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What Causes So Much Flatulence?

Flatulence is a common medical condition typified by the production of mixture a of gases, most of which are byproducts of digested food. This condition is most commonly found in the mammal species, including humans, when excessive gas is generated in the digestive tracts. The chief components of the liberated gas are carbon dioxide, oxygen, nitrogen and hydrogen, however, the foul odor associated with the gas is generally caused by the presence of low-molecular mass sulphur compounds like hydrogen sulphide.

  1. Factors Resulting in Flatulence

    • According to a Mayo Clinic study, some of the common risk factors in flatulence include incomplete digestion of food, swallowing of air and synthetic additives. Certain medical conditions can also be the cause.

    Swallowing and Intake of Air

    • Individuals regularly take in air through the mouth while eating, talking and drinking. Most of this air is used up in the metabolic reactions taking place inside one's body, however, a small fraction of the swallowed air resides in the digestive tract. This can lead toward the development of excessive levels of gas, which ultimately is removed in the form of flatulence.

    Incomplete Digestion of Food

    • Incomplete digestion of food is another common factor in the development of flatulence. Many times due to the absence or lack of various enzymes some of the carbohydrate substances like starch and sugars remain incompletely digested. This undigested or incompletely digested food mixture then ultimately reaches the digestive tract (most often the intestines), thus leading to the development of abnormally high levels of gas.

    Food Intolerance

    • Some people have an intolerance toward certain food items (mostly dairy products). The partial breakdown of lactose and other sugars inside the body is a particularly common food intolerance.

    Synthetic or Artificial Additives

    • Certain additives like mannitol and sorbitol, among others, which are chief components of various sugar-free products often lead toward the development of excessive levels of gas.

    Other Causes

    • According to the Mayo Clinic, other possible factors contributing towards flatulence include excessive usage of antibiotics, medical conditions such as inflammatory bowel disease, Crohn's disease and constipation.

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