Flatulence is very common, and it is estimated that a man will
naturally pass wind between 14 and 25 times a day. A woman will pass
gas between seven and 12 times per day. If you pass wind more
frequently than this on a regular basis, you could be suffering from
excessive flatulence, which has a number of causes.
Swallowing Air
It is natural to swallow air throughout the day, normally during
eating and drinking. Typically, only a small amount of air is
swallowed. If you frequently swallow more air, you may find that you
suffer from excessive flatulence.
Reasons that you may swallow more air than normal include chewing
gum, smoking, sucking on objects such as pen tops, drinking carbonated
drinks, and eating too quickly.
Dietary Choices
Your dietary choices could lead to excessive flatulence. Some foods
cannot be absorbed, meaning that they pass from the intestines to the
colon without first being digested. The colon contains a large number of
bacteria that then break down the food, releasing gases as they do so.
If your diet is high in foods such as beans, cabbage, broccoli,
raisins, lentils, prunes, and apples, you may suffer from flatulence.
These foods can also take a long time to digest, leading to an
unpleasant smell associated with flatulence.
Foods high in fructose or sorbitol, such as fruit juices, can also cause an increase in flatulence.
Health Conditions
If your diet does not contain a large amount of carbohydrates or
sugars, and you do not swallow excessive air, your excessive flatulence
may be caused by a medical condition.
Potential conditions behind flatulence range from temporary
conditions, such as constipation and gastroenteritis, to food
intolerances, such as lactose intolerance. Digestive problems, such as
irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and celiac disease, can also lead to
flatulence, although they are rarely the cause.
Flatulence may be treated in a number of ways, depending on the cause of the problem.
Self-Treatment
There may be ways for you to treat excessive flatulence yourself.
First, look at your diet. If it contains a large amount of
difficult-to-digest carbohydrates, try to replace these with
carbohydrates that are easier to digest, such as potatoes, rice, and
bananas.
Keep a food diary so you can identify any triggers, and eat around six small meals a day instead of three larger ones.
Additionally, avoid doing anything that may increase the amount of
air that you swallow. This includes ensuring that food is chewed
properly, as well as avoiding chewing gum or smoking.
Some people find that exercising helps to promote digestion and can prevent flatulence.
There are a number of over-the-counter medications that can treat
flatulence, although these will only temporarily stop the problem.
These include charcoal tablets that absorb gas through the digestive
system as well as dietary supplements, such as alpha-galactosidase
(Beano).
Medical Care
If your flatulence is unexplained, or if you suffer from other
symptoms along with flatulence such as a swollen abdomen or abdominal
pain, it is important to see your doctor.
Your doctor will discuss your symptoms with you, including when the problem started, and if there are any apparent triggers.
A blood test may be requested, both to ensure that the body is not
fighting an infection and to identify any possible food intolerances.
You are likely to be advised to follow the steps above, including
keeping a food diary and changing your eating habits. You may also be
referred to a dietician.
In addition, you may be given medication for a specific condition
such as IBS, if it is diagnosed, or sent for further tests to get a
conclusive diagnosis.
There are no long-term consequences for not treating flatulence. If
the flatulence is caused by a food intolerance or digestive issue, the
problem may get worse, or other symptoms may develop.
In some cases, prolonged excessive flatulence can lead to other
issues, such as depression and eating disorders. It is important to
maintain a healthy diet and to see your doctor if the problem begins to
negatively affect your life.
What causes gas?
Gas in the digestive tract is usually caused by swallowing air and by
the breakdown of certain foods in the large intestine by bacteria.
Everyone swallows a small amount of air when eating and drinking. The amount of air swallowed increases when people
- eat or drink too fast
- smoke
- chew gum
- suck on hard candy
- drink carbonated or “fizzy” drinks
- wear loose-fitting dentures
The digestive tract
Burping allows some gas to leave the stomach. The remaining gas moves
into the small intestine, where it is partially absorbed. A small
amount travels into the large intestine for release through the anus.
