"People who are nervous or in habit of swallowing air often have belching problems. It also depends on the food they eat and the bacteria in their intestines," say Dr Lam Chi Wan, a member of the Medical Committee of the Hong Kong Gastrointestinal Health Foundation. "Highly strung people tend to be more susceptible to pain and bloating problems," he says.
Most gas is caused by swallowing air or the normal breakdown of undigested food in the gut. Breaking wind anywhere from 14 to 23 times a day is normal. The smell comes from bacteria in the large intestine that release small amounts of sulphur. Belching can exacerbated by fizzy drinks and eating too fast. Most belching can be controlled by eating slowly, avoiding chewing gum and not smoking. Antacids can also help. Sometimes excess burping may be a sign of an upper gastrointestinal disease such as reflux or peptic ulcer.
Gas pain caused by belching or bloating of the stomach and intestines my not be a serious problem. But severe pain in the centre or left upper part of chest, spreading to the shoulder area and accompanied by sweating, could be a sign of serious problem such as heart disease. "You should see your doctor immediately about frequent sharp chest pain," say Dr Lam Chi Wan.
Most gas is caused by swallowing air or the normal breakdown of undigested food in the gut. Breaking wind anywhere from 14 to 23 times a day is normal. The smell comes from bacteria in the large intestine that release small amounts of sulphur. Belching can exacerbated by fizzy drinks and eating too fast. Most belching can be controlled by eating slowly, avoiding chewing gum and not smoking. Antacids can also help. Sometimes excess burping may be a sign of an upper gastrointestinal disease such as reflux or peptic ulcer.
Gas pain caused by belching or bloating of the stomach and intestines my not be a serious problem. But severe pain in the centre or left upper part of chest, spreading to the shoulder area and accompanied by sweating, could be a sign of serious problem such as heart disease. "You should see your doctor immediately about frequent sharp chest pain," say Dr Lam Chi Wan.
No comments:
Post a Comment