If you fart more than 25 times a day, especially if there are other symptoms, it means that...

 

What is flatulence?

Flatulence is the release of gas from the digestive system through the rectum. It is a completely natural process that occurs in every person. On average, a person passes gas between 14 and 25 times a day.

Too frequent flatulence – what does it mean and what to do?

If you pass gas more than 25 times a day, especially if you have other symptoms, this may be considered excessive flatulence. In most cases, it is not dangerous, but it may be a sign of a problem in the digestive system.

Common causes of excessive flatulence

1. Dietary reasons

• Foods high in fiber (beans, lentils, broccoli, onions)

• Carbonated drinks

• Sugar alcohols (sorbitol, mannitol – common in diet/sugar-free products)

• Lactose (if you are intolerant to milk)

• Fructose and high fructose corn syrup

2. Swallowing a lot of air

• Chewing gum

• Fast food

• Drinking with a straw

• Talking while eating

• Smoking

3. Food intolerances

• Lactose intolerance

• Gluten intolerance (celiac disease or gluten sensitivity)

• FODMAP sensitivity (fermentable sugars that cause bloating and gas)

4. Digestive disorders

• Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)

• Small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO)

• Celiac disease

• Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)

• Pancreatic insufficiency (poor digestion of food)

5. Medications

• Antibiotics (disturb the intestinal microflora)

• Laxatives

• Metformin (diabetes medicine)

• Fiber supplements

When to see a doctor?

See a doctor if, in addition to frequent flatulence, you also have:

• bloating or abdominal pain

• diarrhea or constipation

• weight loss

• blood in the stool

• severe fatigue

• changes in appetite

• recent dietary changes that worsen symptoms

How to reduce excess gas?

• Keep a food diary and note which foods irritate you.

• Try a low-FODMAP diet (especially for IBS).

• Eat more slowly and chew your food well.

• Avoid foods that cause gas – temporarily.

• Try probiotics.

• Exercise regularly – physical activity helps release gas.

• Use enzymes or lactase when needed (e.g., for lactose intolerance)

What tests can a doctor order?

• Hydrogen breath test (for lactose intolerance or SIBO)

• Blood test for celiac disease

• Stool analysis (for infections or malabsorption)

• Endoscopy/colonoscopy (if serious chronic causes are suspected)

• Physical examination, history, and diet diary

Conclusion:
Usually, frequent flatulence is