This article outlines the procedure for helping patients to eat at mealtimes. It highlights the importance of monitoring food and fluid intake and the need for accurate documentation
To continue reading this clinical article please log in or subscribe. Already have an account, click here to sign in
ABOUT CAUSES DIAGNOSIS TREATMENT NEXT STEPS
Gas in your digestive tract is made when:
Everyone has gas. It may be painful and embarrassing, but it is not dangerous. Your body gets rid of gas by burping or by passing it through your rectum. Most people make about 1 to 4 pints of gas a day. It is common to pass gas about 14 times a day. Most gas is made up of vapors that do not smell. These include carbon dioxide, oxygen, nitrogen, hydrogen, and sometimes methane. The bacteria in your large intestine give off gases that have sulfur. These gases have a bad smell.
Gas in your digestive tract is caused by 2 things:
Some health problems can cause you to make more gas in your digestive tract. These include:
Each person’s symptoms may vary. The most common symptoms of gas are:
Other health issues that may cause abdominal bloating include:
There are a few rare, chronic gas diseases that cause belching. These include:
The symptoms of gas may look like other health problems. Always see your healthcare provider to be sure.
In some cases you may have gas symptoms because of a serious health problem. Always see your healthcare provider to be sure. Your healthcare provider will look at your past health and give you a physical exam. The following tests may also be done:
Your healthcare provider will make a care plan for you based on:
You can reduce some of your gas pain by:
You can’t stop all gas in the digestive tract. But you can reduce the amount of gas made in your digestive system. Don’t take foods or drinks that seem to give you more gas. And follow your healthcare provider’s advice.
In most cases, having gas in your digestive tract is not serious. But you should call your healthcare provider if:
Key points about gas in the digestive tract
Tips to help you get the most from a visit to your healthcare provider:
Medical Reviewer: Raymond Kent Turley BSN MSN RN Medical Reviewer: John Hanrahan MD Medical Reviewer: L Renee Watson MSN RN © 2000-2022 The StayWell Company, LLC. All rights reserved. This information is not intended as a substitute for professional medical care. Always follow your healthcare professional's instructions. |