Belching, Bloating, and Flatulence

Belching, bloating and flatulence are three symptoms associated with intestinal gas. Belching refers to expelling digestive tract gas through the mouth, bloating refers to a sense of fullness to the point of discomfort and flatulence means passing gas from the anus. All three occur due to excessive gas in the digestive tract and are brief.

Belching, bloating and flatulence are a normal phenomenon that is experienced by everyone, irrespective of gender and age. In certain digestive tract conditions such as Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), and older age, the frequency of these symptoms can increase in response to more frequent accumulation of intestinal gas.

Accumulation of air swallowed during eating or consumption of carbonated drinks and certain food collects in the intestinal tract. If it collects too quickly or there is too much gas in the intestine, it puts pressure on the walls causing abdominal discomfort and bloating. The muscles contract forcing the gas to be passed out by either the mouth (belching) or the rectum (flatulence). Intestinal gas is also produced by the normal gut flora of bacteria digesting the food.

Causes of excessive intestinal gas accumulation include:

These conditions are themselves symptoms of excessive intestinal gas, resulting in a sensation of fullness and abdominal discomfort and passing gas.

The diagnosis for belching, bloating and flatulence is made by taking a complete history and a complete physical examination. The doctor may run some lab tests including blood tests, stool analysis and endoscopy to rule out certain underlying disorders. Excessive accumulation of intestinal gas can be seen on X-rays and CT scans. The patient may also be recommended to maintain a flatus diary, to compare with normal gas passage frequency afterward.

The doctor will recommend healthier eating habits as a part of treatment. This would include reduced usage or complete elimination of carbonated drinks, avoiding milk in case of lactose intolerance and cutting down on beans and other foods such as brans and broccoli that contribute to the gas accumulation. In cases of extreme discomfort, some patients may be relieved by using simethicone based drugs which are available over the counter. Patients with IBS need better control of the disease in order to control the symptoms better.

Belching and flatulence are normal body functions that have no complications. However, an individual may feel embarrassment in case of increased frequency especially in professional and private settings. In the case of untreated bloating, the associated abdominal pain can range from mild to debilitating, which remains until the extra gas is cleared from the digestive tract.