duodenal ulcer;
• short bowel syndrome;
• elongated and abnormally curved colon;
• adhesive disease;
• intestinal atony.

In addition, diseases of other abdominal organs can cause flatulence, for example:

• gastroesophageal reflux disease;
• cholelithiasis;
• chronic cholecystitis;
• stomach ulcer;
• exocrine pancreatic insufficiency;
• chronic inflammation of the pancreas (pancreatitis);
• ovarian cancer or others oncological diseases in the abdominal cavity.

In patients suffering from diabetes mellitus, neuropathy often develops. This can negatively affect the nerves in the intestines, leading to flatulence.

In addition, some drugs can cause flatulence, such as:

• antibiotics;
• drugs for the treatment of diabetes;
• non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs;
• strong analgesics (opioids);
• laxative;
• diet pills.

With portal hypertension ( high blood pressure V portal vein) and a form of heart failure in which the blood in the veins stagnates (right ventricular failure), the removal of intestinal gases through the blood is impaired, which contributes to flatulence.

Flatulence is common in pregnant women - and this is normal, since the growing fetus can put pressure on the intestines. Also, during premenstrual syndrome (PMS), women often complain of bloating. This happens due to the characteristics reproductive system located next to the intestines. This symptom usually goes away after 2-3 days.

Video - Bloating, gas formation, gases in the intestines, flatulence. Causes and quick self-help

Flatulence in a child

In children, flatulence and abdominal pain (colic) occur frequently, especially in the first three months of life. This occurs because their digestive system is not yet fully developed, and also depends on the mother's nutrition if the baby is breastfed. Even drinking can contribute to your baby's bloating if he swallows too much air while breastfeeding or bottle-feeding. Therefore, parents must choose the right method of feeding their baby.

Associated symptoms

Along with flatulence and bloating, the following often occur:

• diarrhea;
• constipation;
• rumbling in the stomach.

If all the air in the intestines cannot escape, it creates pressure on the organs above the intestines. The consequence of this may be:

• frequent belching;
• loss of appetite;
• nausea;
• gagging.

If the cause of bloating and flatulence is chronic inflammatory bowel disease, the following may occur:

• deficiency of vitamins and minerals;
• vomit;
• pallor;
• unintentional weight loss;
• fatigue, nervous exhaustion, general weakness;
• “fatty” stool (steatorrhea).

Diagnostics

Despite the fact that bloating and frequent passing of gas are most often harmless and do not carry any consequences, it is worth examining if they become constant. The reason probably lies in diseases of the internal organs or intestines.

If you often pass gas and have a swollen stomach, consult a specialist.

Before sending the patient for examination, the doctor takes a history and asks some questions.

1. How long have you suffered from flatulence?
2. Do gases have a smell?
3. Besides bloating and flatulence, do you suffer from other symptoms, such as pain or rumbling?
4. Do you experience diarrhea, constipation, or a combination of both?
5. Have you been stressed lately?
6. Have you changed your usual diet?
7. Are these symptoms particularly noticeable after eating dairy or grain products?
8. Do you suffer from chronic diseases that may be associated with flatulence, such as diabetes?
9. Do you take medications, and if so, what kind?

• the specialist pays attention to whether the patient’s abdomen is swollen and whether rumbling is heard;
• using a stethoscope, he “listens” to the stomach and intestines;
• The doctor presses on the abdominal wall to determine whether it is tense.

If there is a suspicion that abdominal bloating is caused by a tumor or stenosis, a digital rectal examination is performed, in which the doctor inserts a finger into the rectum.

If, after physical diagnostic methods, the doctor still suspects that flatulence is caused by some disease, additional examinations are prescribed:

• stool test (for example, for occult blood);
• general blood test (when deciphering, attention is paid to protein concentration, ESR, sugar level);
• Ultrasound of the abdominal cavity;
• hydrogen breath test;
• gastroscopy;
• colonoscopy.

Treatment

Bloating and therefore flatulence disappear on their own in most cases - treatment is not always necessary. However, if these symptoms become permanent, the main thing the patient needs to do is:

• exclude from the diet foods containing gluten (baked goods, sauces, etc.) and lactose (milk, cream, kefir, etc.);
• stop medications that cause this side effect and, if necessary, replace them in consultation with your doctor;
• take digestive enzymes if the gastrointestinal tract is disrupted.
• chew food thoroughly;
• eat often in small portions – 5-6 times a day;
• do not speak while eating - this will help to avoid swallowing large amounts of air;
• drink a lot of water, but still;
• do not use sweeteners;
• exercise – this will help keep the intestines in good shape;
• avoid stress – because of it, problems with the gastrointestinal tract arise quite often;
• do not abuse cigarettes.

Following these tips will help not only get rid of flatulence, but also not encounter it in the future.

