Flatulence | healthdirect

<!DOCTYPE html>  <html lang="en-AU"> <head> <title>Flatulence | healthdirect</title> <script src="https://www.google.com/recaptcha/api.js?render=6LeuO7AbAAAAAFFZKM3tkkJpyASWHzTJ-_fpMK7y" async defer></script> <meta name="apple-itunes-app" content="app-id=1021494621"> <meta name="description" content="Flatulence is the passing of air or gas from the intestine and through the anus, often accompanied by a sound and smell. 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}; function onError(error) {}</script> </div> </div> <script type="text/javascript"> initialiseSocialShare('socialshare-node-desktop-mode', "https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/flatulence"); </script> </span> </div> <div id="readspeaker_button1" class="rs_skip rsbtn rs_preserve"> <a rel="nofollow" class="rsbtn_play" accesskey="L" title="Listen to this page using ReadSpeaker" href="//app-oc.readspeaker.com/cgi-bin/rsent?customerid=8207&lang=en_au&readid=mainContentArticleText&url=https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/flatulence"> <span class="rsbtn_left rsimg rspart"><span class="rsbtn_text"><span>Listen</span></span></span> <span class="rsbtn_right rsimg rsplay rspart"></span> </a> </div> </header> <div class="main_content-body-text"><div class="cont_layout-standout"> <h2 id="key-facts">Key facts</h2> <ul> <li>Flatulence is when gas or wind passes from your intestine (bowel) through your anus.</li> <li>Flatulence may make a sound, and sometimes smell.</li> <li>Flatulence is normal, but excessive flatulence can be embarrassing and may be a sign of a health issue.</li> <li>Flatulence can be related your diet, the type of bacteria that live in your gut and medicines you are taking.</li> </ul> </div> <nav class="cont_nav-index-table__double-col"> <h2>On this page</h2> <ul> <li><a href="#what-is">What is flatulence?</a></li> <li><a href="#symptoms">What symptoms are related to flatulence?</a></li> <li><a href="#causes">What causes flatulence?</a></li> <li><a href="#doctor">When should I see my doctor?</a></li> <li><a href="#diagnosed">How is flatulence diagnosed? </a></li> <li><a href="#treatment">How is flatulence treated?</a></li> <li><a href="#prevented">Can flatulence be prevented?</a></li> <li><a href="#complications">Complications of flatulence</a></li> <li><a href="#resources">Resources and support</a></li> <li><a href="#searchGeneralResults">Related information on Australian websites</a></li> </ul> </nav> <h2 id="what-is">What is flatulence?</h2> <p>Flatulence is the passing of wind (air or gas) from your <a href="/digestive-system">intestine (bowel)</a> through your anus.</p> <p>It is often accompanied by a sound and smell. Flatulence is commonly called:</p> <ul> <li>farting</li> <li>breaking or passing wind</li> <li>flatus</li> </ul> <p>Most people pass wind between 7 and 12 times a day.</p> <p>Excessive flatulence can be uncomfortable and embarrassing. It can sometimes indicate a medical problem.</p> <h2 id="symptoms">What symptoms are related to flatulence?</h2> <p>There are usually no symptoms when flatulence is at a normal level. You might not even notice when you pass wind for much of the time.</p> <p>Depending on the cause of your flatulence, you may notice that:</p> <ul> <li>you have pain, <a href="/bloating">bloating</a> or rumbling in your abdomen (tummy)</li> <li>your farts are sometimes loud or smelly</li> <li>you have a rash or <a href="/hives">hives</a></li> <li>you have <a href="/headaches">headaches</a></li> </ul> <a href="https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/symptom-checker" class="cont_layout-media-object__icon-standout"> <i class="cont_layout-media-object__icon-standout-left dor-icon_user-md"></i> <p class="cont_layout-media-object__icon-standout-right"><strong>CHECK YOUR SYMPTOMS</strong> — Use the <strong class="cont_underline">Symptom Checker</strong> and find out if you need to seek medical help.</p> </a> <h2 id="causes">What causes flatulence?</h2> <p>Around 25 litres of gas are produced in your gut every day. Lots of this gas is reabsorbed or used by your body. The average person creates around 2 litres of flatulence.