What is Flatulence (breaking wind)?

Flatulence is a built up of gas in the stomach or bowels which is released through the mouth or anus.
Normally a person will pass gas or wind about 10 times a day. However, with flatulence a person may pass gas more often.

What is gas?

Gases can build up in the gastrointestinal tract in a number of ways. Air is a gas, which we can swallow when we eat. We do so without even knowing it. It is normal to swallow small amounts with food but some people swallow larger amounts of air which is later expelled from the body by belching or passing wind (“farting”).

Eating and drinking too quickly also causes a person to swallow larger amounts of air.
The gastrointestinal system itself produces gases during the metabolism of food in the digestive system.
Persons with deficiencies in enzymes which break down glucose may experience an increase in gas after eating certain foods rich in sugars.
Symptoms

• Abdominal discomfort
• Bloating
• Frequent belching
• Excessive passing of wind/gas

Treatment - Controlling flatulence?

A change in diet may be required to control flatulence and to discover which foods are causing the problem. This can be done by monitoring the intake of beverages and foods particularly those with a high fibre content such as beans, cereals, certain vegetables and fruits. To help establish which foods may be causing a problem it may be necessary to eliminate one food or group of foods at a time. Keeping a food diary is often very helpful in identifying which foods cause problems .

Attention also should be given to the way in which food is eaten. Eating slowly and chewing food will help reduce the amount of air swallowed. When food is eaten quickly large amounts of air may be swallowed. The same applies to beverages. So, relax and eat food slowly. Chewing food slowly affords the enzymes in the mouth a better opportunity to break down food and also reduces the amount of air swallowed.
Foods which can cause gas:

• Chewing gum
• Carbonated or fizzy drinks
• Beans, cabbage
• Brans and whole grains
• Foods containing preservatives and sweeteners
• Certain processed foods
• Certain fruits and vegetables
• Smoking may also be a contributing factor

Should I consult my Doctor about flatulence?

Excessive flatulence may be a symptom of:

• Appendicitis
• Gallstones
• Irritable bowel syndrome
• Ulcers of the stomach

If you think that you are passing wind more frequently or have other symptoms of Appendicitis, Gallstone, IBS or Stomach ulcers – it may be advisable to consult your Doctor.

Written by Medpages Editorial Team
Last Editorial Review: 25/1/2010