$Unique_ID{BRK01410}
$Pretitle{Digestive System}
$Title{What is Gas and Where Does it Come From?}
$Subject{gas flatulence cause prevention}
$Volume{I-13}
$Log{}

Copyright (c) 1991   Tribune Media Services, Inc.


What is Gas and Where Does it Come From?


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QUESTION:  I seem to have more than my share of problems with gas.  Forgive me
if this is not the proper word for the problem, but it is the only one I know.
Could you please explain where it comes from and just what it is?  Is there
anything I can do about it?  It may not be a pleasant condition to discuss,
but it sure is an important one when you are the one that has it.

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ANSWER:  While it may not be associated with the best mental images in the
world, it certainly is a common enough problem with just about everyone
experiencing it some time or another during a lifetime.  And gas is just fine
as a descriptive term although it also goes by the term "flatus".  And
"flatulence" is the passage of gas through the rectum.  Gas results from a
number of situations, the most common of which is swallowing air.  Each time
we swallow our food, or just the liquid which normally accumulates in the
mouth, a small bit of air also enters the stomach.  Belching rids us of some
of the accumulated air, and additional amounts are absorbed as they passe into
the small intestine.  Whatever amount remains passes into the colon, and then
out through the rectum.  Some foods, rich in fiber such as cauliflower,
brussel sprouts, dried beans, broccoli, cabbage and bran, are difficult to
digest completely, and the undigested remains of the food undergo a process of
fermentation by bacteria which are present in the colon.  This also produces a
certain quantity of gas.  The quantity of flatus produced by the body differs
from individual to individual and ranges from 400 cc to 2,400 cc each day.  It
is composed mostly of nitrogen from the air, and carbon dioxide and hydrogen
and other gases in small amounts resulting from the fermentation.  All the
gases present in flatus are odorless, except a trace amount of hydrogen
sulfide, which is the cause of the unpleasant "rotten eggs" odor.  Usually
flatus is not the result of a disease process, and a few simple suggestions
may help.  Eat you meals slowly and chew thoroughly.  Check dentures to be
sure they fit properly.  Cut back on the gas producing vegetables I enumerated
above, and eliminate carbonated beverages from your diet.  Avoid chewing gum
or sucking hard candies which can increase the amount of air you swallow.  If
all these measure do not provide the relief you need, check with your doctor
to make sure there are no problems in your digestive system.
ÿ
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The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace 
the counsel and advice of your personal physician.  Promptly consulting your 
doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical 
problem.
