When the body builds up excess gas in the gastrointestinal system (GI), it comes out as a fart. Although there are instances that farting is inappropriate, experts said that it is not good to always hold it in. Some people who shared their experiences online said they ended up in hospital for not farting.
For instance, a barista from Ireland shared on her TikTok account that her habit of holding in a fart caused her to have her appendix removed. Everyone is guilty of holding one in now and then, but if it causes serious medical care, perhaps it is time to just let it go.
How Dangerous is Holding in A Fart? Experts Explain the Possible Consequences of Taking a Pass in Passing Gas
How Does A Fart Form?
The GI system, also known as the digestive system, starts with the mouth and ends at the anus, according to Very Well Health. That means the digestion process begins when eating or drinking in which food is chewed by teeth and then moves to the esophagus, where it drains into the stomach and gets further broken down with acids.
Then it reaches the stomach, where it is further digested until it reaches the small intestine, which is filled with various bacteria. Its walls absorb all the nutrients from the food before it directs it to the large intestine. Like the small intestine, the large intestine also absorbs the nutrients from the bacteria-laden food and forms the fecal matter that will be disposed of via the anus.
Through all these processes, the fecal matter releases methane bubbles that get in the wave action of the intestine walls. So, the large intestine has to release that gas bubble, so the contents are not moving along. But holding in a fart keeps the bubbles in the gut.
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What Happens When A Person Holds in A Fart?
According to Healthline, holding in a fart is possible when the person tightens their anal sphincter so the gas bubbles will not be released. This muscle also helps when people need to hold in their bowel movements.
However, pressure starts to build on the gas in the GI system is sphincter muscles are tightened to hold in a fart. It may cause short-term symptoms, such as pain, bloating, and discomfort. Also, it is possible to feel gas bubbles moving around the digestive system when this happens.
A 2009 paper showed that some of this gas is reabsorbed into the body's blood system and eventually exhaled. But the majority will stay in the GI system and be under pressure until they are finally released through a fart, burp, or both.
Dangers of Holding in A Fart
Dr. Fox Pharmacy's Dr. Deborah Lee told Metro that farting is a natural part of being a human and that it is better out than in because it can cause discomfort.
But in terms of medical outcomes, Dr. Lee said that there is no substantial evidence to support claims that holding in a fart could cause diagnosable disorders. She noted that medical professional has not been able to establish a causal relationship between deliberately holding in a fart to any specific health condition. However, there have been discussions about whether it could increase the risk of diverticulitis.
Diverticulitis is a disorder that occurs when the bowel wall becomes blocked by bacteria and mucus. Yet there is no evidence to support that suppressing fart could lead to it.
On the other hand, sometimes, the change in bowel habits and smell of the fart could mean something serious. In this case, it is advisable to seek medical help immediately.
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