Thursday, July 16, 2009

Flatulence

Flatulence can have significant consequences.

In 1976 this paper reported a detailed set of investigations and unsuccessful therapeutic trials in a patient troubled with flatulence. It was a bit whimsical for the staid NEJM and offered no prospects for effective treatments.

Well, it looks like the science has matured since then. The June 15th issue of American Family Physician offers an evidence based summary of treatment options. Notably, it appears that bismuth subsalicylate, good old Pepto, (used PRN before social outings) may have a role in odor management to help reduce the uncomfortable situations created by those pesky SBDs. Otherwise why bother?

Of course there are non-pharmacologic and behavioral approaches such as offered here:





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