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What is Severe Flatulence?

Malcolm Tatum
Malcolm Tatum
Malcolm Tatum
Malcolm Tatum

Severe flatulence is a health condition that is characterized by the production of excessive amounts of gas in the intestinal tract. This condition normally leads to bloating, fatigue, pain in the lower abdomen and the passing of gas at a rate that is much higher than the normal average. Both painful and embarrassing, severe flatulence is a condition that can usually be treated effectively, allowing the sufferer to return to his or her normal routine with confidence.

There are a number of causes for severe flatulence. One common reason is the development of sensitivity to dairy products. People suffering from this condition may have full-blown dairy allergies, or experience lactose intolerance. Identifying the specific type of sensitivity is important to treating the extreme flatulence, since the allergic reaction is usually focused on a reaction to casein or milk proteins rather than lactose. When an allergy exists, the only solution is to avoid the use of any products containing milk proteins. Depending on the degree of lactose intolerance involved, the individual may be able to limit consumption of dairy products and make use of some type of the enzyme lactase to control the bloating and discomfort.

Beans are one of the most common causes of flatulence.
Beans are one of the most common causes of flatulence.

Along with dairy sensitivity, severe flatulence can also occur as a manifestation of irritable bowel syndrome, Crohn’s disease, and other disorders of the gastrointestinal tract. When these health conditions are responsible for the flatulence, care must be taken to avoid foods that cause additional pain or stress to the system, as well as make use of medication to help bring the conditions under control. As the underlying health issue is brought under control, the frequency and severity of the flatulence will begin to diminish.

Bloating and pain in the lower abdomen may be a sign of severe flatulence.
Bloating and pain in the lower abdomen may be a sign of severe flatulence.

Celiac disease may also be the root cause of severe flatulence. This digestive tract disease involves an intolerance for any foods that contain gluten, a protein that is typically found in grains like barley, rye, and wheat. Here, the most effective means of dealing with the flatulence is to eliminate gluten from the daily diet, a strategy that will quickly begin to reduce the bloating and abdominal pain, as well as reduce the frequency of the flatulence.

People with lactose intolerance or milk allergies may experience severe flatulence after consuming dairy products.
People with lactose intolerance or milk allergies may experience severe flatulence after consuming dairy products.

Fortunately, it is possible to identify the underlying cause for severe flatulence and take measures to deal with the situation. Often, the solution rests in making dietary changes, or developing a treatment series that makes it possible to control an ongoing health issue. Since the flatulence can continue to increase with age, taking steps to isolate the cause and begin treatment early on is an excellent approach.

Malcolm Tatum
Malcolm Tatum

After many years in the teleconferencing industry, Michael decided to embrace his passion for trivia, research, and writing by becoming a full-time freelance writer. Since then, he has contributed articles to a variety of print and online publications, including WiseGEEK, and his work has also appeared in poetry collections, devotional anthologies, and several newspapers. Malcolm’s other interests include collecting vinyl records, minor league baseball, and cycling.

Learn more...
Malcolm Tatum
Malcolm Tatum

After many years in the teleconferencing industry, Michael decided to embrace his passion for trivia, research, and writing by becoming a full-time freelance writer. Since then, he has contributed articles to a variety of print and online publications, including WiseGEEK, and his work has also appeared in poetry collections, devotional anthologies, and several newspapers. Malcolm’s other interests include collecting vinyl records, minor league baseball, and cycling.

Learn more...

Discussion Comments

stoneMason

@alisha-- Everyone gets flatulence from those foods, it's normal. Fiber causes flatulence because fiber is broken down in the intestines.

If you feel that the flatulence you get is abnormal and if you have other symptoms like severe abdominal bloating and pain, you might want to get tested for allergies.

Eating bad food can also cause flatulence. You should eat freshly cooked foods and avoid leftover meals. I once got food poisoning from leftover food and one of the problems it caused was flatulence.

discographer

I have flatulence problems when I eat beans, cabbage, cauliflower, broccoli, lamb and yogurt. Is there any way to prevent it?

literally45

I have a gluten sensitivity. Whenever I eat gluten, I get extremely bloated. I get flatulence, cramps and pain.

I was tested for Celiac disease but it came out negative. My doctor eventually diagnosed me with non-Celiac gluten intolerance. Apparently it's possible to be intolerant of gluten without getting symptoms like nausea and diarrhea. In my case, the main symptom is severe flatulence.

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    • Beans are one of the most common causes of flatulence.
      Beans are one of the most common causes of flatulence.
    • Bloating and pain in the lower abdomen may be a sign of severe flatulence.
      By: ruigsantos
      Bloating and pain in the lower abdomen may be a sign of severe flatulence.
    • People with lactose intolerance or milk allergies may experience severe flatulence after consuming dairy products.
      By: lidante
      People with lactose intolerance or milk allergies may experience severe flatulence after consuming dairy products.
    • Supplements that contain the enzyme lactase can help control flatulence in people who are lactose intolerant.
      By: javiercorrea15
      Supplements that contain the enzyme lactase can help control flatulence in people who are lactose intolerant.