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Conditions

Flatulence

Doctor examining a patient's bloated stomach with suspected Flatulence

We fart when we’re awake, we fart when we’re asleep, and we even fart when we’re dead. So, if you’ve been told that the Queen doesn’t fart and that women’s gusty contributions are accompanied by angelic harp music (and smell like flowers), don’t believe a word of it! On average, most people pass gas 15 times a day, but anything up to 40 times in one day is considered normal. The food we eat is digested and absorbed in the small intestine. And wind is produced by the digestive system as enzymes and bacteria break down carbohydrates and proteins in your food. Of course, certain foods can provide a little extra firepower, such as beans, cauliflower, cabbage, kidney beans and artichokes. In such instances, it might be wise to distance yourself from your nearest and dearest.

What the Men in White Coats Say

Comments and Questions

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Im 17, and sometimes i really feel the need to pass wind. It will come on very strong (especially if its quiet and people can hear, i feel like i need to pass wind even more) then my stomach makes a long growling sound. Its so frustrating.





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i am 32 and have terrible bowel problems wich i beleive to be ibs, the wind being so awful so awful my family are fed up , i have the stomach of a 7 month pregnancy regardless of what i eat or drink . this problem started about 2 years ago and is steadily getting worse , i am sometimes doubled up in agony on the floor with trapped wind pains and can pass wind constantly for days on end OMG please help .





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im 36 and have also had the same symptoms for 2 years. my stomach is ridiculously swollen and painful and i just feel like i want to constantly pass wind. its an uncomfortable feeling. for me i have found that cutting out wheat and gluten has helped and drinking plenty of water. flatulence has reduced along with my stomach. hope this will work for you georgina.

I have IBS and bad flatulence but the thing that is bothering me the most is the fact that smells just leak out without me farting and my stomach constantly rumbles and produces a smell. Does anyone have any idea how to stop this? Work are findng it unbearable.





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I have had the4 same problem for 3 yrs and have tried so many things. Lately I have discovered VSL No 3 (available on web) which provide 450 billion healthy bacteria to the gut. I also take Silicea which captures pathagens and toxins. If you find anything else which helps, please let me know. Hope this helps. Barbara

Hi. Im 14, and verry embarrassed about this- but when i "pass wind" it makes an awfull smell. My mum complains all the time about it, and its starting to get me very upset and i hang out with my friends less because of it. I hope that someone can please get back to me ? x





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I can sympathise with nearly everyone who has commented here especially those who have been asked when the baby is due, I get it all the time. I am 25 and 'wind' has caused me relationship problems and leaves me feeling awful. I have been dismissed by my GP and have systematically ruled out most food triggers, that is to say everything triggers it! any help appreciated





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I need help with flatulence.It's making me uncomfortable and is ruining my life.I sat my exam prelims and the flatulence(it's more of a build up)was affecting my performance.I need help without going to my GP as I'm too embarrassed.Any tips?





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i am a 23year old female just diagnosed with IBS.I take buscopan for it when my stomach is distended and bloated,however i feel like i always need to pass wind all the time for my stomach to be completely flat and not hurt.I also pass wind after eating sometimes which i find very disturbing.I live a very helathy lifestyle,i exercise 3 times a week and eat very healthy.I was wondering if there are any useful suggestions anyone could give me please.





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After my partner and i have sex i always find i pass a lot of wind afterwards, sometimes during sex which is embarrasing, it usually lasts till the next morning and may even continue from there. it doesnt cause any pain but as you can guess its something i'd rather not do when my partner is there, luckily she understands though. can anyone explain whats going on?





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Recently I have had very smelly wind every day, I eat a healthy(ish!) diet, I think the most unhealthy thing I have is one can of diet coke every day, I take a pro-biotice drink and vitamins daily and I exercise regularly. Any ideas what is causing this and what I can do to stop it? Thanks





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I have really bad wind and when I say bad I mean worse than anything you've smelt, I can clear a room and often do. It doesn't matter what I eat or drink and I can't hold them in, if I do it gives me stomach pains and i look pregnant not a good look for a 39 yr old male. It is starting to affect my personal life and work life as I deal with customers and my work mates are getting sick of it now. What can I do?





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I am a 48 year old woman. I am diabetic which is controlled by diet & tablets. I have the worst smelling wind ever. I can clear rooms shops etc & can make people sick with the smell. I have tried blaming it on the tablets but my wind has always been revolting. What can i do?





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It looks like no one else has asked this question, so please fill in the rest of your details below.





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Content supplied by NHS Choices

Flatulence is the medical term for passing gas from the digestive system and out of the anus (back passage). Flatulence is more commonly known as ‘passing wind’ or ‘farting’. Read More »

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