symptoms of digestive disorders
digestive disorders
Gas
Causes of gas vary depending on the gas-related symptom. Belching is caused by Swallowed air Gas generated by carbonated beverages People normally swallow small amounts of air while eating and drinking. However, some people unconsciously swallow larger amounts of air (aerophagia) repeatedly while eating or smoking and sometimes when they feel anxious or nervous. Excessive salivation, which may occur with gastroesophageal reflux, ill-fitting dentures, certain drugs, gum chewing, or nausea of any cause, also increases air swallowing. Most swallowed air is later belched up, and very little passes from the stomach into the rest of the digestive system. The small amount of air that does pass into the intestines is mostly absorbed into the bloodstream and very little is passed as flatus. Flatus results from hydrogen, methane, and carbon dioxide gases that are produced by the bacteria normally present in the large intestine. These bacteria always produce some gas, but excessive gas can be produced When people consume certain foods When the digestive tract is unable to absorb food properly (malabsorption syndromes) Foods that increase gas production include any with poorly digestible carbohydrates (for example, dietary fiber such as in baked beans and cabbage), certain sugars (such as fructose), lactose-containing foods (such as milk), or sugar alcohols (such assorbitol), and fats. For example, certain carbohydrates called fermentable oligosaccharides, disaccharides, monosaccharides, and polyols are collectively called FODMAPs. FODMAPs are poorly absorbed and rapidly fermented by bacteria in the intestines, leading to increased gas and discomfort.Sorbitol, an artificial sweetener used in some foods, drugs, and chewing gums, and fructose, a sugar in fruits, berries, and some plants, can increase gas production. Many people cannot digest the sugar lactose (a condition called lactose intolerance), which is in milk and other dairy products. Almost anyone who eats large amounts of vegetables or fruits develops some degree of flatulence. Overview of Malabsorption can increase gas production. People who have carbohydrate deficiencies (deficiencies of the enzymes that break down certain sugars), such as those with However, some people may simply have more or different bacteria naturally living in their digestive tract, or they may have a motility (movement) disorder of the muscles in their digestive tract. These variations may account for differences in flatus production. People can record their flatus frequency in a diary before being evaluated by a doctor. A sensation of bloating or abdominal swelling (distention) can be present in people who have digestive disorders such as poor stomach emptying (gastroparesis) or Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) or other physical disorders such as Doctors are not sure what role intestinal gas plays in the sensation of bloating. Aside from people who drink carbonated beverages or swallow excessive air, most people who have a sensation of bloating actually do not have excessive gas in their digestive system. However, studies do show that some people, such as those who have irritable bowel syndrome, are particularly sensitive to normal amounts of gas. Similarly, people with eating disorders (such as anorexia nervosa or bulimia) often misperceive and are particularly stressed by symptoms such as bloating. Thus, the basic abnormality in people with gas-related symptoms may be an intestine that is extremely sensitive (hypersensitive intestine). A motility disorder may contribute to symptoms as well. 