The stomach and small intestine do not fully digest some
carbohydrates—sugars, starches, and fiber found in many foods. This
undigested food passes through the small intestine to the large
intestine. Once there, undigested carbohydrates are broken down by
bacteria in the large intestine, which release hydrogen and carbon
dioxide in the process. Other types of bacteria in the large intestine
take in hydrogen gas and create methane gas or hydrogen sulfide, the
most common sulfur gas in flatus.
Studies have detected methane in the breath of 30 to 62 percent of healthy adults.
1
A larger percentage of adults may produce methane in the intestines,
but the levels may be too low to be detected. Research suggests that
people with conditions that cause constipation are more likely to
produce detectable amounts of methane.
1
More research is needed to find out the reasons for differences in
methane production and to explore the relationship between methane and
other health problems.
Some of the gas produced in the intestines is absorbed by the
bloodstream and carried to the lungs, where it is released in the
breath.
Normally, few bacteria live in the small intestine. Small intestinal
bacterial overgrowth is an increase in the number of bacteria or a
change in the type of bacteria in the small intestine. These bacteria
can produce excess gas and may also cause diarrhea and weight loss.
Small intestinal bacterial overgrowth is usually related to diseases or
disorders that damage the digestive system or affect how it works, such
as Crohn’s disease—an inflammatory bowel disease that causes
inflammation, or swelling, and irritation of any part of the
gastrointestinal (GI) tract—or diabetes.
Which foods cause gas?
Most foods that contain carbohydrates can cause gas. In contrast,
fats and proteins cause little gas. Foods that produce gas in one person
may not cause gas in someone else, depending on how well individuals
digest carbohydrates and the type of bacteria present in the intestines.
Some foods that may cause gas include
- beans
- vegetables such as broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage, brussels sprouts, onions, mushrooms, artichokes, and asparagus
- fruits such as pears, apples, and peaches
- whole grains such as whole wheat and bran
- sodas; fruit drinks, especially apple juice and pear juice; and
other drinks that contain high-fructose corn syrup, a sweetener made
from corn
- milk and milk products such as cheese, ice cream, and yogurt
- packaged foods—such as bread, cereal, and salad dressing—that
contain small amounts of lactose, a sugar found in milk and foods made
with milk
- sugar-free candies and gums that contain sugar alcohols such as sorbitol, mannitol, and xylitol
How is the cause of gas found?
People can try to find the cause of gas on their own by keeping a
diary of what they eat and drink and how often they burp, pass gas, or
have other symptoms. A diary may help identify specific foods that cause
gas.
A health care provider should be consulted if
- symptoms of gas are bothersome
- symptoms change suddenly
- new symptoms occur, especially in people older than age 40
- gas is accompanied by other symptoms, such as constipation, diarrhea, or weight loss
The health care provider will ask about dietary habits and symptoms
and may ask a person to keep a food diary. Careful review of diet and
the amount of burping or gas passed may help relate specific foods to
symptoms and determine the severity of the problem. Recording gas
symptoms can help determine whether the problem is too much gas in the
intestines or increased sensitivity to normal amounts of gas.
If milk or milk products are causing gas, the health care provider
may perform blood or breath tests to check for lactose intolerance, the
inability or insufficient ability to digest lactose. Lactose intolerance
is caused by a deficiency of the enzyme lactase, which is needed to
digest lactose. The health care provider may suggest avoiding milk
products for a short time to see if symptoms improve.
The health care provider may perform a physical exam and order other
types of diagnostic tests, depending on a person’s symptoms. These
tests can rule out serious health problems that may cause gas or
symptoms similar to those of gas.
How is gas treated?
Gas can be treated by reducing swallowed air, making dietary changes,
or taking over-the-counter or prescription medications. People who
think they have too much gas can try to treat gas on their own before
seeing a health care provider. Health care providers can provide advice
about reducing gas and prescribe medications that may help.
Reducing swallowed air. Swallowing less air may help
reduce gas, especially for people who burp frequently. A health care
provider may suggest eating more slowly, avoiding gum and hard candies,
or checking with a dentist to make sure dentures fit correctly.
