Tips For Belching, Bloating and Flatulence From Our Gastroenterologists

Belching, bloating, and flatulence are typically harmless and will likely go away on their own. They can be embarrassing, though, and can be a bit uncomfortable and annoying. Check out these tips from our San Antonio gastroenterologists that can help you to cure all three.

Belching—caused by swallowed air. It can be caused if you eat or drink too fast. Carbonated drinks, sucking on hard candies, chewing gum, excessive swallowing due to postnasal drip or nervous tension, and poor fitting dentures can all cause you to belch. Forcing yourself to belch can cause excess belching, too.

If belching is uncomfortable, you can avoid it by staying away from hard candies, chewing gum, and carbonated beverages.

Abdominal bloating—discomfort in your abdominal area may be caused by intestinal sensitivity or irritable bowel syndrome symptoms. You can avoid chewing gum, hard candy, carbonated drinks, cauliflower, broccoli, cabbage, and baked beans.

Flatulence—gas which is created through bacterial action in your bowel and passed rectally. It is normal to have between 10 and 18 passages each day. Primary gases are odorless and harmless. If there are noticeable traces of a smell, it is due to the food you eat.

Foods that you eat can form gas. If your body is unable to produce lactase to break down lactose, dairy products such as milk can form gas. If you find this a concern, see your doctor and he can determine if lactose is a problem for you. Certain vegetables, such as cabbage, cauliflower, broccoli, and baked beans can also form gas. The starches, potatoes, wheat, corn, and oats can cause gas.

Should flatulence be a problem for you, keep a record of what you eat and that can help you determine what is causing it. You can then eliminate or reduce the gas-forming foods from your diet.

If you find that belching, bloating, or flatulence are bothersome, don’t hesitate to contact us. We would love to help.