Why is my stomach bubbling and gases coming out? Gas in the intestines smells like rotten eggs
Approximately 75% of the gas is released by colon bacteria during the processing of food components and glycoproteins of endogenous origin. The mixture of gases consists of hydrogen (H 2), methane (CH 4) and carbon monoxide (CO 2). The smell of gas depends on the H 2 S content. Excessive accumulation of gases is facilitated by the ingestion of air and diffusion from the bloodstream into the lumen. Most of The nitrogen (N2) in the lumen comes from the bloodstream, and most of the H2 contained in the bloodstream comes from the intestine.
Causes of gas in the stomach and intestines
| Causes | diagnostic approach | |
| Azrophagia (swallowing air) | Conscious or unconscious swallowing of air. In some cases - in smokers or those who use chewing gum too often. In some cases - in patients with gastroesophageal reflux, poorly fitting dentures | Clinical assessment |
| Gas contained in carbonated drinks | Drinks that typically cause symptoms (based on questioning) | Clinical assessment |
| Conscious swallowing of air | When questioned, the patient usually admits this fact. | Clinical assessment |
Abdominal distension or bloating:
| Causes | data allowing to suspect a certain pathology | diagnostic approach |
| Azrophagia | See "Burping" | Clinical assessment |
| Irritable bowel syndrome | Chronic, recurrent abdominal bloating or distension combined with changes in bowel movements or consistency of stool | wt. There are no alarm symptoms (“red flags”). Typically, the onset of the disease is between adolescence and the third decade of life. | Clinical assessment. Study; chair. Blood tests |
| Gastrolarez | Nausea, abdominal pain, sometimes vomiting. Feeling of early satiety. In some cases - in patients with a known “causal” disease | Upper gastrointestinal endoscopy and/or radionuclide scan to assess gastric emptying function |
| Eating disorders | Long-lasting symptoms. In patients who are low body weight but very concerned about being overweight, especially young women | Clinical assessment |
| Constipation, with its chronic nature | Long-term history of dense stool consistency and infrequent bowel movements | Clinical assessment |
| Non-gastrointestinal diseases (eg, ovarian or colon cancer) | The emergence of a new symptom of persistent bloating in middle-aged or elderly patients. For colon cancer, periodic appearance of blood in the stool (visible or detectable during a medical examination) | For ovarian cancer - ultrasound of the pelvic organs. For colon cancer - colonoscopy |
| Causes | data allowing to suspect a certain pathology | diagnostic approach |
| Certain products, incl. legumes, dairy products, vegetables, onions, celery! carrots, Brussels sprouts, fruits (eg raisins, apricots, plum juice) and leg carbohydrates | Symptoms that develop primarily after consuming foods that cause gas | Clinical Evaluation Elimination Diet Trial |
| Disaccharidase deficiency | Bloating, cramping, diarrhea after eating certain foods | Breathing tests |
| Celiac disease (eg, celiac sprue, tropical sprue) | Anemia, steatorrhea, loss of appetite, diarrhea. With celiac disease, sprue is weakness and clinical manifestations that often occur in childhood. With tropical sprue - nausea, cramping pain, weight loss | Blood tests. Small bowel biopsy |
| Pancreatic insufficiency | Diarrhea, steatorrhea. As a rule, anamnestic indications of the presence of pancreatic pathology | CT scan of the abdominal cavity, in some cases - MRCP, endoscopic ultrasound or ERCP |
There are 3 main complaints characteristic of excess gas accumulation: excessive belching, a feeling of bloating and excess gas, each of which has different causes. Repeated episodes of crying in children aged 2-4 months appear to be associated with pain and have previously been explained by the appearance of colicky sensations due to the accumulation of gases in the intestines. However, excess H 2 formation or changes in the transit time of contents from the oral cavity to the cecum in such children have not been confirmed in studies. The causes of colic in infants remain unclear.
Excessive belching
Belching occurs due to the expulsion of swallowed air or gas released after drinking carbonated drinks. Normally, slight aerophagia is observed when eating and drinking; however, some people experience unconscious repeated swallowing movements during smoking, eating, and other times, accompanied by excessive swallowing of air. This is especially pronounced in a state of anxiety and when trying to specifically induce belching.
