We all have those medical questions from time to time that we feel may be weird and are too embarrassed to even ask our doctor about. We wonder if what is happening to our body is normal? If anyone else experiences the same type of problem? Our curiosity gets the best of us and we worry but are afraid to ask and sometimes we even depend on Dr. Google.
Well, Dr. Tajong wants to answer those questions for you and put your mind at ease!
Once a month he will write an article that will be answering some of those hard to ask questions. Our hope is that we can alleviate some of your stress and concern.
We will help guide you to know the difference between when to call the doctor and when you don’t need to.
Dr. Tajong will mostly be addressing gut issues such as smelly gas, how often you pass gas, belching, stomach aches, stool leakage, cramping, bloating, stomach noises, constipation, diarrhea and a host of other topics. If you have something you would like Dr. Tajong to talk about, feel free to send us a confidential message and we will do our best to address the topic.
Flatulence, also called breaking wind, passing gas, tooting or farting, is a biological process that helps to release gas from your body. It usually comes out of the anus as flatulence or the mouth as a burp. Some intestinal gas comes from the air that people swallow when they are eating, chewing gum, drinking through a straw or smoking. Intestinal gas is also produced within the body when bacteria in the colon break down food. This is called endogenous gas. It consists mainly of oxygen, carbon dioxide, hydrogen and methane. It can also contain small amounts of other gases, such as hydrogen sulfide, which makes gas smell bad. Undigested carbohydrates are a common cause of gas, as the stomach and the small intestine cannot break these foods down. Instead, they move into the large intestine where bacteria begin to break them down, releasing intestinal gas in the process.
While passing gas is not something usually discussed openly, it is something EVERYONE does. In fact, the average person produces 500 to 1,500 ml of gas per day and expel it about 12-25 times. (even beautiful runway models fart!). 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.
Here are some reasons you may experience foul smelling flatulence.
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. However, if you have other irregular signs and symptoms you should get them checked out immediately. Any change of bowel habits or abdominal pain that doesn’t go away could be a sign of trouble. Talk to your doctor if you have fever, weight loss, blood in your stool, diarrhea, constipation, a history of inflammatory bowel disease or colon cancer or any other questions and concerns.
Here are a few things you can do to help alleviate some of your smelly farts…
We are looking forward to your feedback! Next month we will be talking about bowel incontinence.
Dr Tajong offers same day or same week appointments.
Call us at 936.828.3962 for details. Please arrive 15 minutes early for your appointment in order to complete all necessary patient forms. If you are running late or need to reschedule your appointment, we ask that you please give us a courtesy call so we can have another patient take your place and reschedule your appointment for another day that is convenient for you.
690 South Loop 336 West Ste 215, Conroe, TX 77304
9305 Pinecroft Drive Suite 305, The Woodlands, TX 77380
Please call our office to schedule your next appointment.
Phone: 936.828.3962
Fax: 936.828.3967
Email: info@drnelsontajong.com