Excessive flatulence is usually caused by diet or lifestyle factors, such as swallowing air, high fiber intake, or food intolerances. Medications or underlying medical conditions may also be to blame. Making small changes to diet and behavior can help reduce gas, but seeing a doctor is recommended if symptoms persist.
Passing gas is a normal and healthy bodily function that allows the digestive tract to release trapped air. Some people, however, experience frequent or even constant gas, which can cause chronic abdominal discomfort and embarrassment. Fortunately, constant flatulence is usually caused by a particular aspect of an individual’s diet or lifestyle, and by pinpointing the cause of the excess gas, the problem can easily be controlled or even eliminated. The most common causes of constant flatulence include a tendency to swallow large amounts of air, a high fiber intake, and an intolerance to certain types of foods. Sometimes medications or underlying medical conditions like Crohn’s disease are also to blame.
One of the most common causes of constant flatulence is swallowed air that has accumulated in the digestive tract. Large amounts of air are often swallowed when an individual eats very fast, chews gum, or drinks through a straw. Smoking can also lead to swallowing excess air. Making small behavioral changes, such as chewing slowly or skipping straws, can help reduce the appearance of this type of gas.
Frequently, constant flatulence is caused by high fiber intake. While natural foods like beans, green vegetables, and fibrous fruits like apples provide a number of health benefits, they can also cause gas to build up in the intestines. Often this reaction occurs when large amounts of fiber are suddenly introduced into a previously low-fiber diet, overwhelming the intestines. To achieve a healthy diet while avoiding excessive flatulence, gradually increase your fiber intake over several days or weeks.
For some people, constant flatulence is caused by a food intolerance in which the digestive tract is unable to process a particular element contained in certain types of foods. Common culprits include lactose, the sugar found in dairy products, and gluten, a protein found in grains like wheat. Lactose-related flatulence can be reduced by using an over-the-counter product that helps the body process dairy products. Gluten-derived flatulence can be eliminated by eliminating gluten from the diet.
Sometimes excessive flatulence can be caused by medications. Some antibiotics, for example, can temporarily reduce the number of “friendly” bacteria that normally live in the gut and aid in digestion. To protect the body’s bacterial resistance, it is important to always finish a course of antibiotics. Therefore, one should not stop taking a prescription due to flatulence. While drug-derived gas may cause short-term embarrassment or discomfort, the body’s “friendly” bacteria will soon return to full strength once the prescription is finished.
Finally, constant flatulence can be a symptom of an underlying medical problem, such as Crohn’s disease or an intestinal obstruction. Conditions like these can become serious if left untreated. Therefore, those who have ruled out all the common causes of excess gas should consider seeing a doctor to determine if a medical condition is to blame.
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