While most people experience flatulence, swallowing air or consuming certain foods may increase its frequency. Some health conditions may also cause excessive gas.
Flatulence is the medical term for releasing gas from the digestive system through the anus, which is commonly referred to as farting, passing wind, or having gas.
Gas is primarily composed of hydrogen, methane, and carbon dioxide, and it’s normal for it to collect inside the digestive system.
According to the
However, you may experience excessive flatulence if large amounts of gas accumulate inside your digestive system. This may be due to eating certain foods, swallowing air, or changes in the bacteria in your gut microbiome caused by underlying health conditions.
In some cases, flatulence is accompanied by other symptoms that can affect daily activities, including:
- bloating
- belching
- constipation
- abdominal pain
Keep reading to learn more about the causes of flatulence, how to manage it, and when to see a doctor.
Experts suggest that gas collects in the digestive system due to swallowing air while eating or drinking, or when the bacteria in your colon break down the foods you eat.
Swallowing air
It’s natural to swallow air throughout the day, normally during eating and drinking. Typically, you’ll only swallow a
However, frequently swallowing more air can cause more gas to accumulate and pass into the colon, leading to flatulence.
Reasons that you may swallow more air than normal include:
- chewing gum
- smoking
- wearing loose dentures
- sucking on objects like pen tops
- drinking carbonated beverages
- eating or drinking too quickly
Dietary choices
The foods you eat can also lead to excessive flatulence.
According to the International Foundation for Gastrointestinal Disorders, some foods that increase gas include:
- beans
- cabbage
- broccoli
- Brussels sprouts
- whole grains
- asparagus
- cow’s milk
- dairy products
- onions
- pears
- artichokes
- wheat
- oat bran
- peas
- potatoes
- corn
- raisins
- lentils
- prunes
- apples
- foods high in fructose or sorbitol, like fruit juices and sugar-free candies
- ultra-processed foods
Carbohydrates are the most common culprits of excessive flatulence. This may be because they contain high amounts of fiber, sucrose, and starches, which the body cannot fully absorb.
This means that they pass from the intestines to the colon without being completely digested first. The colon contains a large amount of bacteria that break down and ferment undigested food, releasing gases in the process. The buildup of this gas causes flatulence.
Proteins and fats tend to cause less gas than carbs. However, some proteins, especially those derived from animal sources, can cause gas with a stronger odor due to the presence of sulfur.
Not all foods will cause gas in all people. Keeping track of the foods you eat and the flatulence symptoms you experience can help narrow down which ones cause gas in your body.
Underlying health conditions
If your diet doesn’t contain a large amount of carbohydrates or sugars, and you don’t swallow lots of air, your excessive flatulence may be caused by a medical condition.
The conditions that can cause flatulence range from temporary health issues to chronic digestive problems. Some of these conditions
You may be able to relieve excess gas and reduce flatulence by making a combination of lifestyle changes and dietary adjustments. Some home remedies for flatulence may include:
- keeping a food journal of the foods you eat, when you eat them, and any symptoms you experience
- replacing flatulence-triggering foods with alternatives
- eating smaller, more frequent meals instead of three larger ones
- limiting carbonated beverages
- chewing with your mouth closed
- limiting smoking, chewing gum, and drinking from a straw
- drinking plenty of water throughout the day
- taking probiotic supplements
- exercising regularly
- consuming ginger or peppermint
Flatulence is a normal, healthy bodily process that allows you to pass gas, but sometimes excess flatulence can be a symptom of a health condition that could require medical treatment.
The United Kingdom’s National Health Service (NHS) recommends speaking with a primary care doctor if:
- flatulence is affecting your daily life and social well-being
- over-the-counter (OTC) treatments and home remedies don’t work
- you regularly experience constipation or diarrhea
- you experience unintentional weight loss
- you have blood in your stool
When you visit a doctor, they’ll start their assessment by asking about your:
- symptoms
- diet
- eating and drinking habits (like meal sizes and how quickly you eat)
- medical history, including any medications and supplements you take
They’ll most likely conduct a physical exam to check for swelling, tenderness, or sounds in your abdomen. This may include a physical exam of your rectum.
A healthcare professional may order additional medical tests, including X-rays, blood tests, and stool tests, to see if an underlying health condition is causing flatulence.
You may need to keep a food diary and adjust your eating habits as you work to find the cause of your excess gas.
Medications can also be used to help manage flatulence, depending on the cause of the problem. Treatment options include:
- OTC medications: Drugstores offer a variety of medications, like IBgard and simethicone (Gas-X, Phazyme), that can help relieve flatulence.
- Prescription drugs: Certain prescription medications can target underlying conditions, like IBS or SIBO, that cause gas. Treating the condition may, in turn, reduce flatulence.
- Supplements: If you’re lactose intolerant, taking lactase (available OTC) may help relieve gas when you consume dairy products. Another supplement, alpha-galactosidase (Beano), can help the body break down legumes and vegetables in order to reduce gas.
Before adding any medications or supplements to your diet, consider speaking with a healthcare professional to make sure they’re safe for you.
Flatulence, or farting, is a normal bodily process to help get rid of accumulated gas in the digestive tract.
You may experience excess flatulence due to swallowing too much air or eating certain foods. In some cases, an underlying medical condition may cause excess flatulence.
Consider speaking with a healthcare professional if you regularly experience flatulence. Severe and persistent flatulence can significantly impact your physical, mental, and social well-being.
A doctor can develop an appropriate treatment plan, which may include home remedies, OTC treatments, and prescription medications, if necessary.