Flatulence, medically known as flatus, is the natural expulsion of intestinal gas through the rectum. This process is a normal function of the digestive system, occurring multiple times a day. Understanding the origin and destination of this gas provides the clearest answer to what happens when you attempt to suppress this natural bodily function.
The Origin and Chemistry of Flatulence
Intestinal gas is produced through two primary mechanisms. The first source is swallowed air, or aerophagia, which introduces gases like nitrogen and oxygen into the digestive tract during eating or drinking. The second, and more substantial, source is the byproduct of bacterial fermentation that occurs in the large intestine. When the small intestine cannot fully digest certain carbohydrates, these particles travel to the colon. There, gut bacteria break down the material, releasing gases such as hydrogen, carbon dioxide, and methane. Trace amounts of sulfur-containing compounds are responsible for the unpleasant odor sometimes associated with flatus. Passing gas is the body’s method of releasing this pressure buildup, with most people doing so between 10 to 25 times per day.
Immediate Physical Discomfort of Suppression
While occasionally suppressing gas is not medically dangerous, the immediate physical consequences can be acutely uncomfortable. By consciously tightening the anal sphincter, a person prevents the natural release of gas, trapping the volume in the intestinal system. This trapped gas increases the pressure inside the colon and rectum, leading to painful distension. The physical manifestations of this increased internal pressure include abdominal cramping and a sensation of bloating. The short-term distress caused by suppression is temporary physical discomfort rather than long-term physical damage to the digestive organs.
How the Body Eventually Releases Trapped Gas
When flatulence is suppressed, the gas does not vanish; the body must find an alternative pathway to manage the trapped volume. One fate of the gas is reabsorption into the bloodstream from the intestinal walls. Once in circulation, the gas travels to the lungs. The body then processes and releases these reabsorbed gases, such as hydrogen and methane, through exhalation. The majority of the trapped gas, however, will eventually be released involuntarily once the muscles relax, commonly occurring during sleep or when the person can no longer maintain the muscular effort to hold it in.
When Excessive Gas Signals a Medical Issue
Although flatulence is a normal part of digestion, excessive, painful, or persistent gas accompanied by other symptoms may indicate a need for medical evaluation. Conditions such as lactose intolerance or Celiac disease involve the inability to properly break down certain foods, leading to increased fermentation and gas production. Other digestive disorders, including Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) and Small Intestine Bacterial Overgrowth (SIBO), also list excessive gas as a primary symptom. If an increase in gas is accompanied by concerning signs, consult a healthcare provider for a diagnosis. These symptoms include:
- Persistent diarrhea.
- Unexplained weight loss.
- Changes in the consistency or frequency of bowel movements.
- The presence of blood in the stool.
In these instances, the gas is a symptom signaling an underlying issue that requires attention.