Farting, or flatulence, is a completely normal and necessary bodily function resulting from the release of gases produced during digestion. While the exact number of times someone farts in a day varies greatly, experiencing gas 20 times a day might feel frequent to some individuals.
Understanding Flatulence Frequency
The frequency of passing gas can depend on various factors, including diet, digestive health, and even how much air is swallowed. There's no single "average" number that applies to everyone, but most people pass gas several times daily.
When Frequent Gas Might Be a Concern
According to information from NPR, while flatulence is normal, there are specific indicators related to frequency and accompanying symptoms that suggest you should seek medical advice.
Call your doctor for an appointment if:
- You feel your gas is much more that 20 times per day and is persistent at these high levels more than a few days.
- Your flatulence is associated with severe pain.
- You notice blood in the stool.
- You experience heartburn.
- You have persistent diarrhea or constipation.
- You experience unintended weight loss.
The reference indicates that a frequency much greater than 20 times per day, particularly when it's ongoing, is a level that warrants attention from a healthcare professional, especially when combined with specific concerning symptoms. Therefore, while 20 times a day is a notable frequency, the emphasis from this source is on levels much higher than 20 if persistent, or 20 times (or any frequency) if accompanied by worrying symptoms.
Factors Influencing Gas Production
Several common factors can lead to increased gas production or accumulation:
- Dietary Habits: Consuming foods high in fermentable carbohydrates (like beans, lentils, broccoli, cabbage, onions, apples, or carbonated drinks) can increase gas.
- Swallowing Air: Habits such as chewing gum, smoking, drinking through a straw, or eating/drinking too quickly can cause you to swallow excess air, which is then released as gas.
- Digestive Conditions: Underlying issues like Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), lactose intolerance, Celiac disease, or Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth (SIBO) can significantly impact gas.
Managing Frequent Gas
If you experience frequent gas but do not have the concerning symptoms listed above, lifestyle and dietary adjustments might help. However, if the frequency (around 20 times or more) is persistent, bothersome, or if any of the warning signs from the reference are present, it's important to consult a doctor.
