Flatulence, or intestinal gas, is a normal thing. But if you’re experiencing it way more often than you’re used to, it could make you worried and embarrassed at the same time. Although flatulence can be caused by an underlying medical condition, it’s usually caused by the food you eat.
Should I Be Worried About Flatulence?
Flatulence is normally nothing to worry about. However, if you’re dealing with constipation or diarrhea as well, you may have an underlying condition. Intestinal infections, irritable bowel syndrome, or poor food absorption are possible causes. Those conditions are usually treatable.
What Else Could Be Causing My Problem?
Fermentation of certain carbohydrates in the intestinal tract cause flatulence. Some of the common culprits are healthy foods, like bran and whole grains. There’s also a long list of fruits and vegetables that cause intestinal gas. Watch out for certain foods like avocados, beans, broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower, corn, cucumbers, melons, peas, onions, and peppers. Dairy products like milk, pudding, custards, ice cream, and other lactose-containing foods can be the cause. Swallowed air can also produce a small amount of gas. It may help to eat more slowly, chew with your mouth closed, and avoid gulping food. Sometimes probiotics can help.
If you’ve noticed an increase in flatulence, try cutting out some of the foods mentioned above for a month. See if that helps. If weeks pass and the problem doesn’t go away, you may want to seek a doctor’s or nutritionists advice.
To learn more about abdominal pain in children, read our blog entitled “My Tummy Hurts.” Like Hospitality Health ER’s Facebook page for more health blogs. You can also visit one of HHER’s 24-hour locations in East Texas or Galveston.