Making dietary changes. People may be able to reduce
gas by eating less of the foods that cause gas. However, many healthy
foods may cause gas, such as fruits and vegetables, whole grains, and
milk products. The amount of gas caused by certain foods varies from
person to person. Effective dietary changes depend on learning through
trial and error which foods cause a person to have gas and how much of
the offending foods one can handle.
While fat does not cause gas, limiting high-fat foods can help reduce
bloating and discomfort. Less fat in the diet helps the stomach empty
faster, allowing gases to move more quickly into the small intestine.
Taking over-the-counter medications. Some over-the-counter medications can help reduce gas or the symptoms associated with gas:
- Alpha-galactosidase (Beano), an over-the-counter digestive aid,
contains the sugar-digesting enzyme that the body lacks to digest the
sugar in beans and many vegetables. The enzyme comes in liquid and
tablet form. Five drops are added per serving or one tablet is swallowed
just before eating to break down the gas-producing sugars. Beano has
no effect on gas caused by lactose or fiber.
- Simethicone (Gas-X, Mylanta Gas) can relieve bloating and abdominal pain or discomfort caused by gas.
- Lactase tablets or drops can help people with lactose
intolerance digest milk and milk products to reduce gas. Lactase tablets
are taken just before eating foods that contain lactose; lactase drops
can be added to liquid milk products. Lactose-free and lactose-reduced
milk and milk products are available at most grocery stores.
Eating, Diet, and Nutrition
People’s eating habits and diet affect the amount of gas they have.
For example, eating and drinking too fast may increase the amount of air
swallowed, and foods that contain carbohydrates may cause some people
to have more gas.
Tracking eating habits and symptoms can help identify the foods that
cause more gas. Avoiding or eating less of these foods may help reduce
gas symptoms.
Points to Remember
- Gas is air in the digestive tract.
- Everyone has gas. However, many people think they pass gas too
often and that they have too much gas. Having too much gas is rare.
- Gas in the digestive tract is usually caused by swallowing air
and by the breakdown of certain foods in the large intestine by
bacteria.
- Most foods that contain carbohydrates can cause gas. In contrast, fats and proteins cause little gas.
- Foods that produce gas in one person may not cause gas for someone else.
- The most common symptoms of gas are burping, passing gas, bloating, and abdominal pain or discomfort.
- Gas can be treated by reducing swallowed air, making dietary changes, or taking over-the-counter or prescription medications.
Hope through Research
The National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases
(NIDDK) sponsors research into digestive conditions, including gas.
Researchers are studying disorders that may cause gas symptoms, such as
IBS.
The NIDDK and other components of the National Institutes of Health
(NIH) are conducting clinical trials aimed at improving the diagnosis
and treatment of IBS. Self Administered Cognitive Behavior Therapy for
Irritable Bowel Syndrome, funded under NIH clinical trial number
NCT00738920, assesses the short- and long-term efficacy of cognitive
behavior therapy for IBS using two treatment delivery systems: self
administered and therapist administered. Long-term project goals include
development of an effective self-administered behavioral treatment
program that can enhance quality of patient care, improve clinical
outcomes, and decrease the economic and personal costs of IBS.
Safety Study of Probiotics in Adults with Irritable Bowel Syndrome,
funded under NIH clinical trial number NCT00971711, is a phase I study
of the safety and effectiveness of VSL#3 in adults with IBS. VSL#3 is a
high-potency probiotic medical food that is commercially available.
Acupuncture/Moxibustion for Irritable Bowel Syndrome (Acu/MoxalIBS),
funded under NIH clinical trial number NCT00945074, tests the efficacy
of acupuncture in combination with moxibustion for symptom improvement
in adults with IBS. Moxibustion is the application of heat from a
burning herb at the acupuncture point. All participants will receive
moxibustion and will be assigned to one of three treatment protocols:
standard acupuncture, individualized acupuncture, and sham acupuncture.
What causes flatulence? FEW possible conditions:
1.Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS):
affects the large intestine and causes many uncomfortable symptoms,
such as bloating, gas,
cramping, diarrhea, constipation, and pain. An estimated 10
to 15 percent of American adults suffer from this condition.
