Sign Out
Flatulence owing to inadequate diet or lack of exercise, for instance during bed rest. Aerophagia. Postoperative bloating. Meteorism due to gastritis or diverticulitis. Gastroscopy and X-ray examination of the gastro-intestinal tract.
The presence of gas in the gastro-intestinal tract is mainly due to aerophagia and decomposition of food during the digestive processes, especially vegetables and unboiled fruit. Both normal and increased quantities of gas in the alimentary canal give rise to trouble, such as pain, bloating and colic.
Silicone defoamers have been used successfully to eliminate the mucus-covered bubbles which obstruct a gastroscopist’s view of the stomach. This led to their trial in treating patients who complain of flatulence and distention. Dimethicone, a physiologically inert silicone, has been given for periods of from 4 weeks to 3 ½ years, in doses of 40 mg four times daily, with excellent or good results and no side effects.
