Flatulence

The digestive process generates gases and in addition, air may enter the alimentary tract during ingestion of food and drink. If, for some reason, the release of this gas is restricted, build-up occurs (usually in the stomach), causing distension and discomfort. This is flatulence.

The relief of flatulence demands that the gas should be passed out of the body. Sometimes the action of a carminative such as peppermint or aniseed is sufficient. Carminatives cause slight relaxation of the lower oesophageal sphincter, thereby releasing large bubbles of gas by eructation (belching). The common belief among patients that an antacid preparation with a mint flavour will be the most effective may be due to this effect.

Sometimes, gas accumulates in the form of widely dispersed bubbles too small to be released by belching. Oral treatment with dimethicone - a silicone polymer - reduces the surface tension surrounding the bubbles, allowing them to form larger bubbles, which pass out of the stomach more easily.

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