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Medical Treatment

The goal of treatment of flatulence is to reduce gas and 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 you to swallow air, your doctor may suggest you seek mental health counseling to change habit patterns.