2.What Is Lactose Intolerance?:
Lactose intolerance is the inability to break down a type of natural sugar called
lactose.
Lactose is commonly found in dairy products, such as milk and yogurt. A
person becomes lactose intolerant when his or her small intestine
stops making enough of the enzyme
lactase to digest
and break down the lactose. When this happens, the undigested lactose
moves into the large intestine. The bacteria that are normally present
in the large intestine interact with the undigested lactose and cause
symptoms such as bloating, gas, and diarrhea. The condition may also be
called
lactase deficiency.
Lactose intolerance is very common in adults, particularly those with
Asian, African, Native American, or Mediterranean ancestry. According
to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), nearly 30 million American
people over the age of 20 are lactose intolerant (
NIH, 2012). The condition is not serious but may be unpleasant.
Lactose intolerance usually causes gastrointestinal symptoms, such as
gas, bloating, and diarrhea, about 30 minutes to two hours after
ingesting milk or other dairy products containing lactose. People who
are lactose intolerant may need to avoid eating these products or take
medicines containing the lactase enzyme before doing so.
Types of Lactose Intolerance
There are three main types of lactose intolerance, each with different causes:
Primary Lactose Intolerance (Normal Result of Aging)
This is the most common type of lactose intolerance.
Most people are born with enough lactase. Babies need the enzyme in
order to digest their mother’s milk. However, the amount of lactase a
person makes may decrease over time. This is because as people age, they
eat a more diverse diet and rely less on milk.
The decline in lactase is gradual. This type of lactose intolerance is
more common in people with Asian, African, Native American, or
Mediterranean ancestry.
Secondary Lactose Intolerance (Due to Illness or Injury)
Intestinal diseases such as celiac disease and inflammatory bowel
disease or a surgery or injury to your small intestine can also cause
lactose intolerance. Lactase levels may be restored if the underlying
disorder is treated.
Congenital or Developmental Lactose Intolerance (Being Born With the Condition)
In very rare cases, lactose intolerance is inherited. A defective
gene can be passed from the parents to a child, resulting in the
complete absence of lactase in the child. This is referred to as
congenital lactose intolerance.
The baby will be intolerant of his or her mother’s milk. He or she
will have diarrhea as soon as human milk or a formula containing lactose
is introduced. If it is not recognized and treated early on, the
condition can be life threatening. The diarrhea can cause dehydration
and electrolyte loss. The condition can be treated easily by giving the
baby a lactose-free infant formula instead of milk.
Developmental Lactose Intolerance
Occasionally, a type of lactose intolerance called developmental
lactose intolerance occurs when a baby is born prematurely. This is
because lactase production in the fetus begins later in the pregnancy,
after at least 34 weeks (
Heyman, 2006).
What Are the Symptoms of Lactose Intolerance?
The symptoms of lactose intolerance typically occur between 30
minutes and two hours after eating or drinking a milk or dairy product,
and may include
- abdominal cramps
- bloating
- gas
- diarrhea
- nausea
The symptoms can range from mild to severe. The severity depends on
how much lactose was consumed and how much lactase the person has
actually made.
How Is Lactose Intolerance Diagnosed?
If you are experiencing cramps, bloating, and diarrhea after
drinking milk or eating and drinking milk products, your doctor may want
to test you for lactose intolerance. Confirmatory tests measure
lactase activity in the body. These tests include:
Lactose Intolerance Test
This blood test measures your body’s reaction to a liquid that contains high lactose levels.
Hydrogen Breath Test
This test measures the amount of hydrogen in your breath after
consuming a drink high in lactose. If your body is unable to digest the
lactose, the bacteria in your intestine will break it down instead.
The process by which bacteria break down sugars like lactose is called fermentation.
Fermentation releases hydrogen and other gases. These gases are
absorbed and eventually exhaled. If you are not fully digesting
lactose, the hydrogen breath test will show a higher than normal amount
of hydrogen in your breath.
