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 | Are there any over-the-counter treatments for flatulence? |
|  Flatulence is the passing of air, or gas, from the intestinal tract through the anus. Sometimes people have abdominal pain or a bloated feeling when too much gas builds up in the intestines. Bacteria breaking down foods in the colon cause this buildup. Swallowing air during meals and drinking carbonated beverages may also cause flatulence. Dietary changes and over-the-counter medicines are the main treatments for excess gas. High-fiber foods, such as beans, cauliflower, Brussels sprouts, broccoli, cabbage, bran, and dried fruits, are common causes of flatulence. When you eat these foods, an over-the-counter product called Beano may help. It contains an enzyme that helps to break down the substances in foods that cause gas. Some people have excess flatulence because they can't digest dairy products, a condition known as lactose intolerance. If dairy products give you gas, try avoiding them. You can also use an over-the-counter product called Lactaid, an enzyme that helps to break down the sugar in dairy products that causes gas. Over-the-counter products containing simethicone (brand names Gas-X, Phazyme, Mylanta, Mylicon) treat the discomfort caused by gas. Simethicone does not prevent gas, but it may help gas pass more easily, reducing bloating and discomfort. Sources:Ganiats, T.G. "Does Beano Prevent Gas? A Double-Blind Crossover Study of Oral Alpha-galactosidase to Treat Dietary Oligosaccharide Intolerance," Journal of Family Practice 39 (1994).Sanders, S.W. "Effect of a Single Dose of Lactase on Symptoms and Expired Hydrogen After Lactose Challenge in Lactose-Intolerant Subjects," Clinical Pharmacology and Therapeutics 11 (1992).Mayo Clinic Family Health Book. William Morrow & Co., 1996.Handbook of Nonprescription Drugs. American Pharmaceutical Association, 2000.Swartzberg, J. E., S. Margen. The UC Berkeley Wellness Self-Care Handbook. Rebus Inc. 1998.Diseases and Conditions. “Gas and gas pains”. www.mayoclinic.com. Mayo Clinic Health. Last accessed 12/7/2006.Medline Plus. Medline, 2006. This answer prepared 8/9/2001. This information updated 12/7/2006. |
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