Fart – everyone does it, even if nobody likes to talk about it. In most cases, the intestinal wind is completely normal, but rarely there can be a serious cause behind the flatulence. We explain when flatulence is a sign of illness.
Table of Contents
How are farts formed?
Everyone farts – even if it is embarrassing for many. But no matter how unpleasant the gases escaping every day are, their formation is a normal and important bodily process. Gases are formed in the intestine in a number of ways. Since we not only swallow our meals when we eat, but also swallow a lot of air, this enters the stomach in the form of nitrogen and oxygen with the chyme. When fats are digested in the small intestine, carbon dioxide is produced. However, most of the gases are produced in the large intestine: when bacteria break down the leftovers, hydrogen and methane are produced. These gases then pass out of the intestine as farts. According to experts, between 10 and 20 intestinal winds a day are normal.
When do farts smell bad?
Most of the gases that our body produces hardly smell. Only the decomposition of roughage and sulphur-containing compounds from food leads to a bad smell. This process produces hydrogen sulfide, which is responsible for the stench. The more fiber and sulfur-containing foods we eat, the worse the smell can be. High-fiber foods include, for example, whole grain products and legumes. Eggs, onions and cabbage vegetables are among the things that contain sulfur.
Also interesting: 13 foods that cause bloating >>
Bloating: when farts are a sign of illness
Frequent farts are called bloating. In most cases, they are caused by the foods already mentioned. The intestine can react particularly sensitively to this as a result of a change in diet. In rarer cases, however, there can also be serious causes of frequent farting.
Flatulence as a sign of food intolerance
Many people suffer from a food intolerance such as lactose intolerance or gluten intolerance (celiac disease). Typically, these manifest themselves as digestive problems. In addition to flatulence, abdominal pain, diarrhea, nausea or vomiting can also occur. But other symptoms such as skin rashes, dizziness or headaches can also occur. If you suspect you are suffering from an intolerance, you should first keep a food diary to find out exactly which foods you are reacting to with symptoms. If in doubt, consult a doctor.
Flatulence as a sign of a gastrointestinal infection
If you suffer from acute symptoms such as abdominal cramps, diarrhea, nausea or vomiting, a gastrointestinal infection can also be the cause. Depending on the pathogen in question, the symptoms of a gastrointestinal infection last from a few hours to several days. In the case of an infection with salmonella, the pathogens can remain in the body for weeks and be excreted.
Flatulence as a sign of chronic inflammatory bowel disease
If flatulence occurs unusually often and is accompanied by other symptoms such as abdominal pain, diarrhea, nausea, fever, weight loss or a general feeling of illness, a chronic inflammatory bowel disease such as Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis can also be the trigger. Since these are serious diseases, you should consult a doctor as soon as possible if you suspect them.
Bloating as a sign of irritable bowel syndrome
In addition to vague abdominal pain, constipation or diarrhea, flatulence is also one of the possible symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome. Irritable bowel is a functional disorder of the intestines, which in turn can be caused by various causes such as a disturbed intestinal flora. A diagnosis can be made after other conditions, such as Crohn’s disease or colon cancer, have been ruled out.
Bloating as a sign of colon cancer
In rare cases, bloating along with other symptoms can also be a sign of colon cancer. Especially if other symptoms such as changed bowel habits, especially pencil stool or blood in the stool occur, you should see a doctor as soon as possible to rule out serious illnesses as the cause of the symptoms.
Important : Anyone who has to fart more than 20 times a day over a longer period of time and also suffers from other symptoms such as abdominal pain, diarrhea, constipation, nausea or vomiting should have the cause clarified by a doctor.
Also interesting: Crohn’s disease – symptoms, causes and therapy >>
These foods can cause bloating
What helps against flatulence?
If you suffer from acute flatulence, there are a few tips that can help. These include exercise and walks, abdominal massages or heat, for example in the form of a hot water bottle or a grain pillow. Herbal bitter substances or special teas can also relieve the symptoms. Tea blends made from fennel, aniseed and caraway are particularly suitable here.
Also interesting: These 5 foods help against flatulence >>