Flatulence 11240 226170941 2008-07-17T03:48:10Z 24.138.98.89 /* Mechanism of action */ {{tooshort|date=June 2008}} {{SignSymptom infobox | Name = Flatulence | ICD10 = {{ICD10|R|14||r|10}} | ICD9 = {{ICD9|787.3}} }} '''Flatulence''' is the presence of a mixture of gases in the [[gastrointestinal tract|digestive tract]] of [[mammals]] that are byproducts of the digestion process. Such a mixture of gases is known as '''flatus''', and is expelled from the [[rectum]] in a process also known as flatulence, or crudely as [[fart]]ing. == Composition of flatus gases == [[Nitrogen]] is the primary [[gas]] released during flatulence, along with [[Carbon dioxide]] which is present in higher quantities in those who drink [[carbonated beverages]] regularly. The lesser component gases [[Methane]] and [[hydrogen]] are [[flammable]], and so flatus containing adequate amounts of these can be [[Fart lighting|ignited]]. However, not all humans produce flatus that contains methane. For example, in one study of the [[feces]] of nine adults, only five of the samples contained [[archaea]] capable of producing methane.<ref>{{cite journal| author=Miller TL| coauthors=Wolin MJ, de Macario EC, Macario AJ| title=Isolation of Methanobrevibacter smithii from human feces| journal=Appl Environ Microbiol| year=1982| volume=43(1)| pages=227–232}}</ref> Similar results are found in samples of gas obtained from within the [[rectum]]. The gas released during a flatus event frequently has a foul odor which mainly results from low [[molecular weight]] [[fatty acids]] such as [[butyric acid]] ([[Rancidity|rancid]] [[butter]] smell) and [[redox|reduced]] [[sulfur]] compounds such as [[hydrogen sulfide]] (rotten egg smell) and [[carbonyl sulfide]] that are the result of [[protein]] breakdown. The incidence of odoriferous compounds in flatus increases from [[herbivores]], such as [[cattle]], through [[omnivores]] to [[carnivorous]] [[species]], such as [[cat]]s and [[dogs]]. Such odor can also be caused by the presence of large numbers of microflora [[bacteria]] and/or the presence of feces in the [[rectum]]. The major components of the flatus (which are odorless) by percentage are:<ref>{{cite web | title =Human Digestive System | work =Encyclopedia Britannica | url =http://www.britannica.com/eb/article-45361/human-digestive-system#294193.hook | accessdate = 2007-08-22 }}</ref> * [[Nitrogen]] - 20% - 90% * [[Hydrogen]] - 0% - 50% * [[Carbon Dioxide]] - 10% - 30% * [[Oxygen]] - 0% - 10% * [[Methane]] - 0% - 10% ==Mechanism of action== The [[noise]]s commonly associated with flatulence are caused by the [[oscillation|vibration]] of the [[anus|anal]] [[sphincter]], and occasionally by the closed [[buttocks]]. The sound varies depending on the tightness of the sphincter [[muscle]] and [[velocity]] of the [[gas]] being propelled, as well as other factors such as water and body fat. The auditory pitch (sound) of the flatulence outburst can also be affected by the anal [[embouchure]]. Among humans, flatulence occasionally happens accidentally, such as incidentally to [[cough]]ing or [[sneezing]] or during [[orgasm]]; on other occasions, flatulence can be voluntarily elicited by tensing the [[rectum]] or "bearing down" and subsequently releasing the anal sphincter, resulting in the expulsion of a flatus. Flatus is brought to the [[rectum]] by the same process which causes [[feces]] to descend from the large intestine, and may cause a similar feeling of urgency and discomfort. Nerve endings in the rectum usually enable individuals to distinguish between flatus and feces, <ref>{{cite journal | author=Read, M. G. | coauthors= Read, N. W. | title= Role of anorectal sensation in preserving continence | journal= Gut | year=1982 | volume=23 | pages=345–347 | doi = 10.1136/gut.23.4.345 <!