Gases

The most common antiflatulents to treat both gas and flatulence are:

• Simethicone: an active ingredient that works by breaking up gas bubbles in the intestine, facilitating their elimination and relieving abdominal discomfort. It can be found in medicines such as Aero-Red or Imonogas.
• Activated charcoal: reduces intestinal gas and reduces abdominal bloating. It can be found in Arkopharma charcoal.
• Alpha-D-galactosidase: reduces gas caused by fermentation of foods, such as legumes. Medicines with this active ingredient are usually fast-acting, providing relief in about 15-30 minutes.
• Digestive enzymes: found in medicines such as Pankreoflat, which combines pancreatin and dimethicone.

Before we delve into the formation of gas and how it builds up in the gut, we need to understand how the digestive system, which extends from the mouth to the anus, works.

Roughly speaking, digestion begins in the mouth, where food is crushed and passes down the oesophagus to the stomach. Once there, it is partially dissolved and passes into the small intestine, where it mixes with gastric juices to pass into the large intestine. Once the food reaches the large intestine, bacteria ferment the carbohydrates that have not yet been digested in the small intestine and form waste and gas.

What is intestinal gas?

Intestinal gas is air that has accumulated in the intestine, although it is usually expelled through the anus via the rectum, or it can be expelled through the mouth via the digestive tract.

The accumulation of gas is a very common ailment that occurs on a regular basis, causing abdominal pain. Bloating. Although such symptoms can also be caused by certain diseases of the digestive system, such as irritable bowel syndrome.

Gas during pregnancy

Being a time of continuous changes, during pregnancy there are hormonal alterations, which directly affect the formation of gas. Digestion slows down and the displacement of the intestine increases the formation of air and acidity.

Gas is closely linked to the food we eat, so there are certain foods that can cause excess gas production.

Causes of gas

We have listed some of the dietary factors that are most likely to cause gas:

• Carbonated drinks, especially when they are carbonated.
• Fibre supplements
• Artificial sweeteners
• Eating fast or chewing gum.
• Dairy products.
• Cabbage
• yeast.

How can we combat excess gas?

• Lying face down in bed.
• Lie on your back and stretch out your left leg while bending your right leg over your stomach.
• It is good to do sport and walk.
• Avoid smoking.
• Eat slowly without talking.
• In addition, there are specific medicines to combat intestinal gas.

Note: If you suffer from severe pain or have symptoms that are unusual for this type of disorder, do not hesitate to see your doctor. It may be another type of digestive problem.