</p> <p>Gas in your gut can come from:</p> <ul> <li>the breakdown and digestion of food</li> <li>swallowed air</li> <li>bacteria that live in your gut</li> </ul> <p>The amount of gas you create is influenced by:</p> <ul> <li>the type of bacteria that live in your gut</li> <li>what you eat and drink</li> </ul> <p>Foods that may cause excessive flatulence are usually <a href="/high-fibre-foods-and-diet">high in fibre</a> or FODMAPs.</p> <p>FODMAP stands for Fermentable Oligosaccharides, Disaccharides, Monosaccharides and Polyols. These are types of <a href="/sugar">sugars</a> that are hard to digest.</p> <p>FODMAP foods include:</p> <ul> <li>fresh and dried fruits, such as apples, pears and raisins</li> <li>onion and garlic</li> <li>nuts and seeds</li> <li>beans and peas and some other vegetables</li> <li>breads</li> </ul> <p>Other foods that can cause flatulence include:</p> <ul> <li>carbonated drinks</li> <li>foods with additives such as artificial sweeteners and flavours</li> <li>coffee</li> <li>chocolate</li> <li>shellfish</li> </ul> <p>Flatulence can also be caused by:</p> <ul> <li><a href="/constipation">constipation</a></li> <li><a href="/diarrhoea">diarrhoea</a></li> <li>medical conditions like <a href="/irritable-bowel-syndrome-ibs">irritable bowel syndrome</a></li> <li>some medicines</li> <li>swallowing air if you are <a href="/anxiety">anxious</a>, or if you eat quickly, smoke or chew gum</li> </ul> <p>Gas can also be caused by problems with the gut, such as:</p> <ul> <li><a href="/lactose-intolerance">lactose intolerance</a> (not being able to digest dairy foods)</li> <li><a href="/gluten-free-diet">gluten</a> intolerance (not being able to digest foods that contain wheat, barley, oats and rye)</li> </ul> <h2 id="doctor">When should I see my doctor?</h2> <p>You should see your doctor if you have severe flatulence, especially if you also have other digestive problems, such as:</p> <ul> <li>constipation</li> <li>diarrhoea</li> <li><a href="/vomiting">vomiting</a></li> <li><a href="/abdominal-pain">abdominal pain</a></li> <li>bloating</li> <li>weight loss</li> <li><a href="/blood-in-stool">blood in your stool</a> (poo)</li> </ul> <a href="/australian-health-services" class="cont_layout-media-object__icon-standout"> <i class="cont_layout-media-object__icon-standout-left dor-icon_hospital"></i> <p class="cont_layout-media-object__icon-standout-right"><strong>FIND A HEALTH SERVICE</strong> — The <strong class="cont_underline">Service Finder</strong> can help you find doctors, pharmacies, hospitals and other health services.</p> </a> <h2 id="diagnosed">How is flatulence diagnosed?</h2> <p>If you have excessive flatulence, visit your doctor. They can help diagnose the cause of your flatulence. They may ask you about your:</p> <ul> <li>symptoms</li> <li>lifestyle</li> <li>diet</li> <li>current medicines</li> </ul> <h2 id="treatment">How is flatulence treated?</h2> <p>Flatulence can be caused by many things.</p> <p>Different foods affect people’s digestion differently. To treat flatulence caused by your diet, you can work out which foods seem to cause the problem.</p> <p>You can then avoid these foods or cut back. But it’s important to remember that high-fibre foods form part of a healthy diet. Speak to a <a href="/dietitians">dietitian</a> about what is best for you. They may recommend the <a href="/low-fodmap-diets">low FODMAP diet</a> to help control flatulence and bloating.</p> <p>You can also discuss with your <a href="/the-role-of-a-gp">doctor</a> or <a href="/getting-the-most-out-of-your-pharmacist">pharmacist</a> medicines that may help you.</p> <a href="/question-builder" class="cont_layout-media-object__icon-standout"> <i class="cont_layout-media-object__icon-standout-left dor-icon_question"></i> <p class="cont_layout-media-object__icon-standout-right"><strong>ASK YOUR DOCTOR</strong> — Preparing for an appointment? Use the <strong class="cont_underline">Question Builder</strong> for general tips on what to ask your GP or specialist.</p> </a> <h2 id="prevented">Can flatulence be prevented?