--Retrieved from Yahoo! by DOI bot--> }} </ref> although loose stool can confuse the individual, occasionally resulting in accidental defecation, or "sharting" or "farticle". ==Causes == {{Refimprove|section|date=June 2008}} Intestinal gas is composed of varying quantities of exogenous sources (air that is ingested through the nose and mouth) and endogenous sources (gas produced within the digestive tract). The exogenous gases are swallowed ([[aerophagia]]) when eating or drinking or increased swallowing during times of excessive salivation (as might occur when nauseated or as the result of [[gastroesophageal reflux]] disease). The [[endogenous]] gases are produced either as a by-product of digesting certain types of [[food]], or of incomplete [[digestion]]. Anything that causes food to be incompletely digested by the [[stomach]] and/or [[small intestine]] may cause flatulence when the material arrives in the large intestine due to [[Fermentation (biochemistry)|fermentation]] by [[yeast]] or [[procaryotes]] normally or abnormally present in the [[gastrointestinal tract]]. Flatulence-producing foods are typically high in certain [[polysaccharide]]s (especially [[oligosaccharides]] such as [[inulin]]) and include [[bean]]s, [[lentil]]s, [[dairy product]]s, [[onion]]s, [[garlic]], [[scallion]]s, [[leek]]s, [[radish]]es, [[sweet potato]]es, [[cashew]]s, [[Jerusalem artichoke]]s, [[oat]]s, [[wheat]], [[yeast]] in [[bread]]s, and other [[vegetable]]s. [[Cauliflower]], [[Broccoli]], [[cabbage]] and other [[cruciferous vegetables]] that belong to the [[Brassica]] family are commonly reputed to not only increase flatulence, but to increase the pungency of the flatus. In beans, endogenous gases seem to arise from complex [[oligosaccharide]] ([[carbohydrate]]s) that are particularly resistant to digestion by mammals, but which are readily digestible by [[microorganisms]] that inhabit the [[digestive tract]]. These [[oligosaccharide]]s pass through the upper [[intestine]] largely unchanged, and when these reach the lower [[intestine]], [[bacteria]] feed on them, producing copious amounts of flatus.<ref name="McGee">{{cite book| last=McGee| first=Harold| title=[[On Food and Cooking]]| publisher=Scribner| year=1984| id=ISBN 0-684-84328-5| pages=257–8}}</ref> In the case of those with [[lactose intolerance]], intestinal [[bacteria]] feeding on [[lactose]] can give rise to excessive gas production when [[milk]] or lactose-containing substances have been consumed. Interest in the causes of flatulence was spurred by high-altitude [[flight]] and the [[space program]]; the low [[atmospheric pressure]], confined conditions, and stresses peculiar to those endeavours were cause for concern.<ref name="McGee"/> In the field of mountaineering, [[High Altitude Flatus Expulsion]] was first noticed over two hundred years ago. Human beings are also known to flatulate in their sleep (due to the highly relaxed state of the body’s systems), resulting in an average of 20 to 40 farts in one night. ==Remedies== ===Dietary=== {{Refimprove|section|date=April 2008}} Certain [[spice]]s have been reported to counteract the production of intestinal gas, most notably [[cumin]]{{Fact|date=February 2007}}, [[coriander]]{{Fact|date=February 2007}}, [[caraway]] and the closely related [[ajwain]], [[turmeric]], [[asafoetida]] (hing), [[epazote]], and [[kombu]] [[kelp]] (a Japanese [[seaweed]]).{{Fact|date=March 2007}} Most starches, including potatoes, corn, noodles, and wheat, produce gas as they are broken down in the large intestine. Rice is the only starch that does not cause gas.<ref>''[http://digestive.niddk.nih.gov/ddiseases/pubs/gas/index.htm Gas in the Digestive Tract]'' a publication of National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse, part of the US National Institute of Health</ref> The amount of water-soluble [[oligosaccharide]] in beans that may contribute to production of intestinal gas is reputed to be reduced by a long period of soaking followed by boiling,{{Fact|date=March 2007}} but at a cost of also leaching out other water-soluble nutrients.