Understanding Flatulence

What factors influence the loudness and pitch of a fart?

• The time of day and body posture

• The presence of colon bacteria and swallowed air

• The speed of expulsion and the size of the anal sphincter opening

• The amount of methane and hydrogen in the gas

What is endogenous gas?

• Gas that is absorbed into the bloodstream

• Gas made by bacteria breaking down undigested food

• Gas produced by swallowing air

• Gas expelled through the mouth

How does lactose intolerance affect gas production?

• It reduces the amount of gas produced

• It only affects gas production when combined with gluten

• It causes an increase in gas due to undigested lactose

• It has no effect on gas production

What can cause gas to have a putrid smell?

• The presence of oxygen in the gas

• The amount of hydrogen sulfide in the gas

• The speed at which gas is expelled

• The buildup of gas due to constipation

Why might people find their own flatulence less unpleasant than others'?

• Because they are used to their own scent

• Because their own gas is less potent

• Because they can control the volume

• Because they expel gas more frequently