Gas and Bloating
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Gas and Bloating
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? " пїЅ See your doctor or nurse if you also have any of these symptoms: пїЅ пїЅ
Are there tests I should have? " пїЅ 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. пїЅ пїЅ
Here are the most common tests doctors use to find the cause of gas and bloating: пїЅ пїЅ
How is gas and bloating treated? " пїЅ That depends on what is causing your gas and bloating. Treatments can include: пїЅ пїЅ
Can gas be prevented? " пїЅ You can reduce your chances of getting gas again by: пїЅ пїЅ
All topics are updated as new evidence becomes available and our peer review process is complete. пїЅ пїЅ
This topic retrieved from UpToDate on: Nov 04, 2014. пїЅ пїЅ
Release: 22.8 - C22.208 пїЅ пїЅ
пїЅ пїЅ 2014 UpToDate, Inc. All rights reserved. пїЅ пїЅ
This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care providers advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you.The use of UpToDate content is governed by the UpToDate Terms of Use. пїЅ пїЅ2014 UpToDate, Inc. All rights reserved. пїЅ пїЅ
- 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)
- 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 " пїЅ 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).
- 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
- 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
Digestive system
This drawing shows the organs in the body that process food. Together these organs are called "the digestive system," or "digestive tract. " пїЅ As food travels through this system, the body absorbs nutrients and water.
Graphic 66110 Version 4.0
Digestive system
This drawing shows the organs in the body that process food. Together these organs are called "the digestive system," or "digestive tract. " пїЅ As food travels through this system, the body absorbs nutrients and water.
Graphic 66110 Version 4.0
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
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