Stool Acidity Test
This test is more often done in infants and children. It measures
the amount of lactic acid in a stool sample. Lactic acid accumulates
when bacteria in the intestine ferment the undigested lactose.
How Is Lactose Intolerance Treated?
There is currently no way to make your body produce more lactose.
Treatment for lactose intolerance involves decreasing or completely
removing milk products from the diet.
Many people who are lactose intolerant can still have up to a half
cup of milk without experiencing any symptoms. Lactose-free milk
products can also be found at most supermarkets. Also, not all dairy
products contain a lot of lactose. You may still be able to eat some
hard cheeses (such as cheddar, Swiss, and Parmesan) or cultured milk
products (such as yogurt). Low-fat or non-fat milk products typically
have less lactose as well.
An over-the-counter lactase enzyme is available in capsule, pill,
drops, or chewable form to take before consuming dairy products. The
drops can also be added to a carton of milk.
People who are lactose intolerant and not consuming milk or dairy
products may become deficient in calcium, vitamin D, riboflavin, and
protein. Taking calcium supplements or eating foods that are either
naturally high in calcium or are calcium-fortified is recommended.
The Long Term: Adjusting to a Lactose-Free Diet and Lifestyle
Symptoms will go away if milk and milk products are removed from the
diet. Learn to read food labels carefully to detect ingredients that
may contain lactose. Aside from milk and cream, look out for ingredients
derived from milk, such as:
- whey or whey protein concentrate
- casein or caseinates
- curds
- cheese
- butter
- yogurt
- margarine
- dry milk solids or powder
- nougat
Many foods that you would not expect to contain milk may actually contain milk and lactose. Examples include:
- salad dressings
- frozen waffles
- non-kosher lunch meats
- sauces
- dry breakfast cereals
- baking mixes
- many instant soups
Milk and milk products are often added to processed foods. Even some
non-dairy creamers and medications may contain milk products and
lactose.
Lactose intolerance cannot be prevented. However, the symptoms of
lactose intolerance can be prevented by eating less dairy. Most people
who are lactose intolerant can still drink up to a half cup of milk
without having symptoms. Drinking low-fat or fat-free milk may also
result in fewer symptoms. Try dairy milk alternatives such as almond,
soy, or rice milk. Milk products with the lactose removed are also
available.
3.What Is an Intestinal Infection Due to E. coli?:
E. coli is a type of bacteria that normally live in the intestines of people and animals. However, some types of
E. coli, particularly
E. coli 0157:H7, can cause intestinal infection.
Symptoms of intestinal infection include diarrhea, abdominal pain, and
fever. More severe cases can lead to bloody diarrhea,
dehydration, or
kidney failure.
People with weakened immune systems, young children, and the elderly
are at increased risk for developing these complications.
Most intestinal infections are caused by contaminated food or water.
Proper food preparation and good hygiene can greatly decrease your
chances of developing an intestinal infection.
Most cases of intestinal infection can be treated at home. Symptoms generally resolve within a few days to a week.
Part 2 of 6: Symptoms
Symptoms of Intestinal Infection Due to E. coli
Symptoms of intestinal infection begin between one to five days after you have been infected with
E. coli. Symptoms can include:
- abdominal cramping
- sudden, severe watery diarrhea that may change to bloody stools
- gas
- loss of appetite/nausea
- vomiting (rare)
- fatigue
- fever
Symptoms can last anywhere from a few days to more than a week.
Symptoms of a severe
E. coli infection may include:
- bloody urine
- decreased urine output
- pale skin
- bruising
- dehydration
If you experience any of these severe symptoms, call your doctor.
According to the Johns Hopkins Medical Center, about eight percent of those infected develop
hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS), a condition in which the red blood cells are damaged (
Johns Hopkins).
This can lead to kidney failure. This complication can be
life-threatening, especially for children and the elderly. HUS
generally begins about five to 10 days following the onset of diarrhea.
Part 3 of 6: Causes
Causes of E. coli Infection
People and animals normally have some
E. coli in their
intestines, but some strains cause infection. The bacteria that cause
infection can enter your body in a number of ways.
