Difference Between Eructation and Flatus

Eructation vs Flatus

Eructation and flatus, or flatulence, are both gases expelled from the body. Eructation is the common sound released from the mouth due to the gas enclosed in the stomach and esophagus. This usually happens after meals when the gastric cavity is full of food and the passage from the esophagus through the stomach is at rest. Flatulence, on the other hand, is the release of gases coming from the distal portion of the intestine. It is expelled either voluntarily or involuntarily.

Eructation happens because of aerophagia. Aerophagia is the intake of air above the necessary amount. People usually engulf more air while sleeping with their mouth open, talking while eating, chewing gum, speaking with their mouths being dry, smoking, and the like. Individuals experiencing heartburn, nasal congestion, and those with excessive anxiety are also experiencing eructation more often as well as suffering from abdominal discomforts because of the added flatulence. Studies show that problems with peristalsis causes an improper mixing of fluids, solids, and gases, and the gases escape from these portions of the body causing flatus. Greater gases are formed from the digestion of some foods. Fermentation of milk from animals, carbohydrates, and some vegetable fibers found in wheat, corn, potatoes, oats, beans, and sugar from fruits may contribute to more gas production.

Eructation and flatulence happen normally. Both rarely indicate abnormalities. Eructation followed by heartburn, vomiting, difficulty swallowing, and loss of weight should be reported to healthcare personnel to detect problems with the stomach or esophagus. Excessive expulsion of flatus associated with diarrhea happens because of a lactose intolerance. Flatus with persistently fluid or soft stools may be checked by the physician to rule out problems associated with gluten absorption or a celiac condition.

A number of individuals experiencing excessive flatulence and eructation suffer from diseases of the digestive system. These may or may not be associated with diarrhea and other specific symptoms. With these diseases, the treatments are focused upon alleviating or reducing the intensity or occurrence of the symptoms.

Preventing excessive eructation and flatulence is easy. As mentioned above, eructation and flatulence are caused by an excessive intake of air or gases. Thus, to prevent these occurrences, do not talk while eating, avoid chewing gum, prevent excess air intake by drinking with a straw and avoid carbonated beverages because they are gas forming as well as avoid smoking. Individuals with aerophagia must be taught how to prevent it and warned about the effects of it so as to prevent the occurrence of symptoms. Behaviors toward nutritional intake must be modified as well as more diet restrictions must be observed to prevent excessive eructation and flatulence. In order to trace which foods cause excessive eructation and flatulence, a gradual elimination of certain foods from the diet must be done. To be specific, an individual must start with a milk-free diet. Additionally, avoid gas-forming foods such as: cauliflower, cabbage, eggs, broccoli, black beans, and the like. When an individual is having difficulty with diet modification, it is advisable for him/her to consult a healthcare provider to help him/her plan his/her appropriate diet.

There are still no known effective medications that can lower the production of excessive eructation and flatulence. Thus, preventing the occurrences is still the best way to prevent the symptoms. Symptoms related to lactose intolerance can be prevented by taking supplements with lactose prior to eating meals with a milk content.

Summary:

1.Eructation is the common sound released from the mouth due to the gas enclosed in the stomach and esophagus which usually happens when the individual is full and the passage through the esophagus and stomach is relaxed.

2.Flatulence, on the other hand, is the release of gases coming from the distal portion of the intestine. It is expelled either voluntarily or involuntarily.

3.Eructation and flatulence happen because of aerophagia. Aerophagia happens when chewing gum, smoking, talking while eating, etc.

4.Eructation and flatulence happen normally. Both rarely indicate abnormalities. Eructation followed by heartburn, vomiting, difficulty swallowing, and loss of weight should be reported to healthcare personnel to detect problems with the stomach or esophagus. Excessive expulsion of flatus associated with diarrhea happens because of a lactose intolerance. Flatus with persistently fluid or soft stools may be checked by the physician to rule out problems associated with gluten absorption.

5.Diet modifications are the best way to prevent excessive eructation and flatulence. Medications are still not effective to lessen the production of eructation and flatulence.

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