what is flatulence

Flatulence, commonly referred to as farting, tooting, or passing gas, is the expulsion of gas from the intestines via the anus. Flatus is the medical term for gas generated in the stomach or bowels. A proportion of intestinal gas may be swallowed environmental air, and hence flatus is not entirely generated in the stomach or bowels. The intestines produce between 500 and 2,000mls of gas daily, which is passed out of the anus at regular intervals. The gas, or flatus, consists of a number of gases including methane, nitrogen, and carbon dioxide. The varying smells depend on the ratio of gases, which is influenced by the foods we eat. Flatulence is a normal process and something everyone experiences regularly. It is normal to pass flatus, though volume and frequency vary greatly among individuals. Excessive flatulence can be caused by swallowing more air than usual, eating foods that are difficult to digest, or conditions affecting the digestive system. Some digestive system disorders, such as irritable bowel syndrome, can produce excess gas. Flatulence can be avoided by not eating foods that are likely to cause it, such as those containing high levels of carbohydrates that cannot be absorbed.