{{Fact|date=March 2007}} Also, intestinal gas can be reduced by fermenting the beans, and making them less gas-inducing, and/or by cooking them in the liquor from a previous batch{{Fact|date=March 2007}}. ''[[Lactobacillus casei]]'' and ''[[Lactobacillus plantarum]]'' have recently been hypothesized<!-- Never, never, NEVER EVER use the word "PROVEN" in a scientific article. Science hypothesizes, tests hypotheses, and accepts hypotheses that have not yet been DISproven. Science never proves anything! --> as being responsible for this effect.<ref>{{cite web|title=Study shows secret to gas-free beans|url=http://web.archive.org/web/20060502110835/http://reuters.myway.com/article/20060426/2006-04-26T170153Z_01_N25328545_RTRIDST_0_ODD-BEANS-DC-DC.html|date=2006-04-26|accessdate=2007-09-10}}</ref> Some [[legume]]s also stand up to prolonged cooking, which can help break down the oligosaccharides into simple sugars. [[fermentation (food)|Fermentation]] also breaks down oligosaccharides, which is why fermented bean products such as [[miso]] and [[tofu]] are less likely to produce as much intestinal gas{{Fact|date=March 2007}}). [[Probiotic]]s ([[yogurt]], [[kefir]], etc.) are reputed to reduce flatulence when used to restore balance to the normal intestinal flora.<ref>Rubin J. and J. Brasco, ''Restoring Your Digestive Health'' (2003).</ref> Yogurt contains ''[[Lactobacillus acidophilus]]'' which may be useful in reducing flatulence{{Fact|date=March 2007}}). ''[[Lactobacillus acidophilus|L. acidophilus]]'' may make the intestines more acidic, thus maintaining the natural balance of fermentation processes.{{Fact|date=March 2007}} ''[[Lactobacillus acidophilus|L. acidophilus]]'' is available in supplements (non-dairy is reputedly best{{Fact|date=March 2007}}). [[Prebiotics]], which generally are non-digestible oligosaccharides, such as [[fructooligosaccharide]], generally increase flatulence in a similar way as described for lactose intolerance.{{Fact|date=March 2007}} Medicinal [[Activated carbon|activated charcoal]] tablets (brand name CharcoCaps) have also been reported as effective in reducing both odor and quantity of flatus when taken immediately before food that is likely to cause flatulence later.{{Fact|date=March 2007}} ===Pharmacological=== [[Digestive enzyme]] supplements may significantly reduce the amount of flatulence caused by some components of foods not being digested by the body and thereby promoting the action of microbes in the small and large [[intestines]]. It has been suggested that [[alpha-galactosidase]] [[enzymes]], which can digest certain complex sugars, are effective in reducing the volume and frequency of flatus.<ref>{{cite journal| author=Ganiats TG| coauthors=Norcross WA, Halverson AL, Burford PA, Palinkas LA| title=Does Beano prevent gas? A double-blind crossover study of oral alpha-galactosidase to treat dietary oligosaccharide intolerance| journal=J Fam Pract| year=1994| volume=39| pages=441–445}}</ref> The [[enzymes]] [[alpha-galactosidase]] ), [[lactase]], [[amylase]], [[lipase]], [[protease]], [[cellulase]], [[Amylase#γ-Amylase|glucoamylase]], [[invertase]], malt [[diastase]], [[pectinase]], and [[bromelain]] are available, either individually or in combination blends, in commercial products. The [[antibiotic]] [[rifaximin]], often used to treat [[diarrhea]] caused by the [[microorganism]] ''[[E. coli]]'', may reduce both the production of intestinal gas and the frequency of flatus events.