Improper Food Handling
Whether food is prepared at home, in a restaurant, or in a grocery
store, unsafe handling and preparation can cause contamination. Common
causes of food poisoning include:
- failing to wash hands completely before preparing or eating food
- using utensils, cutting boards, or serving dishes that are not clean, causing cross-contamination
- consuming dairy products or food containing mayonnaise that have been left out too long
- consuming foods that have not been stored at the right temperature
- consuming foods that are not cooked to the right temperature, especially meats and poultry
- consuming raw seafood products
- drinking unpasteurized milk
- consuming raw produce that has not been properly washed
Food Processing
During the slaughtering process, poultry and meat products can pick up bacteria from the animals’ intestines.
Contaminated Water
Poor sanitation can cause water to contain bacteria from human or
animal waste. You can get the infection from drinking contaminated
water or from swimming in it.
Person to Person
E. coli can spread when an infected person fails to wash
his or her hands after having a bowel movement. The bacteria are then
spread when that person touches someone or something else, like food.
Nursing homes, schools, and childcare facilities are particularly
vulnerable to person-to-person spreading.
Animals
People who work with animals, especially cows, goats, and sheep are
at increased risk for infection. Anyone who touches animals or who
works in an environment with animals should wash their hands regularly
and thoroughly.
Part 4 of 6: Diagnosis
When to See a Doctor
Intestinal infection can lead to dehydration and serious
complications, such as kidney failure and sometimes death, if not
treated. You should see your doctor if:
- You have had diarrhea that is not getting better after five days, or two days for an infant or child.
- You have a fever with diarrhea.
- Abdominal pain does not get better after a bowel movement.
- There is pus or blood in your stools.
- You have trouble keeping liquids down.
- Vomiting has continued for more than 12 hours. For a baby under three months old, contact your pediatrician as soon as symptoms begin.
- You have symptoms of intestinal infection and have recently traveled to a foreign country.
- You have symptoms of dehydration, such as a lack of urine, extreme thirst, or dizziness.
A doctor can confirm an
E. coli infection with a simple stool sample.
Part 5 of 6: Treatment
How E. coli Infection Is Treated
In most cases, home care is all that is required to treat an E. coli
infection. Drink plenty of water, get lots of rest, and keep an eye out
for more severe symptoms that necessitate a call to your doctor.
If you have bloody diarrhea or fever, check with your doctor before taking over-the-counter antidiarrheal medications. Also, check with your pediatrician before giving medications to infants or children.
If dehydration is a concern, your doctor may order hospitalization and intravenous fluids.
Most people show improvement within a week to 10 days after the onset of an infection and make a full recovery.
Part 6 of 6: Prevention
How to Prevent E. coli Infection
There are a number of ways to decrease your chances of developing an intestinal infection due to
E. coli. These include:
- always washing your hands before handling, serving, or eating food and after touching animals or working in animal environments
- washing fruits and vegetables thoroughly
- avoiding cross-contamination by using clean utensils, pans, and serving platters
- keeping raw meats away from other foods and away from other clean items
- using a meat thermometer and cooking meat and poultry to proper temperatures according to USDA guidelines:
- poultry: 165 F
- ground meat, eggs: 160 F
- steaks, pork chops, roasts, fish, shellfish: 145 F
- not defrosting meat on the counter
- always defrosting meat in the refrigerator or microwave
- refrigerating leftovers immediately
- drinking only pasteurized milk products (avoid raw milk)
- not preparing food if you have diarrhea
- washing your hands often, especially after using the bathroom
- not using public swimming facilities
4.Colitis:
Colitis is inflammation
of the colon. Other parts of your intestines, which includes, the
colon, may also be affected. If you have colitis, you will feel
discomfort and pain in your abdomen. You symptoms maybe be mild and
reoccur over a long period of time. Or you may suffer from severe
symptoms that manifest quickly.
Part 2 of 7: Types
Types of Colitis
Colitis can be categorized by what causes it.
Ulcerative Colitis (UC)
UC is one of two conditions classified as
inflammatory bowel disease.
