bloating
Belching, bloating and flatulence are daily occurrences and usually of little cause for concern. As embarrassing and uncomfortable as it may be, we usually view these body processes as a norm associated with digestion. In some cases however, belching, bloating and flatulence may be a cause of great distress.
The expulsion of gas from the gut can be a loud and socially unacceptable practice but the frequency and nature of these processes may indicate serious pathology. Belching or burping is the common term associated with eructations through the mouth. Belching is a frequent occurrence after meals and consumption of certain drinks. On some occasions, repeated belching may be accompanied by bloating and a feeling of ‘fullness’ known as indigestion (dyspepsia).
Flatulence is an often embarrassing expulsion of gas through the anus. It may be voluntary or involuntary and is a regular occurrence in a healthy person. The breakdown and decomposition of food within the colon is the main reason for this gas build up. Normal intestinal bacteria consume digested foods within the large intestine, assist with further breakdown and residual nutrient absorption. These bacterial species produce gas as a byproduct which is then released as flatus. Excessive flatulence is often associated with a disruption of this bacterial process or may be as a result of certain foods which are known to contribute to gas production.
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