Flatulence is characterized by the sensation of the stomach feeling tight and full. This condition can be caused by a poor diet to certain diseases, such as heartburn. Flatulence needs to be handled properly so that the discomfort does not interfere with your activities.
Flatulence can occur when the digestive tract fills with excess air or gas. This condition can cause pain and discomfort and make the stomach feel full.
Causes of Bloated Stomach
Flatulence is often considered a cold phenomenon. Actually, the term does not exist in the medical world. However, too much air is swallowed and trapped in the digestive tract can indeed cause flatulence. This condition is also known as aerophagia.
The air that enters the digestive tract is generally caused by various habits that you are not aware of, such as eating too fast, consuming spicy and fatty foods, lying down after eating, eating while talking, drinking through a straw, smoking, and chewing gum.
Even so, flatulence can also be caused by other health problems, such as:
1. Irritable bowel syndrome
One health disorder that is closely associated with flatulence is irritable bowel syndrome or IBS. In addition, other symptoms may also be felt when experiencing IBS such as abdominal pain, stomach cramps, diarrhea, or constipation.
The exact cause of IBS is not known. However, there are several things that can be triggers such as food allergies, bacterial infections, to stress.
2. Stomach
Ulcer in medical terms is also called dyspepsia. This condition is described by discomfort or pain that occurs continuously or repeatedly in the upper abdominal area, especially in the upper left or solar plexus.
Ulcers can cause flatulence, nausea, and vomiting. Some other symptoms of an ulcer are feeling full quickly, a burning sensation in the stomach or esophagus, the stomach feels full of gas, and often burps.
3. Enzyme deficiency
In addition to ulcers, flatulence can also be caused by a deficiency or disturbance of digestive enzymes. The function of enzymes is to break down food into smaller particles so that the nutrients are easily absorbed by the body.
The production and function of digestive enzymes can be hampered if the body experiences some problems in the digestive tract, such as pancreatic disorders and intolerance to certain foods or drinks, such as lactose intolerance.
In addition to the causes above, flatulence can also be caused by infections in the digestive tract, either bacterial or viral infections. Some bacteria, such as H. pylori, which causes peptic ulcers, are even capable of producing excess gas in the digestive tract so that the stomach feels bloated.
How to Overcome a Bloated Stomach
Flatulence is usually not caused by a serious condition and will get better on its own. However, this condition often causes discomfort and interferes with daily activities.
Therefore, you can try several ways to deal with flatulence so that the symptoms subside. Some of them are:
1. Stop the habit of eating too fast or too much.
2. Get used to chewing food until it is completely crushed.
3. Avoid chewing gum too often, eating while talking, and drinking through a straw.
4. Avoid foods and drinks that can produce excess gas, such as cabbage, durian, and soft drinks.
5. Avoid consuming milk if you can’t digest lactose well. choose dairy products that do not contain lactose, such as soy milk.
6. Consumption of drinks or food containing probiotics.
7. Stop smoking.
8. Use dentures with the right size to avoid excessive air entering from between the teeth and gums.
In addition to the methods above, you can also treat flatulence with a decoction or tea from natural ingredients, such as:
1. Peppermint: is believed to relieve digestive disorders, including to relieve cramps and flatulence
2. Ginger: is believed to be able to overcome ulcers and bloating
3. Turmeric: can be used to treat stomach pain and heartburn
Some of the ways above you can try first before getting medical help. However, you should be aware of it if your flatulence does not improve or is accompanied by other symptoms.
Some other symptoms to watch out for include abdominal pain that doesn’t go away, bloody or blackish stools, high fever, vomiting, and unexplained weight loss.
If the flatulence does not subside after doing some of the methods above or you also feel the symptoms that have been mentioned, you are advised to immediately go to the doctor to get the right treatment.