Meteorism is the accumulation of gases in the digestive tract, which causes a feeling of bloating, discomfort and abdominal distension. It is usually related to the swallowing of air unconsciously by drinking or eating something quickly, which is called aerophagia.
Factors such as stress and anxiety lead people to eat faster, which facilitates the entry and accumulation of air in the digestive tract.
When air is present in the stomach, it can cause a feeling of satiety early, and can be removed through voluntary or involuntary burping. When present in the intestine, air can cause abdominal distension and acute pain located in a specific region. Its presence at this site is due to air swallowed in swallowing and also to the production of gas at the time of digestion. Here's how to eliminate the gases.
Intestinal meteorism is not serious and can happen at any age, and can be easily resolved by changing eating habits or, in the last case, using medicines to relieve abdominal pain. In addition, it is important to pay attention to chewing, which should be slow, to avoid liquids during the meal. Avoiding chewing gum and candy is also critical.
Causes of meteorism
The main cause of meteorism is aerophagia, which is the large intake of air during feeding. Other causes are:
- Rapid chewing due to stress or anxiety;
- Increased consumption of soft drinks;
- Increased carbohydrate intake;
- Use of antibiotics, as they alter the intestinal flora and, consequently, the process of fermentation by the intestinal bacteria;
- Inflammation in the intestine.
Meteorism can be diagnosed by x-ray or computed tomography, but palpation is usually done only in the abdominal region for the presence of gas. Here's what to do to slow down swallowing air.
How is the treatment done?
The treatment of meteorism can be done with the use of drugs that relieve the pain and abdominal discomfort caused by gases, such as dimethicone and activated charcoal. There are natural ways to stop the fumes such as fennel tea and gentian tea. See which are the best home remedies for gases.
It is usually possible to get rid of the feeling of bloating and gas by changing the diet. Thus, avoid legume foods such as peas, lentils and beans, some vegetables such as cabbage and broccoli, and whole grains such as rice and wholemeal flour. Find out what foods are causing gas.
