Why foul smelling flatulence

Research has shown that there is no significant difference in the amount of gas that males and females pass. Another interesting fact is that people pass more gas when they are asleep. So, there is no need to ever feel ashamed of this very natural bodily process, even when it is smelly.

In some cases, farts are silent and odorless or even loud and odorless, but they can become uncomfortable when they are loud and foul smelling. Smelly gas is not uncommon and is often considered normal. Some foods and medicine can be the cause. However, there are some instances where stinky farts can be an indicator of an underlying infection, digestive issues or a disorder.

The good news is, stinky gas alone is usually nothing to worry about. It is a normal part of our bodily functions and is even necessary to dispose of the waste and gas we produce. Farting, also known as flatulence or wind, is normal. There are things you can do if you fart a lot or it's smelly.

Sometimes it can be a sign of a health condition. Farting is usually nothing to worry about. Everyone farts, some people more than others.

The average is 5 to 15 times a day. Forum posters identified many dietary factors which made the problem worse. JennyJames found that spaghetti Bolognaise, shepherd's pie and curry were the main offenders. Laurab68 mentioned lactose intolerance , in which the body has difficulty digesting lactose, leading to bowel symptoms.

Kubie's problem was made worse by tuna and salmon, and Barrymanilow I presume not the Barry Manilow found it best to avoid dairy products.

Studies have found that the main culprits seem to be broccoli, Brussels sprouts, starchy foods such as potatoes, corn and noodles, and foods high in soluble fibre eg, fruit, peas and beans.

Other foods or beverages that have been implicated include fizzy drinks and whole grains. This is found in fruit, artificial sweeteners and corn syrup used to sweeten many foods. The best approach is to keep a diary and see if you can match your symptoms to any particular foods or drinks and try avoiding them for a while.

Peppe found that taking probiotics was helpful and this does have some support in the scientific world. There's no one solution to this problem but forum posters have come up with several suggestions, several of which are supported by medical evidence. Charcoal tablets seem to be a popular choice. They can be bought over the counter and are meant to absorb gas in the bowel. Nora got some benefit from a pair of underpants with a charcoal pad to absorb the smell.

Carbon underwear is said to be more effective. This is OK when taken occasionally for social occasions, but side effects such as constipation and dizziness limit its use. Kasia found peppermint useful. This has an effect on the movement of muscles in the gut. Other medicines with this effect are available on prescription. Mebeverine and alverine combat gut spasms and are available over the counter. Simeticone may also be worth a try.

It is also available over the counter and is said to break up bubbles in the stomach but the scientific evidence supporting it is weak. Forum posters have come up with other suggestions which they have found helpful from their own experience.