</h2> <p>You can prevent flatulence by avoiding:</p> <ul> <li>chewing gum</li> <li>fizzy drinks</li> <li>foods with artificial sweeteners</li> <li>foods that cause your flatulence</li> <li>smoking</li> </ul> <p>Be sure to eat and drink slowly, and chew well before you swallow. If you need to add fibre to your diet, do it slowly.</p> <h2 id="complications">Complications of flatulence</h2> <p>Flatulence can be a sign of other health issues. It can also be embarrassing and affect your confidence.</p> <p>If flatulence is having an impact on your life, talk to your doctor.</p> <h2 id="resources">Resources and support</h2> <p>You can call the healthdirect helpline on 1800 022 222 (known as NURSE-ON-CALL in Victoria). A registered nurse is available to speak with 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.</p></div> <footer class="main_content-article-text-footer"> <div> <h4>Source<span>s</span>:</h4> <span> <a href="https://www.racgp.org.au" target="_blank" title="RACGP">RACGP</a> <em>(Wind Problems with intestinal gas)<span></span></em>, <a href="https://www.allergy.org.au" target="_blank" title="Australasian society of clinical immunology and allergy (ASCIA)">Australasian society of clinical immunology and allergy (ASCIA)</a> <em>(Food Intolerance)<span></span></em>, <a href="https://dietitiansaustralia.org.au" target="_blank" title="Dietitians Australia">Dietitians Australia</a> <em>(Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS))<span></span></em>, <a href="https://www.health.harvard.edu" target="_blank" title="Harvard Health Publishing">Harvard Health Publishing</a> <em>(Gas (Flatulence))<span></span></em>, <a href="https://www.niddk.nih.gov" target="_blank" title="National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Disease">National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Disease</a> <em>(Symptoms & Causes of Gas in the Digestive Tract)<span></span></em> </span> </div> </footer> <p>Learn more here about the <a href="https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/about-our-content">development and quality assurance of healthdirect content</a>.</p> <p>Last reviewed: October 2023</p> <div class="main_content-back-to-top"><a href="#backToTop"><i class="dor-icon_caret-up"></i><br><span class="tablet-up__inline">Back To </span>Top</a></a></div> </main>  <section class="main_content-links print-hidden"> <section class="related-concept-section"> <h2>Search our site for</h2> <ul> <li> <a class="dor-button__pill-btn" href="/search-results/Irritable Bowel Syndrome" title="Search results for:Irritable Bowel Syndrome">Irritable Bowel Syndrome</a> </li> <li> <a class="dor-button__pill-btn" href="/search-results/FODMAP diet" title="Search results for:FODMAP diet">FODMAP diet</a> </li> <li> <a class="dor-button__pill-btn" href="/search-results/Bloating" title="Search results for:Bloating">Bloating</a> </li> </ul> </section> </section>  <section class="main_content-search"> <header> <h2>Need more information?</h2> <p>These trusted information partners have more on this topic.</p> </header> <div class="main_content-general-text"> <div> <div class="main_content-search-results-partners"> <nav class="dor-tabs__2 veyron-search-tabs" role="tablist"> <label class="dor-tabs_item" role="tab" aria-controls="searchGeneralResults" aria-selected="true"> <input type="radio" checked name="tab"> <div class="dor-tabs_item-btn veyron-search-tab-btn">General search results</div> </label> <label class="dor-tabs_item" role="tab" aria-controls="searchProfessionalResults" aria-selected="false"> <input type="radio" name="tab"> <div class="dor-tabs_item-btn veyron-search-tab-btn">Results for medical professionals</div> </label> </nav> <section id="searchGeneralResults" data-total-records="3"> <p>Top results</p> <a href="https://mydr.com.au/gastrointestinal-health/flatulence/" data-partner-url="partners/mydr" class="main_content-search-tile" target="_blank" data-guid="ECM001|8cf7d2a6-254a-4d0e-94f6-7feed0b0dcfa"> <h3>Flatulence - myDr.com.au</h3> <div class="main_content-search-tile-intro"> <p>Flatulence, or wind, is an excess of gas in the stomach and intestines. It is normal for gas to be passed as flatus 14-23 times a day, depending on diet.