Flatus: excessive

Question 1

Flatus arises from two main sources:

Answer 1

swallowed air (aerophagia)

bacterial fermentation of undigested carbohydrate

Question 2

Exclude

Answer 2

malabsorption

irritable bowel syndrome

anxiety → aerophagy

drugs, esp.

• lipid-lowering agents
• PDE-5 inhibitors

lactose intolerance

Question 3

Management

Answer 3

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)