Flatulence
Flatulence means having gas, or flatus, in the intestinal tract; the gas passes out of the body through the anus when the rectal muscles relax. Healthy people produce from 6 to 64 ounces of flatus daily. In most cases, flatulence is normal and the gas has no odor. Most intestinal gas consists of carbon dioxide, hydrogen, nitrogen, and methane, which are created when complex carbohydrates are broken down. Any swallowed air adds oxygen to the mixture. When unabsorbed nutrients undergo fermentation by intestinal bacteria, the resulting by product can contribute not only to the volume but also to the odor of intestinal gas. In particular, an unpleasant smell is often produced by beans, dried peas, lentils, and other legumes. It’s not just what you eat but also how you eat that can create a problem. People who swallow a lot of air when eating or drinking may pass more than the usual amount of intestinal gas. There is also a hereditary component; some people simply produce more methane and other gases than others do in the course of normal digestion.
Diagnostic Tests And Procedures
If you have what seems to be excessive flatulence along with any other digestive symptoms such as abdominal pain or cramps, bloating, diarrhea, and weight loss consult a physician. Blood tests, stool cultures, intestinal X-rays, and endoscope may be necessary to rule out a digestive disorder, such as intestinal parasites or diverticulitis.
