— Kathy, Oregon Statins, the most widely prescribed class of medications in the United States, reduce cholesterol levels and protect patients against heart attacks and strokes. Unfortunately, one of the most common side effects is flatulence (the presence of excessive gas in the digestive tract), which occurs in up to 5 percent of patients taking statins. It may help to reduce other sources of extra gas by drinking fewer carbonated beverages and eating smaller portions of food more slowly to reduce swallowed air. In addition, taking over-the-counter digestive aids containing simethicone, such as Mylicon, Maalox, or Mylanta may help. Activated charcoal also absorbs excess gas and can be taken in a form that is coated with simethicone. Q2. I was diagnosed with gastroparesis one year ago. I have had a few small “flare-ups” since but I am currently having a major flare up. I am in so much pain. I also have been diagnosed with anxiety disorder and take medication for it. Because I am only 22, my family feels I should not be having these types of medical problems. My family believes that my anxiety and internalized emotions are to blame for the gastroparesis. Is this possible? — Melissa, California Gastroparesis, a term used to describe slow emptying of the stomach, is not caused by or related to anxiety. Rather, it is associated with other conditions including diabetes, thyroid disorders, or other ailments that stiffen the stomach wall. However, the symptoms of dyspepsia (indigestion or upset stomach), including bloating, fullness, indigestion, and stomach discomfort, can mimic those of gastroparesis. Although the cause of dyspepsia is unknown, we know that dyspepsia is made worse by anxiety, and anxiety treatment often relieves the abdominal pain associated with dyspepsia. To diagnose gastroparesis, a gastric-emptying study, in which egg whites containing a small amount of radioactive material are tracked through the stomach passage, is usually performed. If your diagnosis did not include a study such as this, you may want to see a doctor to confirm that what you have is gastroparesis and not some other disorder, such as dyspepsia. Q3. I’m 53 years old and have trouble with chronic constipation. Lately I’ve been very embarrassed by flatulence. I haven’t had children, but I’m going through menopause. Is that the cause? — Linda, New York Up to 25 percent of women going through menopause complain of an increase in flatulence (gas). However, no clear evidence exists that the hormonal changes that occur during menopause cause an increase in gas production in the colon. Some women going through menopause do change their diets to include more vegetables, fruits, and other carbohydrates, which can increase flatulence. Carbonated beverages also increase gas, so try to avoid them. Foods that usually produce less gas include meat and other sources of protein. If a change in diet doesn’t seem to alleviate the gas, try digestive aids, like Beano, Phazyme, and activated charcoal, which can help minimize the problem. Q4. I was taking a fiber supplement to help lower my cholesterol and lose a little weight, but for some reason after a few weeks I started belching a lot. Even though I stopped taking it, I still wake up with some gas. What should I do? Unfortunately, fiber products can increase bloating, belching, or flatulence, even though they benefit many patients with irritable bowel syndrome or constipation. Fiber increases the amount of gas in the colon by altering the bacteria that live there to the type of bacteria that produce gas, particularly methane gas. Recent studies show that fiber products containing psyllium may slow the passage of gas through the rectum. If you want to keep taking a fiber supplement, start at low doses of a psyllium fiber product, such as a single teaspoon mixed with water each day, and gradually increase the dose. This will lead to a steady adjustment and sometimes better tolerance of the fiber products. You can also try a fiber product that does not contain psyllium to see if you can tolerate it better. Learn more in the Everyday Health Digestive Health Center.