(The other is Crohn’s disease.) UC is a long-lasting disease that
produces inflammation and bleeding ulcers in the inner lining of your
large intestine. It generally begins in your rectum and spreads to the
colon. UC is the most commonly diagnosed type of colitis. It occurs
when your immune system overreacts to bacteria in your digestive tract,
but experts do not know why this happens. Common types of UC include:
- proctosigmoiditis, which affects the rectum and lower portion of the colon
- left-sided colitis, which affects the left side of the colon beginning at the rectum
- total colitis, which affects the entire large intestine
Pseudomembranous Colitis (PC)
This type of colitis occurs from overgrowth of the bacterium
Clostridium difficile. Bacteria of this kind normally live in your
intestine but do not cause problems because they are balanced by the
presence of other, “good” bacteria. But taking certain medications may
destroy healthy bacteria and allow Clostridium difficile to take over.
The bacteria release toxins that cause inflammation.
Ischemic Colitis (IC)
Ischemic colitis
occurs when blood flow to you colon is suddenly cut off or restricted.
Blood clots are the most common reason for sudden blockage.
Atherosclerosis,
or the buildup of fatty deposits, in the blood vessels that supply your
colon is usually the reason for recurrent IC. This type of colitis is
sometimes the result of underlying conditions. These may include:
- vasculitis (inflammation of the blood vessels)
- hernia
- diabetes
- colon cancer
- dehydration
Although it is rare, IC may occur as a side effect of taking certain medications.
Additional Causes
Other causes of colitis include
infection from parasites, viruses, and
food poisoning from bacteria. You may also develop the condition if your large intestine has been treated with radiation.
Part 3 of 7: Risk Factors
Who Is at Risk for Colitis?
Different risk factors are associated with each type of colitis.
You are more at risk for
ulcerative colitis if:
- you are between the ages of 15 and 30 (most common) or 60 and 80
- you are of Jewish or Caucasian descent
- you have a family member with UC. This type tends to run in
families. Some research has demonstrated that certain abnormal genes are
often present in those with UC (NIDDK)
You are more at risk for pseudomembranous colitis if:
- you are taking antibiotics
- you are hospitalized
- you are receiving chemotherapy
- you are taking immunosuppressants
- you are older
- you have had PC before
You are more at risk for ischemic colitis if:
- you are over age 50
- you have or are at risk for heart disease
- you have heart failure
- you have low blood pressure
- you have had an abdominal operation
Part 4 of 7: Symptoms
What are the Symptoms of Colitis?
Depending on your condition, you may experience one or more of the following symptoms:
- abdominal pain or cramping
- bloating in the abdomen
- weight loss
- diarrhea
- blood in your bowel movements
- urgent need to move your bowels
- chills and/or fever
- vomiting
Part 5 of 7: Diagnosis
Diagnosing Colitis
Your physician may ask about the frequency of your symptoms and when
they first occurred. He or she will perform a thorough physical exam
and use diagnostic tests such as:
- colonoscopy—a camera on a flexible tube is threaded through the anus to view the rectum and colon
- sigmoidoscopy—similar to colonoscopy but shows only the rectum and lower colon
- stool samples
- abdominal imaging such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) or computed tomography (CT) scans
- barium enema—an X-ray of the colon after it is injected with barium, which helps make images more visible
Part 6 of 7: Treatment
Treating Colitis
Treatments vary by the type of colitis you have, your age, and overall physical condition.
Medication
Anti-inflammatory medication may be used to treat swelling and pain, and antibiotics can treat infection.
Surgeries
Surgery to remove part or all of your colon and/or rectum may be necessary if other treatments do not work.
What Is to Be Expected in the Long Term?
Your outlook depends on the type of colitis you have. Ulcerative
colitis may require lifelong medication therapy if surgery is not done.
Other types, such as ischemic colitis, usually improve without
surgery. Pseudomembranous colitis generally responds well to
antibiotics but may recur.
In all cases, early detection is critical to your success. Report
any signs and symptoms to your physician. Early detection may help
prevent other serious problems such as colon cancer.