Increased aerophagia is promoted by excess salivation associated with diseases of the digestive system (in particular, gastroesophageal reflux disease), nausea of various origins.
Most of the swallowed air comes out with belching. A small portion enters the small intestine; this amount is largely determined by the position of the body. In a straightened position, the air can be easily released by burping; in the supine position, the air “trapped” above the liquid contents of the stomach passes more easily into the duodenum. Excessive belching can also occur consciously; if belching is observed after taking antacids, the patient associates the relief of symptoms with the belching, and not with the effect of the antacids themselves, and may deliberately provoke the release of air.
Bloating
Abdominal bloating can act as a separate symptom or be combined with other manifestations of functional disorders (aerophagia, non-ulcer dyspepsia, gastroparesis, irritable bowel syndrome) or organic diseases. Gastroparesis (and its manifestation - bloating) occurs due to various causes of non-functional origin, the most important of which is autonomic visceral neuropathy with diabetes mellitus; in other cases, gastroparesis occurs due to viral infection, anticholinergic medications, and long-term opioid treatment. However, there is no direct connection between excess intestinal gas and clinical manifestations No. In most healthy individuals, when gas is infused into the intestinal lumen at a rate of 1 l/h, only minimal sensations appear. It is likely that in many cases complaints are misinterpreted as manifestations of “excessive gas formation.”
At the same time, some patients with recurrent symptoms of gastrointestinal disorders do not tolerate even small amounts of gas: retrograde distension of the colon using a balloon or air injection during colonoscopy can cause significant discomfort, while this is not observed in others. With eating disorders (anorexia nervosa, bulimia), sensory disturbances and severe discomfort, especially bloating, are often observed. Thus, the main reason underlying bloating may be intestinal hypersensitivity. Motility disorders contribute to an increase in symptoms.
Excessive gases
The passage of gases from the rectum varies significantly in volume and frequency. Patients who are bothered by excess gas usually have no idea what is normal (similar to a problem with stool frequency). On average, the frequency of passing gases is 13-21 per day. The first step in assessing a symptom is to record the frequency of passing gas (in a diary kept by the patient).
Intestinal gas is a byproduct produced during the metabolism of intestinal bacteria; a minimal amount of gas comes from ingested air and as a result of reverse diffusion of gases from the bloodstream (mainly N2). During the life of bacteria, a significant amount of H 2, CH 4 and CO 2 is produced.
H2 is produced in large quantities during malabsorption syndrome, as well as after eating fruits and vegetables, sugar, in particular fructose, or sugar alcohols, in particular sorbitol. If there is excessive gas formation in the colon, the likelihood of diseases occurring with carbohydrate malabsorption, in particular celiac disease, tropical sprue, pancreatic insufficiency, etc., should be considered.
CH 4 is also produced during the processing of similar products (in particular, dietary fiber) by bacteria in the colon. In 10% of people, the microbial population is dominated by bacteria that produce CH4 instead of H2.
CO 2 is also produced in the process of bacterial metabolism by the interaction of HCO 3 - and H +. The source of H + can be gastric HCl or fatty acids released during the hydrolysis of neutral fat - during the latter, several hundred meq of H + can be formed. Acidic products released during the processing of unabsorbed carbohydrates by bacteria that inhabit the colon can also react with HCO 3 to form CO 2. Although occasional bloating may occur, the rapid penetration of CO 2 into the bloodstream prevents significant gas accumulation and intestinal distension.
The nature of the diet that contributes to excess gas production is subject to large individual differences. Other little-studied factors (in particular, differences in the composition of the microflora of the colon and motility) also seem to play a role in the occurrence of flatulence.
Examination for gas in the abdomen and intestines
Anamnesis. The history of the present illness in the presence of belching can provide valuable information about the cause of aerophagia and eating habits.
If there is excessive gas formation, bloating or excessive gas discharge, it is necessary to analyze the relationship between the appearance of symptoms and food intake (both in time and in the nature of food), bowel function, and physical activity. Some patients with myocardial ischemia, especially with acute symptoms, regard them as manifestations of increased gas formation. It is necessary to pay attention to changes in stool frequency, color and consistency of stool. Weight loss should be noted.
Condition assessment various systems is aimed at identifying certain disorders, in particular diarrhea and steatorrhea (manifestations of malabsorption syndrome in celiac sprue, tropical sprue, disaccharidase deficiency, exocrine pancreatic insufficiency) and weight loss (manifestation of cancer, chronic malabsorption).
