Everyone has intestinal gas and eliminates it by burping or passing it through the rectum. However, many people think they have too much 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 up 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 of intestinal gas and knowing the treatment options will help most people find relief.
Symptoms of Intestinal Gas
The most common symptoms of intestinal gas are:
- Belching
- Flatulence
- Bloating
- Abdominal pain (stomach 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 discomfort 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.
