9. Bloating and Gas: The Uncomfortable Blowouts
Alongside the more overt symptoms, diarrhea often brings with it bloating and gas. The stomach feels distended, and there’s a sensation of fullness, often disproportionate to the amount of food consumed. It’s an unsettling feeling, this buildup of air in the gut.
There are a few culprits behind this bloating. The rapid movement of stool through the digestive tract can trap air, leading to bloating. Sometimes, the bacteria in our gut, when presented with undigested food (thanks to the rapid transit), have a field day. They ferment this food, producing gas as a byproduct.
It’s worth noting that not all gases are created equal. While some are odorless, others, like sulfur-containing gases, can be quite pungent. It’s these gases that are often responsible for the characteristic smell associated with flatulence during diarrhea.
What’s interesting is the body’s mechanism to deal with this gas. Burping allows the release of air from the upper digestive tract, while flatulence does the same for the lower. It’s nature’s safety valve, ensuring that the buildup doesn’t become problematic.
Despite the discomfort bloating brings, it’s a transient symptom. As the root cause of diarrhea gets addressed, the bloating usually subsides, bringing much-needed relief. (9)
