simple>
Milk and dairy productsBeansSome vegetables, such as cabbage, Brussels sprouts, asparagus, broccoli, potatoes, and cornSome whole grains, such as wheatMost types of fruitArtificial sweetenersSoda and other fizzy drinksChewing gumTake medicines that contain simethicone (sample brand names: Maalox Anti-Gas, Mylanta Gas, Gas-X, or Phazyme). You can get these at a drug store. Simethicone breaks up gas bubbles in your intestines. Doctors aren't sure how well it works.Take a product called Beano. This can help your body digest beans and some vegetables.Take a medicine called bismuth subsalicylate (brand name: Pepto-Bismol). This can help make gas smell less bad.
Should I see a doctor or nurse? " � See your doctor or nurse if you also have any of these symptoms: � �
- Diarrhea that lasts longer than 5 days
- Unexplained weight loss
- Belly pain
- Blood in bowel movements
- Loss of appetite
- Unexplained fever
- Throwing up for longer than 2 days (48 hours)
Are there tests I should have? " � Your doctor or nurse will decide which tests you should have based on your age, other symptoms, and individual situation. There are lots of tests, but you might not need any. � �
Here are the most common tests doctors use to find the cause of gas and bloating: � �
- Tests on a sample of your bowel movements to check for blood, unusual levels of fat, and other things
- Blood test to see if your body has trouble digesting an ingredient called gluten. Gluten is in bread, pasta, condiments and other foods.
- Breath test to see if your body has trouble digesting dairy products or if you have an over-growth of bacteria in your intestines.
- X-rays to see if there is something wrong with your intestines
- Sigmoidoscopy or colonoscopy " � For these tests, the doctor puts a thin tube into your anus. Then, he or she advances the tube into your colon. The tube has a camera attached to it, so the doctor can see inside you. The doctor can also take samples of tissue to look at under the microscope (figure 2).
How is gas and bloating treated? " � That depends on what is causing your gas and bloating. Treatments can include: � �
- Changing what you eat and drink
- Changing how you eat and drink. Eating more slowly can help with burping.
- Using supplements to help you digest dairy products
- Taking medicines that you can buy at a drug store
- Taking medicines that your doctor prescribes
Can gas be prevented? " � You can reduce your chances of getting gas again by: � �
- Staying away from foods and drinks that cause gas for you
- Taking Beano when you eat beans and some vegetables
- Taking supplements that help you digest dairy, if that is your problem
- Eating more slowly
All topics are updated as new evidence becomes available and our peer review process is complete. � �
This topic retrieved from UpToDate on: Nov 04, 2014. � �
Topic 15428 Version 2.0 � �
Release: 22.8 - C22.208 � �
� � 2014 UpToDate, Inc. All rights reserved. � �
figure 1
Digestive system
This drawing shows the organs in the body that process food. Together these organs are called "the digestive system," or "digestive tract. " � As food travels through this system, the body absorbs nutrients and water.
Graphic 66110 Version 4.0
View Originalfigure 1
Digestive system
This drawing shows the organs in the body that process food. Together these organs are called "the digestive system," or "digestive tract. " � As food travels through this system, the body absorbs nutrients and water.
Graphic 66110 Version 4.0
View Original
figure 2
Colonoscopy
During a colonoscopy, you lie on your side and the doctor or nurse puts a thin tube with a camera into your anus (from behind). Then the doctor or nurse advances the tube into the rectum and colon. The camera sends video pictures from inside your colon to a television screen.
Graphic 52258 Version 4.0
View Originalfigure 2
Colonoscopy
During a colonoscopy, you lie on your side and the doctor or nurse puts a thin tube with a camera into your anus (from behind). Then the doctor or nurse advances the tube into the rectum and colon. The camera sends video pictures from inside your colon to a television screen.
Graphic 52258 Version 4.0
View Original
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� � 2014 UpToDate, Inc. All rights reserved. � �