KASRAT-E-REEH (FLATULENCE)

Flatulence
Flatulence is the state of having excessive stomach or intestinal gas. This can result in uncomfortable feelings of bloating, as well as increased belching (burping) or passing of gas from the rectum.

Cont:
Most people produce about 1-3 pints a day

and pass gas about 14 times a day. Flatulence itself, although not life threatening, can definitely cause social embarrassment

History
Hippocrates himself professing, "Passing gas

is necessary to well-being The Roman Emperor equally decreed that "all Roman citizens shall be allowed to pass gas whenever necessary."

The primary components of gas

The primary components of gas (known as

flatus) are 5 odorless gases: nitrogen hydrogen carbon dioxide Methane oxygen

Odor in Flatulence
The characteristic odor is attributed to trace

gases such as Skatole Indole Sulfur-containing compounds. The flammable character of flatus is caused by Hydrogen and Methane

Why odor less

An estimated 30-150 grams of undigested

food reach the colon in the form of carbohydrate every day. But this amount can vary with diet and how well your GI tract is functioning. The unpleasant odor often associated with flatus is generally attributed to trace sulfur-containing compounds, produced only by particular bacteria not found in everyone.

Flatulence (Gas) Causes

2 sources 1. Increased intake of gas 2. Increased production of gas

Swallowed air (aerophagia): This can occur with improper swallowing while eating or even unconscious swallowing of air out of habit.

Flatulence (Gas) Causes

Lactase deficiency Malabsorption syndromes can be the result of

decreased production of enzymes by the pancreas or problems with the gallbladder or lining of the intestines.

Flatulence (Gas) Causes

Poor dietary fiber Parasites Inflammatory bowel disease Intestinal obstruction (including cancer) Diverticulosis or diverticulitis

Poor thyroid function Narcotic and other drug use

Flatulence (Gas)are increased Symptoms Symptoms of flatulence

passage of gas, abdominal bloating or pain, and belching. Embarrassment can be caused by the increased passage of flatus or the often-offensive odor it causes.

S/S
Gas: Everyone passes gas normally each day.

A certain amount of gas is present in your GI tract at any one time, mainly in your stomach and colon. The average person passes gas about 10 times each day and up to 20-25 times normally. More than that may be excessive.

Diseases and Gas

Belching may signal a more serious upper GI

disorder such as peptic ulcer disease, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), or gastroparesis irritable bowel syndrome, Crohn disease, or colon cancer. People with scar tissue (adhesions) from abdominal operations or internal hernias may have a sensation of bloating because of increased sensitivity to gas.

Cotn:
Abdominal pain and discomfort: Some

people have pain when gas is present in the intestine. When pain is on the left side of the colon, it can be confused with heart disease. When the pain is on the right side of the colon, it may mimic gallstones or appendicitis.

Remedies
Certain spices have been reported to counteract the production of intestinal gas, most notably the closely related turmeric

When to Seek Medical Care

Crampy discomfort Change in bowel habits Diarrhea Constipation Blood in the stool Fever Nausea Vomiting ,Abdominal pain and swelling

Pharmacological
Digestive enzyme supplements may significantly

promoting the action of microbes. The enzymes alpha-galactosidase lactase amylase lipase protease Cellulase glucoamylase, invertase, pectinase, and bromelain

Exams and Tests

Exclude more serious disorders such as

diabetes, cancer, malabsorption, cirrhosis of the liver, poor thyroid function, and infection x-rays taken to show intestinal obstruction or perforation colonoscopy