Passing gas can be humiliating, particularly in public settings, due to its unpleasant odor and audible sound, raising the question of whether to release or suppress it.

The body has two primary methods for releasing excess gas from the digestive system, and one of these methods is through the anus, resulting in the passage of gas, commonly referred to as a fart.

What are the factors that contribute to farting?

Passing gas is a natural bodily function, and it’s completely normal to experience flatulence frequently, with an average of 5-23 episodes per day.

The main culprits behind farting and burping are the accumulation of gas during digestion and swallowing air while eating. Certain factors can contribute to gas buildup in the digestive tract, including smoking, using straws, consuming difficult-to-digest foods, stress, constipation, and underlying digestive issues.

What are the effects of suppressing fart?

When you suppress a fart, it can lead to instant discomfort, pain, bloating, indigestion, and heartburn. As the pressure increases, stress levels also rise. Research in the 1970s found a connection between holding in farts and diverticulitis, a condition characterized by inflammation of the digestive tract’s pouches.

Additionally, unabsorbed gas is absorbed into the bloodstream and eventually exhaled through the lungs.

However, if you’re concerned about the size of your stomach, it may be due to suppressed flatulence, which can lead to a visibly enlarged abdomen, also known as a distended abdomen, where your stomach becomes noticeably swollen beyond its usual size.

Can holding a fart lead to death ?

While it can lead to intense discomfort and pain, suppressing a fart can potentially have fatal consequences, putting your life at risk.