<ref>{{cite journal| author=Di Stefano M| coauthors=Strocchi A, Malservisi S, Veneto G, Ferrieri A, Corazza GR| title=Non-absorbable antibiotics for managing intestinal gas production and gas-related symptoms| journal=Aliment Pharmacol Ther| year=2000| volume=14| pages=1001–1008| doi=10.1046/j.1365-2036.2000.00808.x}}</ref> While not affecting the production of the gases themselves, [[surfactants]] (agents which lower [[surface tension]]) can reduce the disagreeable sensations associated with flatulence, by aiding the dissolution of the gases into liquid and solid fecal matter. <ref name="brecevic"> {{cite journal | last = Brecevic | first = L. | authorlink = | coauthors = Bosan-Kilibarda I., Strajnar F. | title = Mechanism of antifoaming action of simethicone | journal = Journal of Applied Toxicology | volume = 14(3) | issue = | pages = 207–211 | publisher = | location = | date = May-June 1994 | url = http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/8083482 | doi = | id = | accessdate = 2008-03-28 }} </ref> Preparations containing [[simethicone]] reportedly operate by promoting the coalescence of smaller bubbles into larger ones more easily passed from the body, either by [[burp]]ing or flatulence. Such preparations do not decrease the total amount of gas generated in or passed from the colon, but make the bubbles larger and thereby allowing them to be passed more easily.<ref name="brecevic" /> Often it may be helpful to ingest small quantities of [[acid]]ic liquids with meals, such as [[lemon juice]] or [[vinegar]], to stimulate the production of [[gastric]] [[hydrochloric acid]]. In turn, acid ingestion may increase normal [[gastric enzyme]] and acid production, facilitating normal [[digestion]] and perhaps limiting intestinal gas production. Ingestion of [[bromelain]]- or [[papain]]-containing supplements (such as raw [[pineapple]] or [[papaya]], respectively,) may be helpful.{{Fact|date=March 2007}} [[Odor]] from flatulence, caused by the intestinal bacteria called microflora in the bowel, can be treated by taking [[bismuth subgallate]]. [[Bismuth subgallate]] is commonly used by individuals who have had [[ostomy]] surgery, [[bariatric surgery]], [[fecal incontinence]] and [[irritable bowel syndrome]].<ref>{{cite journal| author=Turnbull G| title=The Ostomy Files:The Issue of Oral Medications and a Fecal Ostomy| journal=Ostomy/Wound Management|year=2005| volume=51| pages=14–16}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.cancer.org/docroot/CRI/content/CRI_2_6x_Colostomy.asp|title=Colostomy Guide|date=2006-01-04|accessdate=2007-09-10}}</ref> ===Post-Release=== In 1998, [[Weimer, Chester|Chester "Buck" Weimer]] of [[Pueblo, Colorado]], [[USA]] received a patent for the first [[undergarment]] that contained a replaceable [[charcoal filter]]. The undergarments are [[Hermetic seal|air-tight]] and provide a pocketed [[path of least resistance|escape hole]] in which a charcoal filter can be inserted.<ref name="weimer">{{cite web |last=Weimer |first=Chester |url=http://patft.uspto.gov/netacgi/nph-Parser?TERM1=5593398&u=/netahtml/srchnum.htm&Sect1=PTO1&Sect2=HITOFF&p=1&r=0&l=50&f=S&d=PALL|title= Protective underwear with malodorous flatus filter|date=1997-01-14|accessdate=2007-07-27}}</ref> A similar product was released in 2002, but rather than an entire undergarment, consumers are able to purchase an insert similar to a [[pantiliner]] that contains activated charcoal.<ref>{{cite web |last= Conant |first= Brian J. |coauthors= Myra M. Conant |url=http://patft.uspto.gov/netacgi/nph-Parser?TERM1=6313371&u=/netahtml/srchnum.htm&Sect1=PTO1&Sect2=HITOFF&p=1&r=0&l=50&f=S&d=PALL|title= Flatulence deodorizer |date=2001-11-06|accessdate=2007-09-10}}</ref> The inventors, [[Myra Conant|Myra]] and [[Brian Conant]] of [[Mililani, Hawaii]], USA still claim on their website to have discovered the undergarment product in 2002 (8 years after Chester Weimer filed for a patent for his product), but states that their tests "concluded" that they should release an insert instead.