What is the difference between flatulence and gas

Flatulence refers to the passage of rectal gas. The gas is generally a combination of swallowed air and gas produced by the action of colon bacteria on undigested carbohydrates.

Gas which accumulates in the right upper portion of the colon can lead to pain which could seem like gallbladder pain. Gas which accumulates in the left upper portion of the colon can radiate up to the chest and seem like cardiac pain. We all swallow air during the process of eating. Individuals can have excess swallowing due to sucking on hard candies or chewing gum.

Drinking carbonated beverages such as soda or beer can also generate excess gastric air. In addition, individuals who experience anxiety may swallow air excessively.

As a result, significant amounts of gas can enter the stomach and small bowel in 24 hours which can lead to belching, bloating or flatulence. Some carbohydrates cannot be digested by the enzymes in the small intestine and reach the colon where bacteria metabolize them to hydrogen and carbon dioxide gasses.

Examples of such food are bran, cabbage, cauliflower, broccoli, and beans. This can result in excess flatulence in some patients. Many patients experience abdominal cramps, bloating and flatulence when they ingest milk, certain cheeses or ice cream because they lack the enzyme lactase which is required to digest milk sugars lactose.

This condition, called lactose intolerance, is less common in people of northern European origin. Another cause of bloating and abdominal distension is termed bacterial overgrowth. This is not an infection, but occurs when there is an excess amount of normal bacteria in the small intestine. This results in increased production of intestinal gas contributing to the above symptoms.

If you have unexplained flatulence, or if you experience the following symptoms along with flatulence, you should see your doctor:. Your doctor will discuss your symptoms with you, including when the problem started, and if there are any apparent triggers. Your doctor will likely advise you to follow the steps above, including keeping a food diary and changing your eating habits.

Depending on the cause, you may also benefit from seeing a dietitian. In addition, you may receive medication for a specific condition. You may also have to undergo further tests to get a conclusive diagnosis for your excessive flatulence. As we all react to certain foods differently, sometimes a diet change is needed to prevent flatulence. There are no long-term consequences for not treating flatulence. If the flatulence is due to a food intolerance or digestive issue, the problem may get worse.

Other symptoms may also develop. In some cases, prolonged excessive flatulence can lead to other issues, such as social discomfort and changes in eating habits. If it affects your lifestyle a lot, it may also affect your mood. While farting every day is normal, farting all the time is not. Excessive farting, also called flatulence, can make you uncomfortable and…. Eating an excessive amount of protein may cause flatulence. If excessive farting is becoming a problem, you can correct this issue with these dietary….

This content does not have an English version. This content does not have an Arabic version. See more conditions. Belching, gas and bloating: Tips for reducing them.

Products and services. Belching, gas and bloating: Tips for reducing them Belching, gas and bloating can be embarrassing and uncomfortable. By Mayo Clinic Staff.

Thank you for Subscribing Our Housecall e-newsletter will keep you up-to-date on the latest health information. Please try again. Something went wrong on our side, please try again. Show references Gas in the digestive tract. Accessed Jan. Abraczinskas D. Overview of intestinal gas and bloating. Gas-related complaints. Merck Manual Professional Version.

Feldman M, et al. Intestinal gas. Saunders Elsevier; Cameron P, et al. Peptic ulcer disease and gastritis. In: Textbook of Adult Emergency Medicine.

Certain foods may cause gas. Foods that produce gas in one person may not cause gas in another. Medicines can help reduce gas or the pain and bloating caused by gas. If your symptoms still bother you, see your health care provider. The information on this site should not be used as a substitute for professional medical care or advice.

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