IT can be tempting to hold in a fart when in public — but not letting one out can have horrific consequences.
Stifling gas can cause a range of uncomfortable and painful side effects that are worse than any temporary embarrassment you might suffer.
Stifling gas can cause a range of uncomfortable and painful side effects
Farts are a normal byproduct of the body’s digestive processes, caused by gas released by bacteria in your gut as well as air that you swallow.
When the microbes break down and metabolise the foods you eat, they release sulphurous gases, which cause bad smells.
Dr Philip Mayhead, a consultant gastroenterologist at Benenden Hospital, said: “The causes do vary, but it is often related to digestion, or swallowing air while eating or drinking.”
When these gases build-up, they go through the digestive system before being released by the rectum.
However, it is possible to stop the gases being released instantly by tightening the anal sphincter, holding it in until there is a better time to let one rip.
While doing this from time to time can be harmless and the polite thing to do, regularly holding on to your farts can cause a range of problems.
1. Mouth gas
One of the stranger reactions to not tooting when you need to is mouth gas.
When you block a fart from leaving the body, some of the gas built up in the rectum can pass through the gut wall and be reabsorbed in the bloodstream.
From here it can be released by exhaling out of the lungs, causing an odourless release of gas in the mouth.
Mouth gas does not cause smelly pongs because the sulphurous compounds made in the gut do not get reabsorbed.
However, it can still be an unpleasant symptom similar to burping.
2. Bloating
The build-up of gas in your gut can also cause another uncomfortable side effect — bloating.
The swelling in your belly can make your stomach balloon and feel unpleasantly full.
It can also cause your tummy to rumble and make noises.
Alongside releasing farts when you need to, exercising regularly, chewing with your mouth closed and drinking lots of water can help reduce regular bloating, according to the NHS.
3. Cramping
Being gassy can be uncomfortable, but holding it in can take the pain to the next level.
Cramping is a common side effect of holding in gas, caused by the build-up of gas and inflammation in your gut.
4. Indigestion
Another short term problem from holding in gas can be indigestion.
The symptom, known medically as dyspepsia, causes pain or discomfort in the upper tummy.
5. Heartburn
Pain caused by indigestion felt higher up in the breastbone is known as heartburn.
It is caused by stomach acid travelling up towards the throat, which can also leave an unpleasant sour taste in your mouth.
6. Diverticulitis
Holding in gas can cause air pockets to form inside your digestive tract.
If these become inflamed, it can cause the condition diverticulitis, according to a study published in The Lancet.
It can be severe and cause infection if left untreated.
Symptoms include pain in the lower left side of your abdomen, tummy pain that gets worse after you eat, constipation, diarrhoea, blood in your poo and bloating.