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.flat-d.com/american-inventor.html|title=www.flat-d.com/american-inventor.html|title=Flat-D Innovations Inc.: About the American Inventor|accessdate=2007-09-10}}</ref> ==Health effects== As a normal body function, the action of flatulence is an important signal of normal [[bowel]] activity and hence is often documented by nursing staff following surgical or other treatment of patients. However, symptoms of excessive flatulence ''can'' indicate the presence of [[irritable bowel syndrome]] or some other organic [[disease]]. In particular, the sudden occurrence of excessive flatulence together with the onset of new symptoms provide reason for seeking further medical examination. Flatulence is not [[poisonous]]; it is a natural component of various intestinal contents. However, discomfort may develop from the build-up of gas pressure. In theory, pathological distension of the bowel, leading to [[constipation]], could result if a person holds in flatulence. Not all flatus is released from the body via the anus. When the [[partial pressure]] of any gas component of the intestinal [[lumen (anatomy)|lumen]] is higher than its partial pressure in the [[blood]], that component enters into the bloodstream of the intestinal wall by the process of [[diffusion]]. As the blood passes through the [[lungs]] this gas can diffuse back out of the blood and be exhaled. If a person holds in flatus during daytime, it will often be released during sleep when the body is relaxed. Some flatus can become trapped within the feces during its compaction and will exit the body, still contained within the fecal matter, during the process of [[defecation]]. ==Environmental impact== [[Image:Friesian-Holstein.jpg|thumb|right|250px|The flatulence of [[cows]] is only a small portion of cows' methane release. Cows burp methane due to the physiology of their digestive systems.]] Flatulence is often blamed as a significant source of [[greenhouse gas]]es owing to the erroneous belief that the methane released by [[livestock]] is in the flatus.<ref>[http://www.abc.net.au/southqld/stories/s1560903.htm?backyard ABC Southern Queensland: "Could skippy stop cows farting and end global warming?"] Friday, 3 February 2006. Example of error. Although the article doesn't specify whether the methane is released by flatulence or eructation, it appears the headline-writer assumes it's through flatulence.</ref> While livestock account for around 20% of global [[methane]] emissions,<ref>{{cite web| url=http://www.newscientist.com/article.ns?id=dn6431| title=Burp vaccine cuts greenhouse gas| first=Rachel| last=Nowak| date=[[September 24]], [[2004]]| work=New Scientist}}</ref> 90-95% of that is released by [[breath|exhaling]] or [[burping]].<ref>[http://www.mycattle.com/health/dsp_health_article.cfm?storyid=10045 "Bovine belching called udderly serious gas problem - Global warming concerns spur effort to cut methane."] By Gary Polakovic. ''Los Angeles Times'', Sunday, July 13, 2003.</ref> This means only 1–2% of global methane emissions come from livestock flatus. Since [[New Zealand]] produces large amounts of agricultural produce it is in a unique position of having high methane emissions livestock compared to other greenhouse gas sources. The New Zealand government is a signatory to the [[Kyoto Protocol]] and therefore attempts are being made to reduce greenhouse emissions. To achieve this an [[Agricultural emissions research levy]] was proposed and it promptly became known as a "fart tax" or sometimes a "flatulence tax". It encountered opposition from farmers, farming lobby groups and opposition politicians. ==Social context== {{Unreferencedsection|date=February 2008}} In many [[culture]]s, human flatulence in public is regarded as humorous. People will often strain to hold in the passing of gas when in polite company, or position themselves to conceal the noise and scent. In other cultures it may be no more embarrassing than [[cough]]ing. While the act of passing flatus is generally considered to be an unfortunate occurrence in public settings, flatulence