Flatus: Excessive

Flatus arises from two main sources:

• swallowed air (aerophagia)

• bacterial fermentation of undigested carbohydrate

Exclude

• Malabsorption

• Irritable bowel syndrome

• Anxiety → aerophagy

• Drugs, esp. lipid-lowering agents, PDE-5 inhibitors

• Lactose intolerance

Management

• Assess diet (e.g. high fibre, beans and legumes, cabbage, onions, grapes and raisins)

• Avoid drinking with eating, esp. with leafy vegetables

• Cook vegetables thoroughly

• Trial of a lactose-free diet

• Consider simethicone preparations (e.g. No Gas)