Information on Flatulence (Gas) and Anti Gas Agents

Gas or flatulence is the excess air in the stomach and intestines that is passed through the rectum. There are various reasons that lead to formation of gas in the stomach leading to severe bloating, abdominal pain, cramps in the stomach and pressure. Eating high fiber foods, consuming certain antibiotic medicines, irritable bowel syndrome, swallowing air while eating or drinking, malabsorption etc. can lead to formation of gas.

To avoid the gas problem, it is better to take some precautions like avoiding food like cabbage, beams, to avoid carbonated beverages, chewing gum etc. Check out first which food causes the problem for you and then try to avoid taking those food. Besides this, for proper digestion, chew your food thoroughly, eat slowly in a relaxing way and walk for few minutes after eating.

There are many anti gas agents or medicines available that help in relieving the symptoms of gas. Such medicines are available even without a doctor's prescriptions. They are available as capsules, chew able tablets and syrups. The most common drugs are Gas-X, Mylanta Gas Relief, Phazyme etc. Such drugs contain an ingredient known as simethicone which breaks up gas bubbles in the digestive and intestinal tract and relieve the symptoms of excess gas. The anti gas tablets need to be taken after meals and at bedtime and all chewable tablets should be chewed thoroughly. Consult a doctor before giving to children below 12 years of age.

This medicine has no side effects and the best part is that it does not interact with other medicines. After taking the medicine, the bloating and the flatulence decreases. However if you face other problems beside gas like abdominal or rectal pain, nausea, vomiting, heartburn, diarrhea, constipation, weight loss, bloody stools or oily, foul-smell then it is better to consult a doctor immediately. If any person is allergic to any foods, dyes, preservatives, or other substances, he should consult his physician as some anti-gas medicines contain sugar, sodium, or other ingredients.