What makes passing gas stink

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. In fact, the average person produces to 1, ml of gas per day and expel it about times. High-fiber foods often also contain more sulfur than other types. One of the more common culprits is antibiotics. The removal of the good bacteria causes an imbalance in the digestive tract. The imbalance can cause a person to produce bad smelling gas.

This excess gas can also lead to uncomfortable bloating and constipation. Constipation occurs when stool builds up in the colon or large intestine and cannot exit. This may be due to taking certain medications, poor diet, or other biological causes. The buildup of stool in the colon often causes a buildup of smelly gases to occur alongside. This extra gas may cause bloating and discomfort. When finally released, the gas is often smelly. The digestive tract is responsible for breaking down foods into usable nutrients, which are absorbed into the blood.

It also produces waste, which is passed through the colon. The digestive tract relies on several different components to do this, including its resident good bacteria. At times, the levels of bacteria in the digestive tract may become imbalanced, potentially leading to an infection. The infection will often cause:. When a person experiences any of these symptoms, they should consult a doctor as soon as possible.

Though not as common, a person may experience excessive smelly gas due to the presence of cancer of the colon. Cancerous polyps or tumors can form blockages that cause gas to build up in the intestine. One early warning sign is when changes in diet or medication do not stop foul-smelling gas from occurring.

After 50 years of age , a person at average risk for colon cancer should be tested to check for colon cancer. In many cases, a person can try to treat flatulence at home. Often, changes in diet can be enough to reduce or get rid of smelly gas.

These changes may require eating less of or avoiding several foods. The foods that need to be reduced or avoided will vary from person to person. In other cases, an individual may find that medication has caused smelly flatulence. For over-the-counter medications, a person will likely find relief by stopping the product. For prescription medications, it is advisable to speak to a doctor about alternatives if smelly flatulence becomes a problem.

In these cases, the gas may be due to an infection or underlying condition that needs treatment. A doctor can perform tests to find out exactly what is causing the gas and decide a treatment plan for the individual.

For people whose gas is caused by food intake, prevention typically involves changing their diet. A person can try tracking food intake and times when they experience excessive, smelly flatulence. They can then eliminate or reduce the amount of the food or foods that cause excessive gas.

In these cases, stopping the gas will often happen by treating the underlying condition. Your gas may smell like rotten eggs because of the sulfur in fiber-rich foods. Sulfur is a natural compound that smells like spoiled eggs. Many vegetables are sulfur-based. If you have a sensitivity or reaction to certain foods, your gas could have a foul odor. As a result, it is fermented by bacteria in your gut. Gluten intolerance , or in its more severe form as Celiac disease , can also cause smelly farts.

Celiac disease is an autoimmune disease where there is an immune response to the protein gluten. This leads to inflammation and injury in the intestine, leading to malabsorption. Flatulence can be a result of this. Other than bad-smelling flatulence, Celiac disease can cause other symptoms:.

Talk to your doctor to get tests and determine if you have any food allergies or sensitivities that may be making your farts smell. Although uncommon, certain medications can cause smelly flatulence. Antibiotics kill off harmful pathogens in the body. They also destroy some of the good bacteria in your stomach, which aids digestion. Without this good bacteria, your gas may smell. You could also experience bloating and constipation. Treatment for this cause involves changing medication, which you should not do without talking to your doctor first.

Constipation indicates that you have a buildup of stool , or poop, in your colon. The end result is foul-smelling and sometimes painful gas. Taking over-the-counter laxatives can be a simple home remedy for constipation. Shop for laxatives. When your body digests food, it extracts nutrients and sends them to the bloodstream. The waste products are sent to the colon. Disrupting the digestion process can cause an overgrowth of bacteria. Some bacteria can cause infection in the intestines and digestive tract.

This may cause a higher volume of gas than normal and a strong-smelling odor. People with digestive tract infections also often have abdominal pain and diarrhea. Visit your doctor to determine if you have a bacterial infection.