What it means
Having a lot of gas in the digestive tract. Gas comes from swallowed air and from bacteria in the colon breaking down food. Beans, cabbage, carbonated drinks, chewing gum and drinking through a straw can all add to it, and so can lactose intolerance. The gas itself, when it passes, is called flatusFLAY-tusGas passed from the intestines through the anus.Full entry .
For the nurse
After abdominal surgery, passing gas is a sign that the bowel is starting to move again, so ask about it and record it. Walking helps move gas along. Teach which foods and habits make gas worse.
At a glance
| Everyday words | gas, wind |
|---|---|
| Spanish | flatulencia |
| Also written | flatulent |
Related terms
gastrointestinal
Having to do with the stomach and intestines, or with the whole digestive tract from the mouth to the anus.
distended
Stretched out and enlarged by pressure from inside, such as from gas, fluid or urine.
flatus
Gas passed from the intestines through the anus.