ALL ISSUES DIGESTIVE A GASTROENTEROLOGY FILE

WHAT IS GAS?

Gas in the digestive tract (the esophagus, stomach, small intestine, and large intestine) comes from two sources - swallowed air and the normal breakdown of certain undigested foods by harmless bacteria that are naturally present in the large intestine.

Air swallowing (aerophagia) is a common cause of gas in the stomach. However, eating or drinking rapidly, talking while eating, chewing gum, smoking, or wearing loose dentures can cause some people to take in more air. Burping or belching is the way most swallowed air leaves the stomach. The remaining gas moves into the small intestine where it is partially absorbed. A small amount travels into the large intestine for release through the rectum and expelled as flatulence. If you suffer from excess gas, either trapped in your intestines or passed as flatulence, it can become uncomfortable. Stuck gas can cause abdominal pain and bloating.

WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS AND CAUSES OF GAS AND BLOATING?

The most common symptoms of gas are belching, flatulence, bloating and abdominal pain. Patients with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) can begin to experience symptoms of bloating, abdominal pain and motility changes to specific food components. This may be due to the IBS condition itself, which can cause a change in the gut microflora, potential small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO) and visceral hypersensitivity.

Celiac disease, which is a digestive and autoimmune disorder, results in damage to the lining of the small intestine when foods with gluten are eaten. The condition can cause many gastrointestinal symptoms which including abdominal bloating but also can include pain, gas, diarrhea, and weight loss. Non-celiac gluten intolerance may also play a role in patients with IBS.

HOW TO DIAGNOSE GAS AND BLOATING?

Gas and bloating is usually a temporary condition that resolves itself in a day or two. If gas and/or bloating become painful, however, you should see your doctor or a gastroenterologist. If gas and bloating is accompanied by other symptoms, such as diarrhea, bloody stools, vomiting, constipation, heartburn, or unexplained weight loss, a visit to the doctor also is recommended.

During your office visit, the doctor will give you a physical exam and review your medical history and any recent dietary changes. Since gas and bloating sometimes can be symptomatic of a more serious condition, the doctor may order laboratory tests.

Many gastrointestinal disorders exhibit similar symptoms. Fortunately, hydrogen breath tests now are available to uncover the source of some gastrointestinal disorders. This procedure makes it easier to diagnose certain medical conditions, such as:

• Fructose intolerance
• Lactose intolerance
• Small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO)

HOW TO TREAT GAS AND BLOATING?

Treating gas and bloating depends on the seriousness of the diagnosis. If you smoke cigarettes, quitting can help resolve your gas and bloating. Reducing your stress also may help. Often, treatment simply means avoiding certain foods or medications. Although everyone reacts differently to food, here is a list of basic foods to avoid:

• Beans and other lentils
• Brussels sprouts
• Broccoli and cauliflower
• Cabbage and lettuce
• Excessive bran and fiber
• Certain fruits, like apples and pears
• Chewing gum
• Hard candy
• Carbonated drinks, including beer

WHY KIMS

AT KIMS, we believe that team approach centered on quality, efficiency and value make us the clear leader in speciality gastrointestinal care in the twin cities area.