Can constipation cause gas
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Can Constipation Cause Gas?
Constipation and Gas in Geriatric Patients
Constipation is a prevalent issue among geriatric patients, often accompanied by excessive intestinal gas. This gas can lead to symptoms such as flatulence, borborygmus (rumbling noises in the intestines), bloating, and postprandial (after eating) distress. These symptoms can further suppress appetite and restrict dietary intake, exacerbating the problem1.
Mechanisms Linking Constipation and Gas
The relationship between constipation and gas is well-documented. In a study by Berkowitz et al., it was found that in 42 out of 100 patients treated for intestinal gas, the gas was a concomitant of constipation. The treatment involved a tablet containing digestive enzymes and simethicone, an antifoam agent. This treatment led to significant improvement in symptoms for 74% of the patients, indicating that relieving constipation can also alleviate gas-related symptoms1.
Symptoms and Management of Constipation-Related Gas
Constipation can cause a range of symptoms including abdominal pain, discomfort, gas, headaches, nausea, anorexia, and a bad taste in the mouth. These symptoms can contribute to functional loss and prolonged hospital stays, particularly in elderly and hospitalized patients2. Effective management of constipation, therefore, not only addresses the primary issue but also helps in reducing the associated gas and its symptoms.
Treatment Approaches
To manage constipation and the associated gas, a combination of dietary modifications, increased fluid intake, and regular exercise is recommended. For geriatric patients, incorporating more bulk-containing foods and establishing regular toilet habits are crucial. However, these measures may not always be fully effective, and additional treatments such as simethicone can be beneficial in reducing gas1.
In a quality improvement initiative for hospitalized immobile vascular surgery patients, a research-based protocol that included dietary fiber, increased fluid intake, and hygiene measures significantly reduced the incidence of constipation from 59% to about 9%. This protocol also eliminated the incidence of impaction and reduced the need for laxatives and enemas from 59% to about 8%2.
Conclusion
Constipation can indeed cause gas, leading to various uncomfortable symptoms. Effective management of constipation through dietary changes, increased fluid intake, and regular exercise can help alleviate these symptoms. In cases where these measures are insufficient, treatments like simethicone can provide additional relief. Addressing constipation not only improves bowel movements but also significantly reduces the associated gas and its discomforts.
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Most relevant research papers on this topic
TREATMENT OF THE CONSTIPATION‐GAS SYNDROME IN GERIATRIC PATIENTS: USE OF A MAGNESIUM HYDROXIDE‐SIMETHICONE EMULSION
Magnesium hydroxide and simethicone emulsion effectively relieves intestinal gas and constipation in geriatric patients, providing relief from bloating, abdominal pain, and gastrointestinal distress.
Observational StudyManaging constipation using a research-based protocol.
A research-based protocol using dietary fiber, increased fluid, and hygiene measures effectively reduced constipation in hospitalized immobile vascular surgery patients, reducing the need for laxatives and enemas.
Correlation between Constipation Symptoms and Abdominal CT Imaging: A Cross-Sectional Pilot Study
Abdominal CT imaging can help evaluate and treat chronic constipation by correlating stool volume, gas volume, and colon diameter with symptoms and stool consistency.
Observational StudyChronic idiopathic constipation in adults: epidemiology, pathophysiology, diagnosis and clinical management
Chronic idiopathic constipation (CIC) is a common gastrointestinal disorder with a global prevalence of 14%, and managing it effectively requires lifestyle modifications, dietary fiber, and pharmacological treatments.
Highly CitedMechanisms, Evaluation, and Management of Chronic Constipation.
Chronic constipation can be managed with dietary fiber, stimulant and osmotic laxatives, and various intestinal secretagogues and prokinetic agents, depending on the cause and patient needs.
Literature ReviewHighly CitedPrevalence of Constipation in the General Adult Population: An Integrative Review
Constipation prevalence in the general population ranges from 2.6% to 26.9%, with female gender and advanced age being the most frequently associated factors.
Systematic ReviewHighly CitedMechanisms of Action of Probiotics and the Gastrointestinal Microbiota on Gut Motility and Constipation.
Probiotics may improve gut motility and constipation by affecting gut secretion and function, but further human studies are needed to determine specific strains' effectiveness.
Literature Review
Very Rigorous JournalHighly CitedEvaluation and diagnosis of constipation.
This article helps practitioners identify and diagnose constipation by evaluating a patient's medical history, performing a comprehensive physical examination, and using a diagnostic algorithm considering various causes and medications.
High-Fat Diet Causes Constipation in Mice via Decreasing Colonic Mucus
A high-fat diet causes constipation in mice by reducing colonic mucus, potentially due to delayed colon transit time.
RCT
Animal Study
Rigorous JournalThe probiotic fermented milk of Lacticaseibacillus paracasei JY062 and Lactobacillus gasseri JM1 alleviates constipation via improving gastrointestinal motility and gut microbiota.
Probiotic fermented milk containing Lacticaseibacillus paracasei JY062 and Lactobacillus gasseri JM1 can alleviate constipation symptoms by improving gastrointestinal motility and gut microbiota distribution in mice.
Non-RCTAnimal Study