Rx Note

Introduction A variety of gastrointestinal complaints, such as belching, bloating, abdominal pain and flatulence, are commonly attributed by the patient to "excess gas". When excessive gas does occur, it may be due to Excessive air swallowing Increased intraluminal production from malabsorbed nutrients Decreased gas absorption due to obstruction or dysfunctional gas clearance Expansion of intraluminal gas due to changes in atmospheric pressure. Differentiation of healthy individuals with temporary symptoms from those with a chronic gastrointestinal (GI) condition such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) , lactose intolerance , or celiac disease is important in recommending appropriate nonprescription treatment. Belching Belching or eructation is defined as an audible escape of air from the oesophagus or the stomach into the pharynx . It may be voluntary or involuntary. Involuntary belching typically follows a meal and is caused by the release of swallowed air after gastric di...