Aerocolia is a medical term which refers to the combination of several symptoms. Among these gastrointestinal symptoms we find flatulence, bloating or even problems with the evacuation of stools. These symptoms can vary depending on the person, and the causes of aerocholia can be multiple.
1. The causes of aerocholia
Aerocolia is characterized by an increase in the volume of gas inside the colon, also called the large intestine, which is the organ located between the small intestine and the rectum. Aerocolia is different from aerophagia, which is characterized by swallowing air which then concentrates in the stomach or small intestine. In the majority of cases, diet plays an important role in the appearance of aerocholia symptoms. Several foods promote gas production, such as cabbage, white beans, broccoli and legumes. Soft drinks and chewing gum can also contribute to this disorder, as can dairy products which harm the digestion of people who have difficulty with lactose. A slow transit or an episode of constipation, stress or even taking certain medications can also facilitate an accumulation of gas in the colon. Finally, aerocholia may be a sign of an underlying disease, such as irritable bowel syndrome which affects 5% of the adult populationaccording to the French National Society of Gastroenterology (SNFGE).
2. Aerocolia: what symptoms?
Symptoms may vary from one patient to another, but excess gas linked to aerocolia can often be recognized by the following signs:
- intestinal bloating;
- flatulence;
- evacuation disorders, such as retention of stools or a feeling of incomplete evacuation;
- false diarrhea, that is to say liquid stools following constipation;
- a swollen abdomen (meteorism);
- more or less severe abdominal pain, depending on the sensitivity of the patient.
3. Aerocolia: how to relieve digestive disorders?
To relieve digestive disorders linked to aerocolia, several measures can be taken:
- Avoid foods that promote gas production, such as cruciferous vegetables like cabbage and broccoli, legumes like beans, peas or lentils, and starchy foods like bread and pastries.
- Avoid consuming carbonated drinks, coffee and alcohol.
- Eat slowly and chew food well to aid digestion.
- Eat a balanced diet and limit fatty, fried or spicy foods, which can make symptoms worse.
- Exercise regularly, as this helps facilitate intestinal transit.
- Try to reduce stress, which can worsen digestive problems in some people.
4. Treatments in case of aerocolia
If hygiene and diet measures are not enough, it is also possible to relieve digestive disorders linked to aerocholia through treatments such as antispasmodic medications. These medical treatments may be recommended by the pharmacist or doctor to relieve abdominal pain. Digestive dressings can also help relieve abdominal pain and absorb gas. Activated vegetable charcoal is a natural remedy often recommended in this type of situation, because it can help absorb intestinal gas, and thus reduce bloating. Finally, certain essential oils, such as peppermint, can be recommended to relieve digestive disorders.
5. Aerocolia: when to consult?
The Public Health Information Service indicates that in the event of bloating and flatulence, you should consult a doctor in the following days if the bloating is sudden, accompanied by stomach pain, and it is not possible to have a bowel movement or pass gas, or if flatulence is accompanied by vomiting, discomfort, persistent stomach pain or constipation for several days. Furthermore, diarrhea with fever and chills, or bloody diarrhea, accompanying flatulence, are also signs that should alert you.
In any case, aerocolia generally does not last more than 2 to 3 months maximum. Beyond that, it is advisable to consult a health professional. The doctor can then carry out a clinical examination by palpating the abdomen and questioning the patient, in order to make a diagnosis or recommend additional examinations. This consultation can be essential to clearly identify the causes of these symptoms and benefit from appropriate treatment, because aerocholia can also be a sign of an underlying disease.
Sources
- Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), French National Society of Gastroenterology, June 2018
- Bloating, flatulence and aerophagia, Public Health Information Service, December 15, 2023
Read also :
⋙ Difficult digestion: 6 effective solutions
⋙ The digestive system: role, functions, diseases and treatments
⋙ Bloating: these foods not to mix to better digest (and stay in shape)