[Meteorism]

Gastrointestinal bloating is a common complaint met within the general practitioner's office. The most important cause of this symptom is an increase in the volume of gas in the gastrointestinal tract. Differential diagnoses include aerophagia, ingestion of gas-producing foods, gastric hypersecretion, bacterial overgrowth in the small intestine, disordered gastrointestinal transit, malabsorption or maldigestion of carbohydrates. In addition, nonulcer dyspepsia and the irritable bowel syndrome must be excluded. The diagnosis is based on a history of eructation, heart burn, flatulence and diarrhea, dietary habits, physical examination, laboratory analysis and apparative diagnostic measures. Therapy depends on the underlying cause of the disease.