Symptoms and Signs of Flatulence (Gas)

There are many available over-the-counter (OTC) medications and remedies for the common cold, aches, pain, fever, diarrhea, nausea, upset stomach, allergies, cough, sinus congestion, constipation, insomnia, and more.

Acid reflux (GERD) is caused by acid backing up from the stomach. Causes of acid reflux include smoking, obesity, alcohol, medications, diet, and other medical conditions. Symptoms of acid reflux include heartburn, acid indigestion, dry cough, hoarseness, wheezing, and more. Treatment of acid reflux include lifestyle changes and medication.

Digestion is the process in which food is broken into smaller pieces so the body can use them to build and nourish cells and provide energy. The digestive system is comprised of the mouth and salivary glands, esophagus, stomach, small intestine, and large intestine.

Celiac disease (sometimes referred to as as celiac disease), gluten-sensitive enteropathy, and gluten-induced enteropathy is a chronic disease of the digestive tract. Symptoms of celiac disease include abdominal pain, vomiting, diarrhea, depression, irritability, and behavior disturbances. Treatment of celiac disease is avoidance of gluten in the diet.

Doctors have yet to discover the causes of infant colic, described as excessive crying in an otherwise healthy baby. Symptoms and signs include clenching fists, arching the back, reddening of the face, passing gas, belching, and extending the legs. Treatment may involve administering simethicone drops, changing the baby's diet, trying an alternative formula, massaging the infant, rocking and swaddling the infant, and playing relaxing music.

Constipation in adults refers to difficulty in passing stools or a decrease in the frequency of bowel movements. Causes of constipation in adults include a poor diet, excessive caffeine and alcohol consumption, inadequate fluid intake, poor bowel habits, certain medications, pregnancy, certain diseases or conditions, age, and more. Treatment for constipation include lifestyle changes, OTC remedies, and medication if necessary.

Constipation in infants and children affects up to 10% of children at any given time. Causes of constipation in infants and children include a wilfulness to avoid the toilet, prior painful or frightening experiences that make them avoid the bathroom, a concern for lack of privacy in public restrooms, changes in diet, dehydration, and several medical disorders. Symptoms of constipation in infants and children include vague abdominal pain, vomiting, decreased appetite, urinary tract infections (UTIs), urinary incontinence, frequent urination, and bedwetting. Home remedies and self-care at home is possible with mild constipation, however, it may be necessary for the affected infant or child to see a pediatrician or other healthcare professional.

Diarrhea can be caused by bacterial or viral infections, parasites, intestinal diseases or conditions, reactions to medications, and food intolerance or allergies. Symptoms of diarrhea include watery stools, abdominal cramping, fever, and dehydration. Most cases of diarrhea can be treated at home. In some cases (in the elderly, small children, or those with severe or chronic medical conditions) may need to be hospitalized due to dehydration.

Gastric squeeze is sometimes suffered by scuba divers when gas pressure builds up painfully in the gastro-intestinal tract, causing belching and flatulence. Medical intervention is rarely required, but severe cases of gastric squeeze can cause a gut rupture.

Giardiasis is an infection of the small bowel caused by Giardia lamblia. It is the most common intestinal parasitic disease in the U.S. Causes of giardiasis include contaminated water and food supplies, and person to person contact. Symptoms of giardiasis include diarrhea, weight loss, bloating, gas, constipation, nausea, vomiting, rash, and fever. Treatment of giardiasis is generally with antibiotics.

Cholesterol is a waxy, fatlike substance that your body needs to function normally. If a person has too much cholesterol in their bloodstream, it can lead to heart disease. Cholesterol lowering medications include statins (Lipitor, Lescol, Mevacor, Altocor, Pravachol, Zocor, and Crestor), bile acid sequestrants (Questran, Colestid, WelChol), nicotinic acid agents (niacin, Niacor, Slo-Niacin), and fibrates (Lopid, Tricor). Side effects, drug interactions, and warnings and precautions should be reviewed prior to taking these medications.

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) can be managed by avoiding IBS triggers that cause symptom flares. IBS-related diarrhea and constipation associated with IBS can be caused by triggers such as: Diet Stress Anxiety Medications (antidepressants) Menstruation Learn what these triggers are and how to prevent IBS-related episodes of diarrhea and constipation.

Indigestion (dyspepsia, non-acid dyspepsia) is a description for a feeling of fullness and/or discomfort in the upper abdomen. Symptoms of indigestion can include heartburn, belching, bloating, and nausea. Causes of indigestion can be disease, conditions, medication, and lifestyle factors. Treatment of indigestion depends on the cause.

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a chronic GI disorder of unknown cause. The most common symptoms of IBS include bloating, gas, abdominal pain and cramping, and constipation and diarrhea. New antibody blood tests may help identify some types of irritable bowel syndrome, for example, IBS-D (irritable bowel syndrome with diarrhea) and IBS-M (irritable bowel syndrome with diarrhea and constipation). IBS treatment is accomplished with OTC and prescription medication, diet, and lifestyle changes.

Lactose intolerance is a condition in which milk and milk products (lactose products) are not digestible. Lactose intolerance is caused by a deficiency of lactase in the intestinal wall. Lactose intolerance may appear gradually after childhood. However, the condition can be present at birth. Common symptoms of lactose intolerance include: gas, bloating, abdominal pain, diarrhea, and nausea. The treatment for lactose intolerance are dietary changes to exclude products that contain lactase.

Laparoscopy is a less invasive form of surgery where surgeons make tiny incisions and insert tiny instruments and a camera into the incision to view internal organs and repair or remove tissue. Patients who undergo laparoscopic surgery may have quicker recovery times and experience less trauma to the body.

SIBO (small intestinal bacterial overgrowth) refers to a condition in which abnormally large numbers of bacteria (at least 100,000 bacteria per ml of fluid) are present in the small intestine, but they are more like the bacteria that are found in the colon. There are many conditions associated with SIBO, including:  Diabetes Scleroderma Crohn's disease Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) It has been theorized that SIBO may be responsible for the symptoms of at least some patients with irritable bowel syndrome. Symptoms of SIBO include: Excess gas Abdominal bloating Abdominal pain Treatment for SIBO can include: Antibiotics Probiotics Low FODMAP Diet

Causes of traveler's diarrhea include bacteria, viruses, and protozoa. Traveler's diarrhea is contagious, with symptoms including loose or watery stools, abdominal cramping, bloating, nausea, vomiting, fever, headache, and bloody stools. Treatment for traveler's diarrhea is generally with OTC medication.