Gas and bloating
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| colic of gas and bloating |
How often do you get these conditions, flatulence, gas, distention, pressure, bloating, and feeling of fullness?
What do you know about the cause of Gas and Bloating, how to avoid? And how to treat?
What type of Remedy suitable for your case?
Pathological findings
Swallowing of air during talking, eating or drinking is a frequent Cause of Gas and Bloating. Individuals who experience heartburn, acid indigestion, and upset stomach problems complain that these symptoms are accompanied by gas and belching.
Antiflatulents
Drug category and indications for use Antiflatulents are intended to relieve symptoms of gas, which include the sensation of abdominal distention, pressure, bloating, feeling of fullness, and belching.
Ingredients
Simethicone is a well known antiflatulant as it is the only O.T.C (over the counter) medication approved in the FDA’s monograph as a single Remedy For Gas and Bloating and as an ingredient that may be combined with antacid formulations.
Infant colic is a relatively common condition characterized by excessive crying, passing of gas, and assumed gastric distress because the infant draws its legs inward to the abdomen. Simethicone has been used together with alterations in the infant’s diet to alleviate this condition.
Mode of action (How It Works?)
Simethicone reduces the surface tension (Physical property prevents the mixing different liquids and gases) of gas bubbles present in the stomach, causing them to break up into smaller ones that can be expelled from the GI tract more easily. Simethicone has no antacid activity but it is combined with antacids because gas is a frequent symptom that occurs when heartburn is present.
Warnings and precautions
The only warnings for simethicone are not to exceed the recommended dosage on the label in a 24 hour period unless directed to do so by a physician.
Recommended dose
Simethicone should be taken after meals and before bedtime. The dose for infants under 2 years of age, or less than 24 lbs (10.9 kg) is 20 mg, with a maximum of 240 mg daily; for infants over 2 years of age or 24 lbs, the dose is 40 mg with a maximum of 480 mg. The maximum daily dosage for adults and children over 12 years is 500 mg per day, and single dose recommendations range from 80 to 180 mg.
Alternative remedy
Alpha-galactosidase
Drug category and indications for use
Alpha-galactosidase is an enzyme that the FDA has approved as a food additive dietary supplement to treat bloating and intestinal gas.
Mode of action
Alpha-galactosidase helps to metabolize oligosaccharides, which are large complex carbohydrate molecules that occur in high fiber foods such as beans, to simpler sugar molecules before they reach the large intestine. Complex carbohydrates are metabolized by bacteria present in the large intestine, producing gas which causes Bloating.
Warnings and precautions
One product that contains alpha-galactosidase, Beano, contains a small amount of gluten (Amino acid = protein building blocks), and individuals who are sensitive to gluten should consult their physician before use
Recommended dose
Alpha-galactosidase should be taken immediately before meals or with meals containing foods that produce gas symptoms. The amount of enzyme to be taken depends on the amount of food to be eaten, and specific directions are on product labels. Alpha-galactosidase is available as oral tablets or as powder or liquids to be added to foods before eating. Cooking foods with alpha-galactosidase will reduce or destroy its enzyme activity. It is not recommended for use in children under 12 years of age without a physician’s supervision.
Recommended dose
Adult doses range from 0.2 to 0.4mL up to three times a day; doses for children over 8 years of age range from 0.1 to 0.2mL up to three times a day.
Peppermint oil as a crude remedy
Drug category and indications for use
Peppermint oil is aromatic oil and a GRASE drug and has been used to treat abdominal fullness and bloating.
Mode of action
Aromatic oils are thought to relax muscles in the GI tract to produce their effect. Recent evidence demonstrated that peppermint oil relaxes muscle of the LES and is thought to reduce tension created in the stomach from any gas that is present. If this is indeed the mode of action of peppermint oil, it may actually worsen symptoms of heartburn and indigestion caused by gastric reflux (GERD). Peppermint oil is used as a flavoring agent in low doses, including in many antacid and antiflatulent suspensions and tablets. Peppermint oil as a flavoring agent probably has very little effect on LES pressure.
Warnings and precautions
When peppermint oil is used in high doses, it may cause nausea, heartburn, pressure, bloating, and feeling of fullness.
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