What is it
The term meteorism refers to a condition of excessive accumulation of gases (nitrogen, oxygen, hydrogen, carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide and methane) within the gastrointestinal tract, at the level of the stomach or at the level of the intestine, and the resulting symptoms.
Causes
The production and emission, through episodes of belching and flatulence, of a certain amount of gas from the gastrointestinal tract is a physiological phenomenon, therefore completely normal, due to the fact that a part of these gases is introduced from the mouth (aerophagia) in conjunction with the swallowing of saliva or the ingestion of food and drink, and a part derives from the fermentative activity of the bacteria of the intestinal flora.
Normally 0.5 to 2 liters of gas are produced per day which are eliminated mainly rectally in 10-20 emissions.
A condition of accumulation is determined by increased ingestion of gases present in the air (mainly oxygen and nitrogen) or by increased production / reduced absorption of gases generated by bacteria (mainly hydrogen, methane and carbon dioxide).
An accentuation of normal aerophagia can occur in the presence of anxious states, gastroesophageal and biliary tract diseases, conditions of increased saliva production (for nasal diseases, inadequate dentures, cigarette smoke, effect of some drugs) or poor eating habits (hasty ingestion of food and drink, intake of large quantities of carbonated drinks).
An increase in intestinal gas can occur in case of excessive consumption of foods containing carbohydrates that are not completely digestible (such as those present in legumes and in some cereals, vegetables and fruits), intolerance to some food substances (lactose, gluten), imbalances of the local microbial population (following infectious or inflammatory intestinal diseases or taking antibiotics ), alterations of intestinal motility and alvo (for colic affections, irritable bowel syndrome).
In some of these conditions meteorism results from an effective increase in the production of intestinal gas, as in forms of food origin or dysmicrobism, in others from a decreased reabsorption of gases at the level of the intestinal mucosa, as in functional alterations.
Symptoms
The presence in the gastrointestinal tract of a quantity of gas exceeding the physiological one (50-200 ml) causes a sense of swelling in the stomach or lower abdomen, painful distension of the intestine (especially in the presence of intestinal diseases or dysfunctions), increased episodes of belching or gas emission through the anus.
Diagnosis
The only appropriate diagnostic investigations in case of meteorism are those that serve to identify the pathologies that may underlie this disorder (gastroesophageal reflux, hiatal hernia, biliary diseases, gastritis, inflammatory bowel diseases, etc.).
In the absence of predisposing pathological conditions, it is advisable to look for any other causes of hyperaerophagia (respiratory diseases, unsuitable dental prostheses, drug therapies, smoking, etc.) and evaluate the correctness of dietary habits.
Treatment
In addition to the appropriate dietary adjustments, meteorism can be treated with the help of some natural remedies, such as charcoal, probiotics and supplements containing soluble or insoluble dietary fiber, and in cases with accentuated symptoms with some drugs that favor the elimination of gases by acting on intestinal motility.
Joycelyn Elders is the author and creator of EmpowerEssence, a health and wellness blog. Elders is a respected public health advocate and pediatrician dedicated to promoting general health and well-being.
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