Although it is the source of much amusement, passing wind through the rear is also the cause of much embarrassment when it occurs in public. It is a normal act that occurs in every person from time to time. However, there are instances where it
Although it is the source of much amusement, passing wind through the rear is also the cause of much embarrassment when it occurs in public. It is a normal act that occurs in every person from time to time. However, there are instances where it can be excessive and therefore cause significant distress due to its social impact. Most of us are able to retain flatulence when we feel the need to pass wind until the setting is appropriate to expel it. However, in some people there is an inability to control flatulence leading to the passing of wind at the most inappropriate of times. It can be such a major problem that a person may withdraw from social interaction and it can even lead to anxiety and depression.
Flatulence and Flatus
One of the major problems in the gut is the build up of gas. If it arises in the upper gut then it can often be passed out with a belch or burp. Once it reaches the lower gut then it is expelled in the form of flatus – wind passed through the rear. As with a belch, flatus can be passed out loudly or softly. Generally it tends to have an offensive odor. In this way, people experience flatus by its sound or smell. The person passing out the flatus experiences the build up of gas in the lower bowels, and within the rectum. It causes a similar sensation to feces and in this way a person is alerted that they will need to pass out flatus soon.
Most of us restrain ourselves and only consider passing flatus when the situation is appropriate, usually when we are alone. It is more likely to be evacuated when passing stool and during sleep when we are unable to restrain ourselves. However, not every person is able to restrain themselves in this way. Sometimes it is due to excessive gas in the lower gut which becomes uncomfortable unless expelled into the environment. At other times the problem lies with the anal sphincters, one of which is under voluntary control, thereby allowing us to control when and where we pass out the gas.
Source of Flatus
There is always some quantity of gas in the gut. This is estimated to be less than 200ml (about 7 fluid ounces) at any one time. Flatus is gas from :
- Swallowed air
- Carbonated beverages
- Chemical degradation of food
- Gas from the blood that diffuses into the lumen of the gut
- Bacterial decomposition of food
The colon is heavily populated by a number of different species of 