A doctor has spoken out on when your farts mean you may need medical help
‘Tis the season for feasting on festive treats, but unfortunately for your friends and family, this doesn’t always leave your farts smelling particularly fresh.
However, at what point does your flatulence become indicative of a health risk rather than just an unpleasant occurance?
Dr Philip Mayhead explained to The Sun that farts with that distinctive rotten egg smell actually comes from the ‘sulphur-containing compounds produced during digestion’.
“Sometimes, when your farts are really foul-smelling, it is the result of intestinal bacterial colonies producing gases like carbon dioxide, hydrogen and methane,” he said.
He explained that these types of smells usually result from high-sulphur foods like cauliflower, broccoli, cabbage and Brussels sprouts.
However, for the lucky ones who produce odourless farts, turns out it’s due to swallowing air while eating or drinking. These farts are made up of mostly nitrogen, oxygen and carbon dioxide.
However, Mayhead explained that excessive farts may indicate medical help is needed.
He said that farting too much along with feeling bloated can be a sign of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), or lactose intolerance.
“If you experience frequent, excessive flatulence, it can feel like you need to open your bowels more frequently or have the urgency to go to the toilet,” he said.
“For individuals with lactose intolerance, the festive season may bring an additional challenge, as indulging in treats like chocolate can lead to uncomfortable symptoms. Just be mindful.”
For farts that feel hot, he explained that it’s more likely a dietary issue than a medical one.
“This type of gas occurs as a result of eating foods that are high in capsaicin, such as chillies or spices,” he said.
“It might be best to avoid [ingredients] that bring the heat – literally.”
