Flatulence - Kocho (English spelling) Meteorism

It refers to the abnormal accumulation of gas in the intestines or abdominal cavity, causing abdominal distension. When there is a lot of gas, the abdomen becomes bloated and resembles the so-called "raccoon belly," and when you place your hand on it and tap lightly, you will hear a popping sound. In the case of ascites, where liquid has accumulated in the abdominal cavity, a heavy, dull sound can be heard when percussing, so it can be easily differentiated. The main causes of flatulence are intestinal obstruction and intestinal paralysis, which occur when gas in the intestine is not transported to the lower part of the intestine. Aerophagia, which is seen in people who swallow abnormally large amounts of air, is also one of the most common causes. Very mild flatulence can also be seen when eating a lot of gas-producing foods, such as sweet potatoes or burdock, or when you are severely constipated.

[Yutaka Yoshida]

Source: Shogakukan Encyclopedia Nipponica About Encyclopedia Nipponica Information | Legend

腸管内あるいは腹腔(ふくくう)内にガスが異常にたまり、腹が張ってくることをいう。ガスが多くなると腹が膨れてきて俗にいう「タヌキの腹」のようになり、手をのせてその上を軽くたたく打診によりポンポンと鼓音が出る。腹腔内に液体がたまる腹水の場合は、打診によって重い濁音が聞こえるので容易に鑑別できる。鼓腸のおもな原因は腸閉塞(へいそく)や腸麻痺(まひ)であり、腸のガスが下部へ移送されないためにおこる。空気を異常に多く飲み込む人にみられる空気嚥下(えんげ)症も、代表的原因の一つである。ごく軽い鼓腸は、ガスの多く出る食物、たとえばサツマイモ、ゴボウなどを多く食べたり、便秘が強いときにもみられる。

［吉田　豊］

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