5.Giardiasis:
Giardiasis is an infection that affects your
small intestine,
caused by microscopic parasites called giardia. Giardiasis is spread
through contact with infected people and by eating contaminated food or
drinking contaminated water. It is the most common cause of parasitic
infections in the United States, according to the Wexner Medical Center
at Ohio State University. Giardiasis also commonly occurs in developing
countries that are overcrowded and lack sanitary conditions and water
quality control.
Part 2 of 8: Causes
What Are the Causes of Giardiasis?
Giardia are present in the
stool
of people and animals, as well as in contaminated food, water, and
soil. They are capable of surviving outside of a host for long periods
of time. Accidentally ingesting these parasites can lead to an
infection.
Drinking water that contains giardia is the most common way that
people become infected. Contaminated water can be found in swimming
pools, spas, and bodies of water, such as lakes. Sources of
contamination include animal feces, diapers, and agricultural runoff.
Contracting giardiasis from food is less common, since heat kills
the parasites. It can be spread by food handlers with poor hygiene or
when produce is rinsed in contaminated water.
Giardiasis can also be spread through person-to-person contact. You
can become infected after changing your child’s diaper or from picking
up the parasites while working in a child care center. Children are at
high risk for giardiasis since they are likely to encounter feces when
wearing diapers or potty training. Unprotected
anal sex is another way that this infection is passed from one person to another.
Part 3 of 8: Symptoms
What Are the Symptoms of Giardiasis?
Some people can carry giardia parasites without experiencing any
symptoms. Otherwise, symptoms of giardiasis generally show up one or
two weeks after exposure. Common symptoms include:
Part 4 of 8: Diagnosis
How Is Giardiasis Diagnosed?
Your doctor will ask you to submit one or more stool samples for
testing. The samples will be checked for giardia parasites. You might
also be asked to submit more samples during treatment. Your doctor
might also perform an enteroscopy, which involves running a flexible
tube down your throat and into your small intestine in order to examine
your digestive tract and perhaps take a tissue sample.
Part 5 of 8: Treatments
What Are the Treatments for Giardiasis?
In most cases, giardiasis clears up on its own. Your doctor might
prescribe medication if your infection is severe or prolonged.
Medications that are commonly used to treat giardiasis include the
antibiotics metronidazole, tinidazole, nitazoxanide, and paromomycin.
Metronidazole is an antibiotic that can cause nausea and leave a metallic taste in your mouth.
Tinidazole is often given in a single dose and is just as effective as metronidazole.
Nitazoxanide is typically given to children since it is available in liquid form.
Paromomycin has a lower chance of causing birth
defects than these other antibiotics, although pregnant women are
advised to wait until after delivery before taking any medication for
giardiasis.
Part 6 of 8: The Long-Term
What Is the Prognosis for Giardiasis?
Giardiasis infections usually last about six weeks, but problems such as
lactose intolerance can persist after the infection clears up.
Part 7 of 8: Complication
What Complications Are Associated With Giardiasis?
Giardiasis can lead to complications such as weight loss and
dehydration
from diarrhea. The infection can also cause lactose intolerance in
some people. Children under five are at risk for malnutrition, which can
interfere with their physical and mental development.
Part 8 of 8: Prevention
How Can I Prevent Giardiasis?
You can’t prevent giardiasis, but you can lower your risk of getting
it by thoroughly washing your hands, especially if you work in places
where germs are easily spread, such as day care centers.
Ponds, streams, rivers, and other bodies of water are all potential
sources of giardia. Don’t swallow water if you go swimming in one of
these. Avoid drinking surface water unless it’s been
boiled, treated with iodine, or filtered. Bring bottled water with you when you go hiking or camping.
When traveling in a region where giardiasis occurs, do not drink tap
water. Keep in mind that tap water can also be present in ice and
other beverages. Avoid eating local produce that hasn’t been cooked.
Be cautious about sexual practices, such as anal sex, that are
associated with the spread of this infection. Use a condom to reduce the
chance of contracting giardiasis.