Medicines

Table 1. Medicines for the treatment of flatulence

Group	Name	Action
Enterosorbents	Activated carbon; white coal; "Enterosgel"; "Lactofiltrum"; "Polyphepan".	The active ingredients of the drugs absorb gases in the intestines and remove them from the body. They are not recommended for long-term use, since they also remove useful substances along with gases.
Carminatives	"Espumizan"; "Bobotik" (for children); "Kuplaton"; "Simat"; "Colikid"; "Disflatil."	Drugs in this group have no contraindications and are suitable for both pregnant women and infants. Their action is based on the deposition of mucous foam containing gases. Thanks to this, they are more easily absorbed by the mucous membrane and excreted either through the blood or through the anus. The drugs themselves do not enter the bloodstream and are not absorbed by the body. Moreover, they are non-toxic and completely safe.
Probiotics	"Linex"; "Yogulact"; "Bifiliz"; "Bifidumbacterin"; "Hilak forte"; "Acipol."	These drugs contain strains of live lactobacilli, which make up the intestinal microflora. Once in the gastrointestinal tract, the drugs restore its balance, stimulate the immune system and suppress the activity of gas-forming and putrefactive bacteria. Thanks to this, the digestion process improves.
Antispasmodics	"No-Shpa"; "Besalol"; "Spazmonet"; "Papazol"; "Trimedat"; "Papaverine"; "Spazmol."	These remedies do not help with flatulence and bloating, but they relieve pain that can arise from pressure on the internal organs. However, antispasmodics should not be taken for a long time, as they are addictive and impair intestinal motility. It is better to take them in combination with drugs that relieve the cause of pain - then the discomfort will be quickly eliminated.

Folk remedies

An effective remedy for getting rid of flatulence and bloating is tea made from four herbs: fennel, cumin, anise and mint. They are mixed in equal proportions and poured with 400 ml of boiling water, after which they are infused for 15-30 minutes. It is recommended to drink 2 glasses of this tea per day.

Herbal decoction

They can also be brewed as tea, either individually or mixed. Such drinks will relieve cramps and abdominal pain, flatulence and nausea.

Gentle massage of the abdomen in a clockwise direction, applying moist heat or wrap. Warm baths with aromatic oils will not only relieve discomfort, but also promote relaxation.

Let's sum it up

Bloating and flatulence are not pathologies and do not indicate the presence of any diseases in the body if they occur occasionally in a person. However, if they do not leave the patient for a long time, it is worth consulting a doctor and establishing the cause of such discomfort.

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 physiological norm For 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 appears with bad aftertaste, nausea, stool upset. 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 may be caused by poor diet or concomitant diseases digestive organs. Most often, it is enough to adjust the diet so that unpleasant symptoms 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, eating heavy, spicy or fatty foods.

The cause of bloating and increased gas formation may be chronic stress, psycho-emotional stress, nervous breakdowns. 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 medicines.

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

Diseases of the digestive tract, in addition to bloating, are accompanied by a number of characteristic symptoms: nausea, vomiting, stool upset, abdominal pain, feeling of bitterness in the mouth. Experts identify several groups of diseases that cause increased gas formation:

• Pathological conditions associated with disruption of digestive processes, enzyme deficiency, decreased production 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 obstruction is caused by 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:

1. or diarrhea;
2. abdominal pain to varying degrees intensity;
3. lack of appetite;
4. nausea, vomiting;
5. belching, heartburn;
6. unpleasant taste in the mouth, coating on the tongue.

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

• helminthic infestations,
• allergic enterocolitis,
• intestinal infections.

These symptoms are typical of irritable bowel syndrome or severe liver damage (cirrhosis).

Bloating as a symptom

If bloating and gas occur simultaneously with pain syndrome- this may be a sign of the following pathologies:

• gynecological diseases (inflammation of the appendages, fibroids, endometriosis, ectopic pregnancy);
• chronic enterocolitis;
• peritonitis (inflammation of the peritoneum);
• 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.

With exacerbation of enteritis appears loose stool, food is practically not absorbed, the condition of the skin and hair worsens, the patient loses weight. Noted increased irritability, the stomach swells and hurts, belching appears with an unpleasant aftertaste. Inflammatory processes in the intestines and colitis is also accompanied by diarrhea, painful cramps, and an increase in abdominal volume.

With biliary dyskinesia, intestinal motility is disrupted, atonic constipation, symptoms of body intoxication, and jaundice appear. skin, the stomach is swollen and seething, and during defecation there is a feeling of incomplete bowel movement. provoke unpleasant symptoms May be overeating, poor diet, 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 when you see alarming symptoms and the discomfort that accompanies bloating?

