An Introduction to Intestinal Gas
Everyone has intestinal gas and eliminates it by burping or passing it through the rectum. However, many people think they have too much intestinal gas when they really have normal amounts. Most people produce about 1 to 4 pints a day and pass gas about 14 times a day.
Intestinal gas is made primarily of odorless vapors -- carbon dioxide, oxygen, nitrogen, hydrogen, and sometimes methane. The unpleasant odor of flatulence comes from bacteria in the large intestine that release small amounts of gases that contain sulfur.
Although having intestinal gas is common, it can be uncomfortable and embarrassing. Understanding the causes and knowing the treatment options for intestinal gas will help most people find relief.
Symptoms of Intestinal Gas
The most common symptoms of intestinal gas are:
- Belching
- Flatulence
- Bloating
- Abdominal pain.
However, some of these symptoms are often caused by an intestinal disorder, such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), rather than too much gas.
Treatment for Intestinal Gas
The most common ways to reduce the discomfort of intestinal gas are changing your diet, taking nonprescription medicines, and reducing the amount of air swallowed.
Digestive enzymes, such as lactase supplements, actually help digest carbohydrates and may allow people to eat foods that normally cause gas.
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