What is Intestinal Gas? Stomach Bloating & Flatulence (Fart)

Why does the body produce gas?
What is the cause of gas in the gut?
Why is my tummy swollen?

Flatulence is an often embarrassing expulsion of gas through the anus. It may be voluntary or involuntary and is a regular occurrence in a healthy person. The breakdown and decomposition of food within the colon is the main reason for this gas build up. Normal intestinal bacteria consume digested foods within the large intestine, assist with further breakdown and residual nutrient absorption. These bacterial species produce gas as a byproduct which is then released as flatus. Excessive flatulence is often associated with a disruption of this bacterial process or may be as a result of certain foods which are known to contribute to gas production.

Gas from the upper gastrointestinal tract may also cause flatulence. Therefore the same causes for belching may contribute to flatulence if this gas is not released through the mouth. Flatulence associated with bloating, pain, discomfort or a disruption of bowel movement may be indicative of other causative factors. Further investigation may be required.

Why does the body produce gas?

Gas Gut & Farting

The are four common mechanisms of action that contribute to excessive flatulence. Any disorder that may affect these processes will invariably lead to excessive flatulence.

1. Diet – Foods & Drinks

Foods that are high in indigestible carbohydrates may reach the colon and still contain significant nutritive value. These bacteria within the bowels quickly consume these carbohydrates and increase their gas production. This results in the increased flatulence often associated with these foods. Foods that contribute to flatulence include beans, brussel sprouts, onions, celery, carrots and many types of fruit. It is not commonly known that high fiber foods can contribute significantly to flatulence. Fiber is indigestible in the gut. Therefore it cannot be absorbed and passes out with waste material. Fibrous fruits and vegetables may retain carbohydrates even after the processes of digestion and absorption are complete. These foods leave a residual nutrient availability for the intestinal bacteria. For this reason, we term certain foods as ‘gassy’ foods.

2. Intestinal Bacteria

Bacteria within the gut is essential for healthy digestion and nutrient absorption. Recent studies have indicated that the intestinal bacteria may also play a role in immunity.

The entire gut may contain different species of bacteria with the large intestine containing the largest populations. These multiples species of bacteria have a beneficial relationship with humans. In the event that these bacterial populations are disturbed, foreign bacteria, fungi and protozoa may quickly invade the gut. These foreign invaders can quickly multiply and disturb the normal intestinal function. Usually diarrhea will present with excessive flatulence and bloating. Intestinal cramps may occur and can vary from mild discomfort to severe pain. The prolonged use of antibiotics is one of the most common causes for disturbance of the normal intestinal bacterial growth. Antimicrobial agents decimate the intestinal flora and foreign microorganisms will quickly settle in. The introduction of normal intestinal flora spores through a capsule can assist in restoring the natural intestinal bacterial population.

Conversely, bacterial overgrowth can also affect normal bowel activity and contribute to flatulence and bloating. A large intestinal bacteria population, especially in the small intestine, competes with the body for nutrition. This can lead to malnutrition along with gastrointestinal symptoms like belching, flatulence and bloating. Bowel movements are very often affected and symptoms may be similar to reduced normal flora in the colon.

3. Gut Motility

The movement of food through the gut is well coordinated process called peristalsis. This transit of food has to occur at a steady pace in order to allow food to be properly digested and absorbed by the different gastrointestinal organs. If the transit time is too fast, food may not be fully absorbed and enter the large intestine. This provides extra nutrition to the colonic bacteria which produce more gas. Alternatively, reduced transit time through the gut allows intestinal bacteria longer periods of time to consume nutrients and produce gas.

4. Bowel Enzymes & Food Intolerance

Disorders with the digestive or absorption processes may also contribute to flatulence and bloating. A deficiency or lack of certain digestive enzymes is often a hereditary factor and may be associated with certain race groups as well. This is often seen in lactose intolerance where the enzyme lactase is absent from the normal digestive enzymes. This allows lactose (predominantly from dairy) to pass through the gut relatively unaffected and will be consumed by intestinal bacteria. Gas is produced in larger quantities that will contribute to flatulence, bloating and diarrhea. Malabsorption of certain compounds like fructose and sorbitol (used as in artificial sweeteners and sugar free products) is another causative factor. The gut may not be able to absorb these carbohydrates and this provides a greater food source for the intestinal bacteria.

A less common cause of flatulence is the presence of space occupying masses within the abdomen. This can vary from a growing fetus in pregnancy to cancer. The mass usually takes up space within the abdominal cavity and due to pressure on the bowels, the gas within the gut is passed as flatus or a belch. A mass will usually cause abdominal distension and should be investigated immediately.

What is the cause of gas in the gut?

Causes of Gas Bloating & Flatulence

A number of medical conditions can contribute to flatulence through one or more of the above mechanisms of action.

Constipation or diarrhea
Foods high in indigestible carbohydrates
High fiber foods
Malabsorption syndromes
Short bowel syndrome
Irritable bowel syndrome
Ulcerative colitis or Crohn’s disease
Intestinal bacterial overgrowth
Gallstones and gallbladder disease
Pancreatic insufficiency
Food allergies and intolerance
Stomach infection
Peptic ulcers
Diverticulosis and diverticulitis

Flatulence can be symptom of many other conditions. In cases of excessive flatulence, it is advisable to consult with a medical practitioner.

Why is my tummy swollen?

Swollen Stomach and Abdominal Bloating

Abdominal distension is the bloating or swelling of the abdominal cavity due to gas or fluid accumulation or a solid mass within the abdominal cavity. Commonly, many people associate the term bloating with gas and swelling with fluid accumulation or a solid mass. Usually the gut and abdomen is able to contain large amounts of gas with no noticeable sign of distension. A feeling of fullness, discomfort and pain may be associated with this bloating. However in cases of excessive gas accumulation or lax abdominal muscles, abdominal distension is easily evident. Bloating is quickly relieved once the gas is released through belching or flatulence. If there is infection within the abdominal cavity, there may be abdominal gas bloating which is not contained within the gut. This should be attended to immediately as it can be fatal if untreated. Abdominal swelling often results from fluid accumulation within the abdominal cavity. There is clear distension of the abdomen in abdominal swelling. This swelling may be due to inflammation of the abdominal organs, peritonitis, cancer or rupture of certain abdominal organs. Swelling due to blood or interstitial fluid requires immediate medical intervention as it can be fatal if left untreated.

Abdominal distension has a multitude of causes due to the number of organs present within this cavity. Medical attention should be sought if there is noticeable and continuous distension.

Belching, flatulence and bloating are regular occurrences related to the digestive process. However, there occurrence may not be solely isolate to digestion. The key to identifying if belching, flatulence and bloating is pathological is to take note of any other symptoms, including constipation, diarrhea, discomfort or pain.


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