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 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 " ambulance» for hospitalization of 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 that 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:

1. 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.
2. Parsley infusion. For cooking remedy you need to take fresh parsley leaves (a small bunch is enough), chop them, pour a liter of boiling water and leave to steep for 8 hours. The finished infusion is filtered and taken 1/2 cup after meals.
3. 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, before using traditional recipes, be sure to consult with your doctor.

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 follow drinking regime and drink at least 1.5 - 2 liters of liquid per day.

IN daily menu It is useful to include foods that improve intestinal motility. 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.

Bloating and gas are very common in people of all ages. A disorder of this kind may indicate the presence of a certain disease of the gastrointestinal tract, and also act as a response of the body to the consumption of low-quality food, etc. In this article we will talk in detail about what bloating and gas formation are, what are their causes and how to treat such an unpleasant problem.

The presence of gases in the intestines is considered a physiological norm. During food consumption, air enters the gastrointestinal tract along with the ingested food. During the digestion of food and the neutralization of gastric juice by bicarbonates of the digestive tract, a certain amount of gases is also formed. And only a small amount of gases is transferred to the intestines through the blood, the rest comes out.

The main volume of gas occurs in the stomach and flexures colon. Its smallest amount is found in the sigmoid and colon, as well as in the small intestine. The amount of gases formed depends on the intestinal microflora, lifestyle, nutrition, age of the person, climatic conditions and from possible existing diseases of the gastrointestinal tract.

The gas accumulated in the digestive organs is a foam, which consists of bubbles covered with viscous mucus. The accumulation of gases prevents proper digestion, breakdown of food and absorption of nutrients; Gases also reduce enzymatic activity.

The intestine is the part of the digestive system that starts from the pylorus of the stomach and ends at the anus. The intestine is in turn divided into the large and small intestine.

The small intestine performs the function of digestion. Its length reaches 170-430 cm, and its diameter is 30-50 mm. This section of the intestine includes 3 parts - duodenum, jejunum and ileum. The inner cover is lined with villi that perform the function of suction. Between the villi are special cells that secrete intestinal juice, mucus and intestinal hormones. The ducts of the gallbladder and pancreas exit into the lumen of the small intestine. The secretion they secrete promotes the breakdown of useful substances.

In the large intestine, water is absorbed and feces are formed. The large intestine includes the cecum, ascending colon, transverse colon, descending colon, sigmoid colon and rectum. The large intestine lacks villi, but has folds called crypts. Their cells also secrete mucus. Lymphoid cells present in the walls of the colon create immune protection intestines and the entire body as a whole.

Causes of bloating

Flatulence can be caused by many factors. The accumulation of gases occurs due to intense gas formation and untimely removal of them outside.

1. adsorbents – drugs of this group absorb various kinds bacteria and the toxins they produce. The most common drugs among adsorbents are Activated Carbon, Polysorb, Diosmectite, Smecta, Polyphepan;
2. prokinetics - improve intestinal motility and promote the removal of gases. These include Passazhiks and Motilium;
3. antispasmodics – have a relaxing effect on the smooth muscles of the intestine, eliminate pain. Antispasmodics include drugs No-shpa, Drotaverine, Papaverine (suppositories and tablets), Pantestin, Dolce;
4. defoamers - reduce gas pressure on the intestinal walls, freeing it from toxins. These include Espumisan, Kolikid;
5. herbal remedies - restore intestinal motility, remove gases, help relieve spasms and pain;
6. enzyme preparations– promote the breakdown of fats and fiber, thereby improving the absorption of nutrients. This group of drugs includes Festal, Pancreatin and Creon.

A gas tube is often used to remove gases in infants and bedridden patients. Its frequent use can be addictive, as a result of which the body is not able to independently remove accumulated gases. In addition, if used carelessly gas outlet tube there is a risk of damaging the intestinal wall and causing bleeding.

Flatulence does not pose a danger to human life. The use of antispasmodics and adsorbents alleviates symptoms within 30 minutes, and pain in the abdominal cavity due to bloating disappears after bowel movement.

In case cutting or sharp pain does not leave the patient even after defecation, suspicions arise about the presence of serious diseases, such as:

• acute form of appendicitis (accompanied by a burning sensation in the right side);
• intestinal obstruction;
• rupture of a cyst in the ovary;
• peritonitis.

In this case, you should immediately call an ambulance

Bloated stomach due to gastritis

Flatulence with gastritis should be treated comprehensively. The complex of drugs includes painkillers (Gastratcid, Phosphalugel) and sorbents that remove toxins (Activated Carbon, Smecta, Enterosgel). To normalize the production of gastric juice, the drugs Misoprostol and Cytotec are prescribed. In some cases, the patient is prescribed antibiotics - Amoxicillin and Clarithromycin.

