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'''Flatulence''' is a mixture of [[gas]]es that are produced by [[symbiosis|symbiotic]] [[bacterium|bacteria]] and [[yeast]]s living in the [[gastrointestinal tract]] of [[mammal]]s, and [[aerosolized]] particles of [[feces]], and it is released under pressure through the [[anus]] with a characteristic sound and unsavory [[odor]]. Flatulence in its verb form is called flatulation or to flatulate, also known colloquially as '''farting''' and various other, often colorful, terms. Most animals, including birds, dogs, fish, and insects, also flatulate.
==Amount and constituents==
The average human releases 0.5 to 1.5 [[litre]]s (1 to 3 U.S. [[pint]]s) of flatus in 12 to 25 episodes throughout the day.
The primary constituents of flatulence (collectively known as ''flatus'') are the non-odorous gases [[nitrogen]] (ingested), [[oxygen]] (ingested), [[methane]] (produced by [[anaerobic organism|anaerobic microbe]]s), [[carbon dioxide]] (produced by [[aerobic organism|aerobic microbe]]s or ingested), and [[hydrogen]] (produced by some microbes and consumed by others). Odors result from trace amounts of other components (often sulphur containing, see below).
[[Nitrogen]] is the primary gas released. While methane is popularly associated with flatulence, evidence suggests that two-thirds of all humans do not release methane at all in their flatulence. Methane and hydrogen are flammable, and so some flatulence is susceptible to catching fire. Gas released mostly has a foul [[odor]] which mainly results from low molecular weight fatty acids such as [[butyric acid]] ([[Rancidity|rancid]] [[butter]] smell) and reduced [[sulfur]] compounds such as [[hydrogen sulfide]] (rotten egg smell) and [[carbon disulfide|carbonyl sulfide]] that are the result of [[protein]] breakdown. The incidence of odiferous compounds in flatus increases from herbivores, such as cattle, to omnivores to carnivorous species, such as cats.
Aerosolized particles of feces are also present in flatus, though in miniscule amounts.
==Causes==
Intestinal gas is composed of 90% exogenous sources (air that is ingested through the nose and mouth) and 10% endogenous sources (gas is produced within the digestive tract). The endogenous gases are produced as a by-product of digesting certain types of [[food]]. Flatulence producing foods are typically high in [[complex carbohydrate]]s (especially [[oligosaccharides]] such as [[inulin]]) and include [[bean]]s, [[milk]], [[onion]]s, [[yam]]s, [[sweet potato]]es, citrus rinds, [[cheese]], [[chestnut]]s, [[cashew]]s, [[broccoli]], [[cabbage]], [[Jerusalem artichoke]]s, [[oat]], [[yeast]] in breads, etc.
In beans, endogenous gases seem to arise from [[oligosaccharide]]s, carbohydrates that are resistant to digestion: these pass through the upper [[intestine]] largely unchanged, and when they reach the lower intestine, [[bacteria]] feed on them, producing copious amounts of gas (McGee 1984 pp.257–8).
In the case of those with [[lactose intolerance]], intestinal bacteria feeding on lactose can give rise to excessive gas production when milk or lactose-containing substances have been consumed.
Interest in the causes of flatulence was spurred by high-altitude [[flight]] and the [[space program]]; the low [[atmospheric pressure]], confined conditions, and stresses peculiar to those endeavours were cause for concern (McGee, 1984 pp.257–8).
==Mechanism of action==
The noises commonly associated with flatulence are caused not by a flapping of the buttocks, as commonly thought, but by the vibration of the anal opening. The sound varies depending on the tightness of the [[sphincter]] muscle and velocity of the gas being propelled, as well as other factors such as moisture and body fat.
Flatus is brought to the anus in the same [[peristalsis]] method as feces, causing a similar feeling of urgency and discomfort. Nerve endings in the rectum learn to distinguish between flatus and feces, although loose stool can confuse these nerves.
==Remedies==
===Dietary===
Certain [[spice]]s counteract the production of intestinal gas, most notably [[cumin]], [[caraway]] and the closely related [[ajwain]], [[turmeric]], [[asafoetida]] (hing) and [[konbu]] (a [[Japan]]ese culinary [[seaweed]] closely related to [[kelp]]).
Many people report that by reducing intake of most refined [[carbohydrate]]s (such as [[rice]], [[pasta]], [[potato]]es and [[bread]]), the amount of flatulence may decrease significantly.
[[Probiotic]]s ([[yogurt]], [[kefir]], [[acidophilus]], bifidus, etc.) and [[prebiotic]]s (such as FOS) may also reduce flatulence if they are used to restore balance to the normal intestinal flora; used in excess, however, they may create an imbalance which increases flatulence.
