Symptom 10: The Gas Guile: Flatulence and Collagenous Colitis
We reach the last but not least on our list of collagenous colitis symptoms. A more discreet but nevertheless bothersome symptom is excessive gas or flatulence. This isn’t something many people feel comfortable discussing, even with their doctor, but it’s a frequent side effect of this condition. The build-up of gas in the colon can lead to discomfort, embarrassment, and can even exacerbate other symptoms such as bloating and abdominal cramps.
Flatulence occurs when gas builds up in the digestive system. While everyone experiences gas to some degree, those with collagenous colitis often find it more problematic. The inflammation in the colon can disrupt the balance of bacteria in the gut, leading to an overproduction of gas. Additionally, the chronic diarrhea associated with the condition can alter the way the body processes food, further increasing gas production.
Excessive gas can lead to significant discomfort. The feeling of being ‘full of air’ can be distressing and can even lead to pain in some cases. Moreover, the release of the gas, or flatulence, can be socially embarrassing, adding to the emotional distress of the condition. Many people with collagenous colitis find this symptom one of the hardest to manage due to its unpredictable nature.(10)