Flatulence with stomach and duodenal ulcers

In cases of excessive gas formation caused by peptic ulcers, drugs are prescribed - anticholinergics, which reduce the production of hydrochloric acid and enzymes that corrode the mucous membrane of the digestive organs. These include Pirenzepine, Omeprazole, Vikair, Gastal. De-nol and Bismofalk have an antiseptic effect.

Bloating in chronic colitis

For colitis accompanied by bloating and gas formation, corticosteroids are prescribed, which have an anti-inflammatory effect. This includes medications Prednisolone, Hydrocortisone. In case of ulcerative colitis, immunosuppressants (Cyclosporine, Azathioprine, Acipol) are prescribed. Mezim-Forte and Creon preparations help compensate for the lack of digestive enzymes.

Flatulence with pancreatitis

To restore the digestive process during pancreatitis, enzyme preparations that do not contain bile acids are used. These include Mezim-Forte, Creon and Pancitrate. No-shpa or Duspatalin will help relieve abdominal pain. Phosphalugel and Maalox promote gas release during pancreatitis. To reduce the activity of the pancreas, Somatostatin is prescribed.

Bloating due to viral hepatitis

For this type of pathology, interferons should be used. They have immunomodulatory and antiviral effects. To restore liver cells, hepatoprotectors are prescribed, such as Geparsil, Silymarin-Hexal, Silibor, Darsil.

Spasms due to biliary dyskinesia

Papaverine and No-shpa will help relieve spasms during dyskinesia. If the tone of the gallbladder is reduced, the drug Cicqualon is prescribed. Consuming will help normalize the functioning of the gallbladder. mineral waters Essentuki, Naftusya, as well as adherence to diet No. 5.

Bloating due to dysbacteriosis

IN in this case prescribed by a doctor antibacterial drugs, suppressing the growth of pathogenic bacteria, such as Bificol and Enterol. Prebiotics Lactusan and Inulin, and probiotics Bifiform and Normoflorin will help restore the intestinal microflora. To remove gases and toxins, Polyphepan and Zosterin are prescribed.

Traditional medicine for bloating and gas formation

For constant bloating and excessive gas formation, traditional methods of treatment are often used. So, ginger will help reduce excessive gas formation and improve appetite. You should grind the ginger root to a powder and take it three times a day after meals, 20 g, with 100 ml of water.

Potato juice helps get rid of stomach discomfort. It should be taken 100 ml on an empty stomach in the morning, after which it is recommended to lie down for about half an hour. The duration of such treatment is 8-10 days, after which a break is taken for a week. After the break, you can repeat the course.

One more effective method To eliminate stomach problems is a solution of soda. In glass boiled water dilute 20 g of soda and take 15 minutes before meals 1-3 times a day.

Eliminate unpleasant painful sensations and will help reduce increased gas formation by applying warm heating pad to the stomach.

Infusions for flatulence at home

Taking an infusion of chamomile, mint, caraway and anise flowers will help stop increased gas emission. To do this, all ingredients are mixed in equal proportions in a clay container. 30 g of dry herbal mixture is poured into 250 ml of boiling water and left for 15 minutes. This infusion is taken 100 ml every 2 hours.

Dill infusion helps to cope with gas separation. To prepare it, you need to pour 25 g of crushed seeds into 300 ml of boiling water, leave the mixture for 30 minutes, then strain. The finished infusion is taken 100 ml 2 hours before meals three times a day.

You can treat bloating with an infusion of medicinal herbs such as lavender, mint and licorice root. All components are mixed in 5 g doses, poured boiling water into a thermos, after which the infusion is drunk in 50 ml doses throughout the day.

An infusion of medicinal dandelion roots helps fight bloating and gas. To prepare it, pour 30 g of crushed roots into a glass of cool water and leave for 50 minutes. You should drink the infusion 4 times a day before meals, 50 ml.

When treating excessive gas formation, an infusion of sweet clover works great. 25 g of dry herb is poured into 250 ml of water at room temperature, left for 2 hours, filtered and taken 35 ml three times a day.

The use of decoctions for bloating and gas formation

A decoction of coriander, cumin and fennel helps remove excess gases from the body and feel light. To do this, mix 30g of coriander and 20g of cumin and fennel, add 300 ml of water and bring to a boil. The finished decoction should be taken twice a day, 200 ml.

Chamomile decoction is popular for flatulence, relieving cramps in the stomach and restoring the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract. To prepare it, pour 25 g of chamomile flowers into 250 ml of boiling water and leave for 15 minutes, then strain. The finished decoction is taken 100 ml half an hour before meals until the discomfort in a stomach.

Another effective remedy- decoction of elecampane. To prepare a decoction, you need to pour 20 g of rhizomes into 1 liter of water and leave for an hour. It is recommended to drink the strained decoction during the day for flatulence.