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Gas - flatulence

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Definition:

Gas, also called flatus or flatulence, is air in the intestine that is passed through the rectum. Air that is passed from the digestive tract through the mouth is called belching .

Alternative Names:

Flatulence (flatus)

Considerations:

Gas is formed in the intestines as food is being digested. Gas can make you feel bloated, which may cause crampy or colicky abdominal pain .

Common Causes:

Gas can be caused by any of the following:

• Swallowing air while eating.
• Eating foods that are difficult to digest, such as fiber . If you recently introduced fiber into your diet, having gas may be temporary. Give it a little time. Your body may adjust and stop producing gas.
• Eating foods that you cannot tolerate -- for example, if you have lactose intolerance and eat dairy products.
• Irritable bowel syndrome -- a chronic form of stomach upset that gets worse from stress.
• Malabsorption (when your body cannot absorb or digest a particular nutrient properly, often accompanied by diarrhea ).
• Antibiotics.

References:

Birrer RB. Irritable bowel syndrome. Dis Mon . 2002; 48(2): 105-143.

Lovelace HY. Diagnosis, symptoms, and calcium intakes of individuals with self-reported lactose intolerance. J Am Coll Nutr . 2005; 24(1): 51-57.

Andrès E. Food-cobalamin malabsorption in the elderly. Am J Med . 2002; 113(4): 351-352.

• Review Date: 5/8/2006
• Reviewed By: Jenifer K. Lehrer, MD, Department of Gastroenterology, Frankford-Torresdale Hospital, Jefferson Health System, Philadelphia, PA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

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