From the Guidelines
Yes, gas can be present in the fundus of the stomach. The fundus is the upper portion of the stomach that curves upward and to the left from the cardiac orifice. It's normal to have some gas in this area, especially after eating or drinking carbonated beverages. When a person is standing, gas naturally rises to the fundus due to its buoyancy. This gas can be visualized on imaging studies like X-rays or CT scans as a dark area in the upper part of the stomach. Excessive gas in the fundus may cause symptoms like bloating, discomfort, or a feeling of fullness. Conditions like gastroparesis (delayed stomach emptying) or certain functional gastrointestinal disorders can lead to increased gas accumulation.
Some key points to consider when evaluating gas in the fundus include:
- The presence of gas in the fundus can be a normal finding, especially after eating or drinking carbonated beverages 1
- Excessive gas in the fundus may cause symptoms like bloating, discomfort, or a feeling of fullness
- Conditions like gastroparesis (delayed stomach emptying) or certain functional gastrointestinal disorders can lead to increased gas accumulation
- Imaging studies like X-rays or CT scans can be used to visualize gas in the fundus
- Dietary modifications, avoiding carbonated beverages, eating smaller meals, or medications that reduce gas production or help with gastric emptying may be beneficial for managing symptoms related to gas in the fundus 1
In terms of management, it's essential to address the underlying cause of excessive gas in the fundus. For example, if the gas is due to a perforation, endoscopic management strategies such as OTSC or diversion therapy using SEMS may be necessary 1. However, if the gas is due to a functional gastrointestinal disorder, dietary modifications and medications may be more appropriate. Ultimately, the management approach will depend on the individual patient's needs and the underlying cause of the gas in the fundus.
From the FDA Drug Label
Use for the relief of pressure and bloating commonly referred to as gas The FDA drug label does not answer the question.
From the Research
Gastric Gas
- The presence of gas in the stomach can be associated with various conditions, including gastric emergencies 2, 3.
- Gastric emergencies often present clinically with non-specific abdominal, nausea, and vomiting, and imaging plays a critical role in early identification and treatment 2.
- The stomach's anatomy and function can be affected by various conditions, including gastritis, peptic ulcer disease, and perforation, which can lead to the presence of gas in the stomach 3.
Fundal Gas
- The fundus is the upper portion of the stomach, and gas can be present in this region due to various conditions, including fundal gastritis 4.
- Fundal gastritis is a type of inflammation that can occur in the fundus, and it may be associated with reflux oesophagitis 4.
- However, the presence of gas in the fundus is not exclusively related to fundal gastritis, and other conditions, such as gastric emergencies, can also lead to gas accumulation in this region 2, 3.
Diagnostic Approaches
- Imaging modalities, including computed tomography (CT) scans, can be used to diagnose gastric emergencies and identify the presence of gas in the stomach, including the fundus 3, 5.
- CT scans can provide valuable information about the extent of tissue necrosis and underlying primary GI pathology, which can guide surgical approaches and management strategies 5.
- Other diagnostic approaches, including endoscopy and barium fluoroscopy, can also be used to evaluate patients with suspected gastric disease, but they may have limitations in the acute setting 3.