Help, I pass wind often
DEAR Doctor<br>I know we all pass gas but mine is too much; once in a few minutes. I pollute my small room by morning. When I hold it, my stomach pains. Is there a medical remedy?
DEAR Doctor
I know we all pass gas but mine is too much; once in a few minutes. I pollute my small room by morning. When I hold it, my stomach pains. Is there a medical remedy?
Joanita
Dear Joanita,
Excessive production of gas and increased flatulence may occur as a result of metabolic activities of gastro-intestinal bacteria, their overgrowth, mal-digestion or mal-absorption of sugars.
The large intestines contain bacteria, yeasts and fungi, which love leftover food particles — especially unabsorbed carbohydrates.
They ferment them to form gas.
The intestinal muscle contractions propel the gas through the intestines and expel it out to prevent it from accumulating.
Gas can be absorbed in the lining of the intestine into the blood and excreted in the breath. It can also be utilised by bacteria within the intestines or eliminated at night without the knowledge of the individual.
For effective treatment, medical examination is required, which can involve abdominal x-rays, gastric emptying studies, ultrasound examination, computerised tomography, magnetic resonance imaging, tests for maldigestion and malabsorption and hydrogen breath testing.
Treatment may include dietary changes.
Dr Herbert Mugarura
mugarrajk@doctor.com
077444526
I know we all pass gas but mine is too much; once in a few minutes. I pollute my small room by morning. When I hold it, my stomach pains. Is there a medical remedy?
Joanita
Dear Joanita,
Excessive production of gas and increased flatulence may occur as a result of metabolic activities of gastro-intestinal bacteria, their overgrowth, mal-digestion or mal-absorption of sugars.
The large intestines contain bacteria, yeasts and fungi, which love leftover food particles — especially unabsorbed carbohydrates.
They ferment them to form gas.
The intestinal muscle contractions propel the gas through the intestines and expel it out to prevent it from accumulating.
Gas can be absorbed in the lining of the intestine into the blood and excreted in the breath. It can also be utilised by bacteria within the intestines or eliminated at night without the knowledge of the individual.
For effective treatment, medical examination is required, which can involve abdominal x-rays, gastric emptying studies, ultrasound examination, computerised tomography, magnetic resonance imaging, tests for maldigestion and malabsorption and hydrogen breath testing.
Treatment may include dietary changes.
Dr Herbert Mugarura
mugarrajk@doctor.com
077444526