Flatulence

2.  Expulsion of mixtures of gases through the rectum that
are produced as bi-product of digestion , is known as
flatus ( medical term)
 It is brought to rectum by peristalsis …
 Most people produce 1-3 pint of gas/day. If it increases
up to 12-14( Flatulence)
 It is not life threatening but creates social
embarrassment

3.  Sound is created due to vibrations of anal sphincter
 The primary components are- Nitrogen,Hydrogen,Carbon-di-
oxide,Oxygen and Methane
 Smell is due to presence of trace gasses…(sulphur containing
compound,indole…)
 The flammable character of flatus is caused by hydrogen and
methane. The proportions of these gases depend largely on
the bacteria that live in the human colon that digest, or
ferment, food that has not been absorbed by the
gastrointestinal (GI) tract before reaching the colon.
 An estimated 30-150 grams of this undigested food reach the
colon in the form of carbohydrate every day. But this amount
can vary with diet and how well the GI tract is functioning.

5.  Aerophagia-Occurs with improper swallowing while
eating or due to activities like rapid drinking,chewing
gum,etc…
 Undigested food- Undigested foods (polysachharide) are
broken down by bact. Which produces gas.
 Infection-Giardiasis,E.Coli.
 Food-Pea,Cabbage,Broccoli,Onion,Potato,Garlic,Cashew
nut,Oats and other veg. of Brassica family.
 Excessive fibre-Some foods vcontain soluble and insoluble
fiber.Some soluble fiber are not broken down till it reach
the large intestine(Oat) . Insoluble fiber passes to large
intestine unchanged( White bran).

6.  Lactase deficiency-Decreasing the ability of digesting
lactose.
 Stress.
 Malabsorptiondisorder-Decreased bowel function
increases the flatulence.
 Presence of large amount of microflora.

9. Alteration in the bowel habit-
 Poor dietary fibre
 Parasite
 IBS
 Intestinal obstruction like tumor
 Drugs

10. Symptoms
 Belching(the release of swallowed air from the
stomach)
 Abdominal Distension
 Bloating
 Abdominal Pain
 Heavyness
 evere cramps,
 diarrhea,
 constipation,
 bloody stools,
 fever,
 nausea and vomiting and/or
 right-sided abdominal pain along with flatulence.

11.  The primary tests, if necessary, will likely include measuring
the amount of hydrogen in the patient's breath after the
person eats suspected foods. Because bacteria are largely
responsible for the production of hydrogen, an increase in
exhaled hydrogen as measured by the breath test will suggest
food intolerance
 Analysis of the gas can help determine the origin.aerophagia
(mostly nitrogen, also oxygen, and carbon dioxide) or GI
production (mainly carbon monoxide, hydrogen, and
methane).
 If a patient has abdominal pain or appears to have a swollen
abdomen, the health care professional may have X-rays
taken to show intestinal obstruction or perforation.

12.  The goal of treatment of flatulence is to reduce gas and smelly
odor. Medical intervention includes treatment with antibiotics
if bacterial overgrowth of the GI tract is suspected or evidence
of parasitic infection is seen.
 Some promising studies have investigated feeding nonoffensive
strains of bacteria to push out the bacteria that are offensive,
although no established treatments are available at this time.
 Regulation of bowel function is essential. Constipation should
be treated with increased dietary fiber or certain laxatives.
 In cases where anxiety causes the person to swallow air, the
doctor may suggest the person seek mental health counseling to
change habit patterns.

13. Foods That Contribute to Gas Production
 Legumes- Most beans, especially dried beans and peas, baked
beans, soy beans.
 Milk & milk products- Milk; ice cream; and cheese
 Vegetables- Cabbage; radishes; onions; broccoli; cauliflower;
cucumbers
 Root vegetables- Potatoes; turnips
 Fruits- apples; raisins; bananas
 Cereals-breads and all foods that contain wheat and wheat
products including cereals, breads, and pastries.
 Fatty foods- Pan-fried or deep-fried foods; fatty meats; rich
cream sauces and gravies; pastries. (While fatty foods are not
carbohydrates, they too can contribute to intestinal gas.)
 Liquids - Carbonated beverages, medications, or powders

14. This Sample Diet have to provide the Following
 Calories- 1593
 Carbohydrates -228 gm
 Fat- 44 gm
 Protein -77 gm
 Sodium- 956 mg
 Potassium- 2940 mg