may, in casual circumstances, be used as either a humorous supplement to a joke, or as a comic activity in and of itself. === Performance art === {{Trivia|date=January 2008}} {{seealso|Professional farter}} *In [[Augustine of Hippo|St. Augustine's]] ''[[The City of God]],'' Augustine, not otherwise noted for his levity, makes mention of men who "have such command of their bowels, that they can break wind continuously at will, so as to produce the effect of singing." That mankind in general has lost this ability he attributes to the first sin of [[Adam and Eve]] and its consequences with respect to body control. (''The City of God Against the Pagans'', ed and trans Philip Levine (Cambridge, MA: Harvard University Press, 1966), XIV.24. *[[Le Pétomane]] "the Fartiste" a famous French performer in the nineteenth century as well as many [[professional farter]]s before him did flatulence impressions and held shows. The performer [[Mr. Methane]] carries on Le Pétomane's tradition today. ==See also== *[[Flatulence humor]] *[[Borborygmus]] *[[Vaginal flatulence]] *[[The Gas We Pass]] *[[Fart lighting]] *[[Le Petomane]] ==References== {{wikisourcepar|Harper%27s_New_Monthly_Magazine/Vol. XLIV/No._261/February_1872/Editor%27s_Scientific_Record/Cure_of_Flatulence|A cure for flatulence from 1872}} {{reflist}} ===Nontechnical resources=== * {{cite book | author = Franklin, Benjamin | editor = Japikse, Carl (Ed.) | title = Fart Proudly | publisher = Frog Ltd/Blue Snake | year = 2003 | edition = (Reprint) | id = ISBN 1-58394-079-0 }} * {{cite book | author = Dawson, Jim | title = Who Cut the Cheese?: A Cultural History of the Fart | publisher = Ten Speed Press | year = 1999 | id = ISBN 1-58008-011-1 }} * {{cite book | author = Dawson, Jim | title = Blame it on the Dog: A Modern History of the Fart | publisher = Ten Speed Press | year = 2006 | id = ISBN 1-58008-751-5 }} * {{cite book | author = D. von Schmausen | title = Official Rules, New World Odor International Freestyle Farting Championship | publisher = LULU | year 2002 | id = ISBN 978-1-4357-0919-5}} ==External links== {{wiktionarypar2|flatus|flatulence}} *[http://www.fartsurvey.com The Farting Survey (fartsurvey.com)] - a comprehensive, worldwide survey about farts and farting. *[http://www.merck.com/mmpe/sec02/ch008/ch008d.html The Merck Manual of Diagnosis and Therapy, Gas] *[http://www.heptune.com/farts.html Facts on Farts] *[http://www.sillyjokes.co.uk/fart_machine/fart_slang.html Dictionary of Fart Slang] *[http://abc.net.au/spark/smelly/fartsurvey/default.htm The Great Fart Survey (simple statistical analysis of flatulence in youths) produced by Australian Broadcasting Corporation youth website, ''Rollercoaster'')] *[http://www.successful-diet-cabbage-soup.com/flatulence-treatment.html Flatulence Treatment] *[http://www.fartnoises.info Fart Sounds] - frequently updated flog (fart+blog) dealing with all aspects of flatulence. *[http://www.mrmethane.com Mr Methane] - The world's only performing flatulist. *[http://www.freefarts.com Farts for websites] - Fart sounds that people may add to their websites. *[http://edition.cnn.com/2003/WORLD/asiapcf/auspac/06/19/newzealand.gastax/ CNN - Farmers let rip on flatulence tax] <sub></sub> {{Digestive system and abdomen symptoms and signs}} [[Category:Reflexes]] [[Category:Flatulence|*]] [[Category:Gastroenterology]] [[Category:Methane]] [[ar:ضرطة]] [[ay:Sira]] [[bg:Флатуленция]] [[ca:Flatulència]] [[cs:Flatus]] [[de:Flatulenz]] [[es:Flatulencia]] [[eo:Furzo]] [[fr:Flatulence]] [[ko:방귀]] [[ilo:Uttot]] [[id:Kentut]] [[it:Flatulenza]] [[he:נפיחה]] [[lt:Bezdalai]] [[nl:Winderigheid]] [[ja:屁]] [[no:Tarmgass]] [[nn:Tarmgass]] [[pl:Gazy jelitowe]] [[pt:Flatulência]] [[ro:Flatulenţă]] [[qu:Qhullquy]] [[ru:Метеоризм]] [[scn:Pìditu]] [[simple:Flatulence]] [[fi:Pieru]] [[sv:Flatulens]] [[tl:Utot]] [[vi:Trung tiện]] [[tr:Yellenme]] [[uk:Метеоризм]] [[zh:屁]]