</p> </div> <p class="main_content-search-tile-read-more"> <i aria-hidden="true" class="main_content-search-tile-read-more-icon"></i> <i id="read-more">Read more on MyDoctor website</i></p> <img class="main_content-search-tile-logo" alt="MyDoctor" src="https://media.healthdirect.org.au/images/logos/h40/mydoctor-new_logo-1f39cc.png"> </a> <a href="https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/conditionsandtreatments/flatulence" data-partner-url="partners/better-health-channel" class="main_content-search-tile" target="_blank" data-guid="ECM001|7fc02582-8535-4fac-9c88-ebde182c7cf6"> <h3>Flatulence - Better Health Channel</h3> <div class="main_content-search-tile-intro"> <p>Foods that tend to trigger flatulence also contain essential nutrients and shouldn't be eliminated.</p> </div> <p class="main_content-search-tile-read-more"> <i aria-hidden="true" class="main_content-search-tile-read-more-icon"></i> <i id="read-more">Read more on Better Health Channel website</i></p> <img class="main_content-search-tile-logo" alt="Better Health Channel" src="https://media.healthdirect.org.au/images/logos/h40/bhc-rectangle-image-e99950.png"> </a> <a href="https://raisingchildren.net.au/guides/a-z-health-reference/wind" data-partner-url="partners/raisingchildren.net.au" class="main_content-search-tile" target="_blank" data-guid="ECM001|9ab816ae-b78b-4d5d-923f-9a4c66867b6a"> <h3>Flatulence or passing wind in babies & kids | Raising Children Network</h3> <div class="main_content-search-tile-intro"> <p>Flatulence is what happens when gas builds up in your child’s bowel and leaves through their bottom. Passing wind is necessary and usually normal. Read more.</p> </div> <p class="main_content-search-tile-read-more"> <i aria-hidden="true" class="main_content-search-tile-read-more-icon"></i> <i id="read-more">Read more on raisingchildren.net.au website</i></p> <img class="main_content-search-tile-logo" alt="raisingchildren.net.au" src="https://media.healthdirect.org.au/images/logos/h40/raising-children_logo-f6777f.png"> </a> <section class="main_content-search-show-more hidden"> <button class="main_content-search-show-more-btn" title="Show more search results" rel="nofollow">Show more</button> <i aria-hidden="true" class="main_content-search-show-more-loading"></i> </section> </section> <section id="searchProfessionalResults" class="hidden" data-total-records="11"> <p>Top results</p> <a href="https://pathologytestsexplained.org.au/ptests-pro.php?q=Bicarbonate" data-partner-url="partners/pathology-tests-explained" class="main_content-search-tile" target="_blank" data-guid="ECM001|f8bf3f23-0580-4a7e-ba93-d4cc354e89b2"> <h3>Bicarbonate | Pathology Tests Explained</h3> <div class="main_content-search-tile-intro"> <p>When we breathe, we take oxygen from the air into the body, and remove carbon dioxide (CO2), a waste gas produced by cells. 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Blood g</p> </div> <p class="main_content-search-tile-read-more"><i aria-hidden="true" class="main_content-search-tile-read-more-icon"></i> Read more on Pathology Tests Explained website</p> <img class="main_content-search-tile-logo" alt="Pathology Tests Explained" src="https://media.healthdirect.org.au/images/logos/h40/ptex-vertical-orientation-colored-600x275px-01-0ae8ba.png"> </a> <a href="https://www.ausmed.com/learn/articles/ventilation-oxygenation" data-partner-url="partners/ausmed-education" class="main_content-search-tile" target="_blank" data-guid="ECM001|1b569aed-c442-470d-913c-de85f341b948"> <h3>Oxygenation v Ventilation & Respiratory Failure | Ausmed</h3> <div class="main_content-search-tile-intro"> <p>When confronted with a patient who is having respiratory difficulties, it is important to know whether they need help ventilating (getting air in and out of their lungs), or if they need oxygen due to hypoxaemia (impaired gas exchange).