Flatulence (Farting)

Flatulence (farting) is when you pass gas (flatus) in your digestive system. Healthy bacteria in your large intestine ferment your food and make gas as a byproduct. You may feel embarrassed if you fart around other people. But it’s one of the ways your body gets rid of gas.

Farting is when you release gas down through your anus (butthole). Belching is when you release gas up and out of your mouth.

Farting is common. Experts estimate you can pass gas as many as 25 times a day. Most of the time, having flatulence simply means you’re getting rid of gas in your gut. Every living being produces gas, and passing it is a normal bodily function.

What are the symptoms of flatulence?

Flatulence feels like you’re letting lots of air out through your anus at once. Sometimes, you’ll feel a slight pressure or discomfort in your gut shortly before you fart. Other times, you’ll have no indication of what’s about to happen.

Other common symptoms include:

• Bloating
• Cramping
• Your belly temporarily getting bigger (distension)

What are the most common causes of excessive flatulence?

Farting is generally a sign that your GI tract is working as it should. But if you feel the gas is excessive, it could be because you:

• Eat gas-inducing foods: These include foods high in fermentable carbohydrates, like beans, bananas, broccoli, onions and whole grains. Packaged foods, grains and sweeteners — like bread, cereal and salad dressing — can also make more gas.
• Digest slowly: Leftover waste from digested food eventually goes through your large intestine, where it’s temporarily stored. The longer the food sits there, the more gas can accumulate. But eventually, it all finds a way out.
• Swallow air: Everyone swallows air when they talk, drink or eat. But swallowing lots of air can cause gas to build up in your digestive system. This can happen when you do things like chew gum, suck on hard candies, use a straw, smoke or talk with your mouth full.

Conditions that can cause excessive flatulence

Some conditions can contribute to excessive flatulence, even if they don’t seem directly related to your gut. These include:

• Celiac disease
• Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
• Multiple sclerosis (MS)
• Parkinson’s disease
• SIBO (small intestinal bacterial overgrowth)

How is flatulence treated?

Treatment for excessive gas depends on the cause. Changing what you eat and other daily habits may help. Over-the-counter (OTC) medicines and supplements may also provide relief. If a health condition is causing gas, treating that condition might help.

Your healthcare provider may recommend limiting foods that cause more gas. They may also suggest a low-FODMAP diet, which limits certain carbohydrates that can be hard for your body to digest.

Some over-the-counter medicines and supplements can temporarily relieve gas. These include:

• Simethicone
• Lactase enzymes
• Digestive enzymes

If you’ve been passing more gas than usual or you’re concerned about the way it smells, talk to a healthcare provider. They may do a physical examination and ask about:

• Your symptoms
• What you usually eat and drink
• Any over-the-counter or prescription medications you take

They may also ask you to keep a journal of what you eat and drink to see if something in your meals and snacks is causing the extra gas.

If your provider suspects an underlying condition may be causing the flatulence, they might run some tests, like:

• Blood tests
• Breath tests
• Stool (poop) test

Sometimes, you might need imaging tests or an endoscopic procedure to help your provider find the cause.

When should I seek medical help?

You should seek medical care as soon as possible if you fart and have:

• Abdominal (belly) pain and cramps
• Bleeding from your anus
• Diarrhea
• Fever
• Unintentional weight loss
• Skin rash