A lot of people do not know that stomach or intestinal gas is actually just a mixture of oxygen, nitrogen, carbon dioxide, hydrogen and methane. Stomach gas is created during the process of digestion, as something of a byproduct. The stomach gas leaves the body through either the mouth or the rectum, is otherwise known as belching or burping and flatulence or flatus. In some cases the gas that leaves the body through the rectum does not smell every time. When it does smell it is because of the fermentation of the food or waste materials in the colon. It is because of that fermentation that the sulfur gases are created and they are the ones that cause the foul odor. A person who frequently suffers from gases should find out what is the cause. This is important because severe gases can cause some serious stomach problems.
What causes bad gas?
There are a number of causes that lead to bloating and severe intestinal gases. Probably the most common cause of these problems is aerophagia. Aerophagia occurs when a person swallows air during the process of eating food. When there is too much air it leads to belching and flatulence after the meal. In a majority of cases, aerophagia is not to blame for the foul odor of the gases. Foul smelling gases occur when a person consumes certain foods that are not properly digested. The stomach enzymes cannot properly digest foods that have lots of fiber and complex carbohydrates like polysaccharides for instance. When there is food left in the intestine the bacteria there will feast on that food and in that process produce create gas. Some of the foods that cause foul smelling gas are beans, legumes, wheat and cauliflower. People who are lactose intolerant will produce gas after the consumption of dairy products. Apart from the consumption of certain foods a person may experience gas or flatulence because of certain conditions like constipation, IBS, Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis and inflammatory bowel syndrome. Even certain medications can cause gas problems.
Symptoms of bad gas
Some of the most common symptoms are farting, bloating, belching, abdominal cramps and distension, burning sensation in the stomach and rumbling in the lower abdomen.
Treatment
Most doctors will advise a person to use activated charcoal in order to lessen the excess stomach gas. A person will also need to make certain changes in his or her diet and lifestyle. The first step is eating slowly and properly chewing the food. People who are lactose intolerant should avoid eating dairy products. The consumption of carbonated beverages should be reduced as well.
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