</p> </div> <p class="main_content-search-tile-read-more"><i aria-hidden="true" class="main_content-search-tile-read-more-icon"></i> Read more on Ausmed Education website</p> <img class="main_content-search-tile-logo" alt="Ausmed Education" src="https://media.healthdirect.org.au/images/logos/h40/ausmed-new-logo-872e67.png"> </a> <a href="https://www.ausmed.com/learn/articles/dyspepsia" data-partner-url="partners/ausmed-education" class="main_content-search-tile" target="_blank" data-guid="ECM001|e2327512-b04e-474b-94ec-8b60d6d8f37e"> <h3>Managing Dyspepsia (Indigestion) in Older Adults | Ausmed</h3> <div class="main_content-search-tile-intro"> <p>Dyspepsia (indigestion) is a common symptom characterised by discomfort or pain in the upper abdomen. 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Symptoms may include early satiation, uncomfortable fullness, bloating, nausea, vomiting, belching, flatulence, heartburn, regurgitation and diarrhoea.</p> </div> <p class="main_content-search-tile-read-more"><i aria-hidden="true" class="main_content-search-tile-read-more-icon"></i> Read more on Ausmed Education website</p> <img class="main_content-search-tile-logo" alt="Ausmed Education" src="https://media.healthdirect.org.au/images/logos/h40/ausmed-new-logo-872e67.png"> </a> <a href="https://www.cochrane.org/CD006506/COLOCA_chewing-gum-after-surgery-to-help-recovery-of-the-digestive-system" data-partner-url="partners/cochrane-australia" class="main_content-search-tile" target="_blank" data-guid="ECM001|f7d4ac91-9780-4e7b-ae6d-2533a890bcfb"> <h3>Chewing gum after surgery to help recovery of the digestive system | Cochrane</h3> <div class="main_content-search-tile-intro"> <p>Authors' conclusions: This review identified some evidence for the benefit of postoperative CG in improving recovery of GI function</p> </div> <p class="main_content-search-tile-read-more"><i aria-hidden="true" class="main_content-search-tile-read-more-icon"></i> Read more on Cochrane Australia website</p> <img class="main_content-search-tile-logo" alt="Cochrane Australia" src="https://media.healthdirect.org.au/images/logos/h40/cochrane_australia_stacked_rgb-15fbd4.png"> </a> <a href="https://www.ausmed.com/learn/articles/postoperative-complications" data-partner-url="partners/ausmed-education" class="main_content-search-tile" target="_blank" data-guid="ECM001|a2eecbf6-3002-44bc-b737-34f4e76e2ffb"> <h3>Postoperative Complications | Ausmed</h3> <div class="main_content-search-tile-intro"> <p>Every time a patient undergoes surgery, they are at risk of potential complications. 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Tears are caused by the fetal head stretching the vagina and perineum during delivery.</p> </div> <p class="main_content-search-tile-read-more"><i aria-hidden="true" class="main_content-search-tile-read-more-icon"></i> Read more on Ausmed Education website</p> <img class="main_content-search-tile-logo" alt="Ausmed Education" src="https://media.healthdirect.org.au/images/logos/h40/ausmed-new-logo-872e67.png"> </a> <a href="https://www.ausmed.com/learn/articles/psychological-impacts-of-a-stoma" data-partner-url="partners/ausmed-education" class="main_content-search-tile" target="_blank" data-guid="ECM001|8f2d3de3-4f5c-4505-8fff-bba7b993e647"> <h3>Psychological Impact of a Stoma | Ausmed</h3> <div class="main_content-search-tile-intro"> <p>A stoma can be life-changing for an individual. Not only are they forced to come to terms with the loss of control over their elimination of faeces or urine, but they may also experience other consequences such as changes to body image or sexual function, social isolation, stigma, embarrassment and decreased mood.</p> </div> <p class="main_content-search-tile-read-more"><i aria-hidden="true" class="main_content-search-tile-read-more-icon"></i> Read more on Ausmed Education website</p> <img class="main_content-search-tile-logo" alt="Ausmed Education" src="https://media.healthdirect.org.au/images/logos/h40/ausmed-new-logo-872e67.png"> </a> <a href="https://www.ausmed.com/learn/articles/colonoscopy" data-partner-url="partners/ausmed-education" class="main_content-search-tile" target="_blank" data-guid="ECM001|84ca34ce-e509-47c5-98b8-bb0df2f44bf5"> <h3>Colonoscopy Procedures and Standards | Ausmed</h3> <div class="main_content-search-tile-intro"> <p>A colonoscopy is a diagnostic procedure wherein the inside of the colon (large bowel) is examined for signs of bowel cancer or illness. 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