Medicinal [[charcoal]] tablets have also been reported as effective in reducing both odor and quantity of flatus when taken immediately prior to food that is likely to cause flatulence later.
===Mechanical===
In social situations where the sound of flatulence would be particularly inappropriate a temporary remedy can be obtained by placing a piece of [[cotton wool]] or [[toilet paper|toilet tissue]] about 4 cm into the anus. If this is done whilst squatting then closure of the buttocks will hold it in place for a considerable period of time. This keeps the anus dry and reduces the velocity of the gas discharge, both of which help to prevent noisy events.
For acute situations, it is recommended to spread the buttocks, so as to stretch open the sphincter while the gas is passed. This is best accomplished by sitting on one buttock, shifting body weight laterally, then putting the body weight on the other buttock. The opening will not snap shut and the passage will be silent. If done incorrectly, however, this may result in a characteristic high-pitched squeal.
If sitting on a cushioned surface, the gases can be directed into the [[open-cell]] [[polyurethane]] [[foam]] and somewhat quarantined. Following the release, standing will not release the odour, in fact, the gases will be further pushed to the center of the cushion. The gases will not leak out and be detectable, unless the cushion is compressed again under the weight of another person. The use of this phenomenon as a [[practical joke]] is obvious.
===Pharmacological===
[[Digestive enzyme]] supplements can significantly reduce the amount of flatulence when that flatulence is caused by some components of foods not being digested by the body and feeding the microbes in the small and large [[intestines]]. The [[enzymes]] [[alpha-galactosidase]] (brands [[Beano (dietary supplement)|Beano]], Bean-zyme), [[lactase]] (brand Lactaid), [[amylase]], [[lipase]], [[protease]], [[cellulase]], [[glucomylase]], [[invertase]], [[malt diastase]], [[pectinase]], and [[bromelain]] are available, either individually or in combination blends, in commercial products.
While not affecting the production of the gases themselves, agents which lower [[surface tension]] can reduce the disagreeable sensations associated with flatulence, by aiding the dissolving of the gases into other liquid and solid fecal matter.
===Cosmetic===
[[Activated charcoal]] underwear and pads can be somewhat effective at reducing the odors of flatulence, but these products do not muffle the sound. Additional security can be obtained with common deodorizers and perfumes. Care should be taken to select a perfume that combats the odor, with [[floral]] and [[citrus]] notes, instead of [[musk]], which would complement the offending odor. [http://www.flat-d.com/products.html]
==Health effects==
As a normal body function, the action of flatulence is an important signal of normal [[bowel]] activity and hence is often documented by nursing staff following surgical or other treatment of patients.
There is no particular harm to come from holding in farts. Flatulence is not [[poisonous]]; it is a natural component of intestinal contents. However, discomfort may develop from the build-up of gas pressure. In theory, pathological distension of the bowel, leading to [[constipation]], could result if a person holds in farts.
==Environmental impact==
It is sometimes perceived that [[bovine]] flatulence is a source of [[greenhouse gas]] and may contribute to the [[greenhouse effect]]. However, only one-sixth of the total greenhouse gas emissions from [[livestock]] is produced by animal flatulence; the remainder is produced by animal [[burping]]. Livestock in [[New Zealand]] are said to produce about half of New Zealand's greenhouse gas emissions. Livestock in [[Australia]] contribute approximately 14 percent of that country's greenhouse gas emissions.
==Social context==
In many [[culture]]s, excessive human flatulence is regarded as embarrassing and impolite, even to the point of being a [[taboo]] subject; and hence a natural subject for [[toilet humour]].
People will often strain to hold in a fart when in polite company, or position themselves to conceal the noise and smell of a fart using the techniques mentioned above.
Flatulence can be considered humorous to some people, either due to the scent or the sounds produced. Some find humor in [[lighting farts]], which is possible due to the presence of flammables, such as hydrogen and methane, though the process is very dangerous and can result in injury to the rectum and anus.
== Literature and the arts==
Flatulence had a role in literature since the mists of time, as In [[Rabelais]]' ''[[Gargantua]]''<nowiki>'</nowiki>s cycle reads several times the word ''pet'' (fart).
In [[Dante]]'s ''[[Divine Comedy]]'', the last line of Inferno Chapter XXI reads: ''ed elli avea del cul fatto trombetta'' ("and he used his buttocks as a trumpet"), in the last example the use of this natural body function underlined a demoniac condition.