A history of previous diseases helps clarify the nature of nutrition to identify possible provoking factors.
Physical examination. On examination, as a rule, there are no pathological changes; It must be emphasized that in case of bloating or excessive gas discharge, a transrectal examination and a transvaginal examination (in women) should be performed.
Symptoms and warning signs (red flags) of gas in the abdomen and intestines
The following signs are especially important:
- weight loss;
- blood in the stool (hidden or obvious);
- sensation of accumulation of “gas” in the chest.
Interpretation of results
Chronic, recurrent abdominal bloating or distension, relieved by defecation and associated with changes in bowel movements or stool consistency, and in the absence of anxiety symptoms, suggests irritable bowel syndrome.
If symptoms persist for a long time in an otherwise healthy young patient and there is no weight loss, the presence of a serious organic disease is unlikely; however, an eating disorder should be excluded (especially in young women). Abdominal bloating in combination with diarrhea and/or weight loss, or occurring after eating certain foods, suggests malabsorption syndrome.
Survey
In the presence of belching, unless there are other symptoms indicating the presence of a specific disorder, special examination is not indicated. The advisability of performing breath tests to identify intolerance to disaccharides (particularly lactose, fructose) should be considered, especially if there is a history of consumption of significant amounts of these carbohydrates. If diarrhea and/or weight loss is present, screening for small intestinal bacterial overgrowth syndrome is indicated; It is preferable to conduct a cultural study of the aspirate of small intestinal contents taken during endoscopic examination of the upper sections, on nutrient media for aerobes and anaerobes. Diagnosis of bacterial overgrowth using H2 breath tests, usually glucose-H2 breath tests, can give false positive results (for example, with accelerated transit) and false negative results (for example, when there is no microflora in the intestine that produces H2). If bloating occurs for the first time and persists in a middle-aged or elderly woman (or if changes are detected during transvaginal examination), an immediate ultrasound examination is indicated to exclude ovarian cancer.
Treatment of gas in the stomach and intestines, what to do, how to get rid of it?
Reducing belching and bloating can be difficult to achieve. Reduction of aerophagia can be achieved by avoiding the use of chewing gum using therapy aimed at preventing air ingestion, as well as treatment of associated gastrointestinal diseases (eg, peptic ulcers). Avoid eating foods containing indigestible carbohydrates. Even in the presence of lactase deficiency, patients usually tolerate drinking 1 glass of milk in small portions during the day. It is necessary to explain the mechanism of recurring belching. If aerophagia causes significant discomfort, behavioral therapy, teaching diaphragmatic open-mouth breathing and reducing the frequency of swallowing can have a good effect.
Reception medicines does not have a significant effect. The use of simethicone, a substance that causes the collapse of small gas bubbles, as well as various cholinergic drugs, does not provide a guaranteed result. Some patients with dyspepsia and a feeling of fullness in the upper abdomen after eating have a good effect from taking antacids and/or tricyclic antidepressants in a low dose, which help reduce visceral hypersensitivity.
The fight against increased gas production consists of eliminating provoking foods and substances. To stimulate transit through the colon, you can add coarse fiber to your food (for example, bran, psyllium seed); however, in some cases the symptoms worsen. Taking activated carbon in some cases helps reduce the passage of gases and bad smell. Special gaskets are available containing Activated carbon. Probiotics, by changing the composition of the intestinal microflora, can also reduce bloating.
Functional bloating, abdominal distension, and increased gas formation may have a chronic intermittent course, only partially alleviated by therapy. If necessary, the patient should be reassured that these manifestations do not cause significant harm to health.
Basic provisions
- The examination plan should be based on clinical data.
- Caution should be exercised at the first occurrence of persistent symptoms in older patients.
A side effect of a normal, functioning intestinal tract. For some, gas smells like eggs.
Why do gases accumulate in the intestines?
Gas in the digestive system is either air (from external environment), or gases produced by bacteria inside the body. This is completely normal, although people may be embarrassed by belching (gas that is expelled through the mouth) or flatulence (gas that is expelled through the rectum).
Gas can be disconcerting, but it's part of the digestion process, whether you like it or not. You have a certain degree of control over how much gas you produce, and you can influence it yourself.
All good, in fact, it means that your digestive system is doing what it's supposed to do: breaking down foods into the minerals your body needs.
What is gas made of and why does gas smell like eggs?
What gas smells like rotten eggs? - methane. The main components of gas in the intestines include carbon dioxide, oxygen, nitrogen and hydrogen. These gases do not emit an odor, but gas that comes from the rectum may also include sulfur-containing compounds, which have an unpleasant and characteristic smell of rotten eggs. Some people also have methane in their flatulence, which is produced in the colon during digestion.
A stinky smell doesn't necessarily mean you're sick, it's simply a function of what you eat and what your bacteria are doing in your gastrointestinal tract. A foul smell means that the carbohydrates you eat are not digested well (fermented).
Oddly enough, the healthier the food you eat, the worse smell. Fiber-rich foods like broccoli, Brussels sprouts and quinoa produce bacteria in your gut and in turn, you naturally produce gas. Food products foods high in sulfur, such as red meat, milk or plant proteins, are culprits in the production unpleasant odor. When we feed the bacteria in our guts high protein foods, they produce sulfur dioxide gas, which makes your gut gas smell like rotten eggs.
The end product of fermentation in our gastrointestinal tract is gas - carbon dioxide, hydrogen and methane, all made from bacterial fermentation.
The common thread between rotten eggs and stinking farts is sulfur. If you've ever been in a natural spring that emits sulfur dioxide gases, you've probably recognized the stench. This is what hydrogen sulfide smells like.
Can this be prevented?
If you have to choose food based solely on how much you fart, Dr. Brand recommends switching to high level squirrel. “Proteins won’t cause much gas, but carbohydrates will, which is what almost always causes the problem in the form of gas with a rotten egg smell.”
There are also more extreme measures you can take, although it is important to understand what exactly, or rather which product, works for you. You can try to manipulate this phenomenon with things like FODMAPs or FODMAPs, which is the scientific way of saying that every person is different, and foods that make one person break the silence and let out rotten gases and another eats the same thing, without emitting a hint of methane.
The low one he mentions is the one that limits certain types of carbohydrates that tend to ferment in the intestines and, as you now know, produce rancid gas. This diet is difficult to follow because it eliminates seemingly healthy foods such as onions and asparagus, so it is usually only used for people with severe gastrointestinal distress. If your flatulence is truly a problem, you should work with a gastroenterologist or nutritionist to determine which carbohydrates are causing your discomfort, flatulence, bloating, and gas that smells like rotten eggs.
Gas in the stomach
The gas that is in the stomach can come from swallowing air (aerophagia). Some air is naturally swallowed during talking and eating, but swallowing drinks, chewing gum, or smoking can cause even more air to be taken into the esophagus. Most of this gas is released the way it came in - through the mouth - like a burp, but some does pass through the stomach and out through the anus.
Most of this gas is absorbed on its way through the intestines, but some of the gas may become flatulent and leave the body through the rectum.
Gas in the intestines
Flatulence is a byproduct of food that is not completely broken down by the small intestine. The enzymes and bacteria that do the job of digesting food are present in the digestive tract and do the job, but sometimes fail.
Some foods cannot be completely broken down by enzymes in the small intestine and are passed on to the large intestine. The colon contains a number of bacteria that continue the digestive process, but this process creates by-products- carbon dioxide, hydrogen, and sometimes methane. These gases then pass through the rectum as flatulence.
or gas discomfort
Some people may have gas that makes them uncomfortable, such as bloating, and will want to change their diet or lifestyle to produce less gas. To do this, you should find out what foods you have difficulty digesting or even eliminate some foods that cause gas with the smell of rotten eggs. Keep in mind that everyone produces gas and should release it several times a day, but if you feel like you have excess gas in your intestines and it smells like rotten eggs or it's causing you a disproportionate amount, talk to your partner about your concerns. doctor.
Summary of gas
Your body must produce gas to break down food. This is an important process, even if it can be frustrating at times. While your body does need to produce gas, there are ways to reduce the amount of gas that is produced with bloating symptoms. Most people don't actually have too much gas, although it may seem that way to some. Some diet and lifestyle changes often help, but if bloating and gas that smells like rotten eggs continue to be uncontrollable, it's best to see a doctor.