In [[Chaucer]]'s "[[Miller's Tale]]" (one of the ''[[Canterbury Tales]]''), the character Nicholas hangs his buttocks out a window and farts in the face of his rival Absolom. Absolom then sears Nicholas's bum with a red-hot poker. (Lines 690–707)
In [[James Joyce]]'s ''[[Ulysses (novel)|Ulysses]]'', the main character [[Leopold Bloom]] breaks wind in the "Sirens" chapter of the book. [http://www.robotwisdom.com/jaj/ulysses/sirens.html#1252]
In [[ Emile Zola]]'s ''La Terre'' (the 15th volume of the series [[Les Rougon-Macquart]]), the eldest Fouan son (called [[Jesus Christ]] because of his long hair and beard) can fart at will and keeps winning free drinks by betting on his skill.
The [[Walter the Farting Dog]] series of children's books by [[William Kotzwinkle]] and [[Glenn Murray]] feature a dog with a flatulence problem as a central comedic element.
A few individuals, such as [[Le Pétomane]], have brought flatulence onto the stage in one-man shows.
In the cinema, farting is featured in ''[[Thunderpants]]'', ''[[Blazing Saddles]]'', ''[[Dumb & Dumber]]'', ''[[Kangaroo Jack]]'', ''[[Fart: The Movie]]'', ''[[History of the World, Part 1]]'', ''[[American Pie (movie)|American Pie]]'', ''[[The Nutty Professor]]'', ''[[South Park]]'', ''[[Austin Powers]]'', and even the Disney children's movie ''[[The Lion King]]''.
Farting is no longer summarily censored from television broadcasts. During the telecast of [[Super Bowl XXXVIII]] in the [[United States]], a beer advertisement featured a horse passing gas.
''[[The Adventures of Fartman]]'' is a forthcoming film from radio shock jock [[Howard Stern]].
==Curiosities==
*[[Le Petomane]] "the Fartiste" was a well liked French performer in the 19th Century who did flatulence impressions and held shows.
*[[Edward de Vere, 17th Earl of Oxford|Edward de Vere, Earl of Oxford]] farted while swearing loyalty to [[Elizabeth I of England|Queen Elizabeth I]], and consequently went into self-imposed [[exile]] for [[seven]] years. After his return, the Queen was reported to have reassured de Vere: "My Lord, I had quite forgotten the fart." (John Aubrey, ''Brief Lives'')
*[[Emperor Claudius]] passed a law legalizing farting at banquets out of concern for people's health. There was a widespread misconception that a person could be poisoned by retaining farts.
*In August [[2005]], ''[[New Scientist]]'' magazine reported that inventors Michael Zanakis and Philip Femano had been awarded a US patent (number 6,055,910) for a "toy gas-fired missile and launcher assembly". The abstract of the patent makes it clear that this is, in fact, a fart-powered [[rocket]]:
*:"A ... missile is composed of a soft head and a tail extending therefrom formed by a piston. The piston is telescoped into the barrel of a launcher having a closed end on which is mounted an electrically activated igniter, the air space between the end of the piston and the closed end of the barrel defining a combustion chamber. Joined to the barrel, and communicating with the chamber therein, is a gas intake tube having a normally closed inlet valve. To operate the assembly, the operator places the inlet tube with its valve open adjacent [to] his anal region, from which a colonic gas is discharged. The piston is then withdrawn to a degree producing a negative pressure to inhale the gas into the combustion chamber to intermix with the air therein to create a combustible mixture. The igniter is then activated to explode the mixture in the chamber and fire the missile into space."
*British inventors have also patented fart-related ideas and UK Patent Application No. GB2289222, for "A fart collecting device," includes a drawing of the invention deployed and ready for action, with helpful numbers to identify the various components. "It comprises a gas-tight collecting tube 10 for insertion into the rectum of the subject. The tube 10 is connected to a gas-tight collecting bag (not shown). The end of the tube inserted into the subject is apertured and covered with a gauze filter and a gas permeable bladder 28."
==See also==
*[[professional farter]]
==References==
* {{Book reference|Author=McGee, Harold|Title=On Food and Cooking|Publisher=Scribner|Year=1984|ID=ISBN 0684843285}}
==External links==
{{wiktionarypar2|fart|flatulence}}
*[http://www.merck.com/mrkshared/mmanual/section3/chapter32/32b.jsp The Merck Manual of Diagnosis and Therapy, Gas]
*[http://www.heptune.com/farts.html Facts on Farts]
*[http://www.sillyjokes.co.uk/fart_machine/fart_slang.html Dictionary of Fart Slang]
*[http://abc.net.au/spark/smelly/fartsurvey/default.htm The Great Fart Survey (simple statistical analysis of flatulence in youths) produced by Australian Broadcasting Corporation youth website, ''Rollercoaster'')]
[[Category:Reflexes]]
[[Category:Flatulence| ]]
[[Category:Gastroenterology]]
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