What causes foul-smelling flatulence?

Dec 30, 2024 Source: Cainiu Health

Dr. Shen Yonghua

Introduction

Flatulence usually refers to the discharge of intestinal gas. Foul-smelling gas may result from natural digestion, dietary factors, indigestion, constipation, bacterial enteritis, or other causes. If discomfort occurs, prompt medical attention is recommended. It is advisable to maintain a diverse diet and increase the proportion of vegetables and fruits to ensure adequate intake of dietary fiber and vitamins. At the same time, consumption of greasy, spicy, and hard-to-digest foods should be reduced.

Generally speaking, flatulence usually refers to gas expulsion. Foul-smelling gas may be caused by natural digestion, dietary factors, indigestion, constipation, bacterial enteritis, and other reasons. If discomfort occurs, timely medical consultation is recommended. Detailed analysis is as follows:

1. Natural Digestion

During the normal digestive process, bacteria in the intestines break down food and produce gases, including hydrogen sulfide, methane, and ammonia. These gases naturally have a certain odor. This is a normal physiological reaction and generally requires no special treatment.

2. Dietary Factors

Certain foods, such as legumes, onions, garlic, chili peppers, contain specific sulfides and volatile compounds. During digestion, these substances are broken down by intestinal bacteria, possibly producing foul-smelling hydrogen sulfide and other gases. Therefore, it is recommended to eat more vegetables and fruits and maintain dietary fiber intake.

3. Indigestion

Indigestion may be caused by improper diet, excessive stomach acid, or gastrointestinal dysfunction. During indigestion, food cannot be fully digested and absorbed, and the undigested residue is excessively broken down and fermented by intestinal bacteria, producing gas that may lead to foul-smelling flatulence, often accompanied by symptoms such as bloating and acid reflux. Medications such as Hawthorn Pills, Zhishi Daozhi Pills, and Domperidone Tablets can be used under a doctor's guidance.

4. Constipation

Constipation may be related to poor bowel habits, psychological factors, or underlying diseases. In cases of constipation, fecal matter remains in the intestine for too long, and bacteria break down the stool to produce gas, including compounds like hydrogen sulfide, which have an irritating odor, thus causing foul-smelling flatulence. Symptoms such as abdominal distension and pain may also occur. Medications such as Montmorillonite Powder, Loperamide Capsules, and Trimethobenzamide Maleate Tablets can be used according to medical advice.

5. Bacterial Enteritis

Bacterial enteritis may be caused by bacterial infections such as Escherichia coli or Salmonella. When bacterial infection occurs in the intestines, harmful bacteria may multiply significantly, producing more foul-smelling gases during the breakdown of food residue. It is usually accompanied by symptoms such as vomiting and abdominal pain. Medications such as Norfloxacin Capsules, Cefixime Dispersible Tablets, and Amoxicillin Capsules can be used under a doctor's recommendation.

It is recommended to maintain a diverse diet, increasing the proportion of vegetables and fruits to provide sufficient dietary fiber and vitamins. At the same time, intake of greasy, spicy, and hard-to-digest foods should be reduced to avoid increasing the burden on the gastrointestinal system.

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What gas does a human release when passing gas?

In general, flatulence refers to the release of gas from the digestive system through the rectum. The gas expelled during flatulence mainly consists of odorless gases such as nitrogen, carbon dioxide, hydrogen, methane, and hydrogen sulfide, which contributes to the unpleasant smell. It is important to maintain a balanced diet and reduce the intake of foods that are prone to producing gas. These foods are typically rich in fermentable carbohydrates, which can increase gas production in the intestines.

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What causes frequent passing of foul-smelling gas?

Frequent passage of foul-smelling flatus may be caused by a high-protein diet, poor eating habits, constipation, intestinal flora imbalance, chronic enteritis, or other similar reasons. It is important to maintain a balanced diet in daily life and consume more fiber-rich foods to promote intestinal motility. Developing good eating habits and avoiding eating too quickly can effectively help maintain intestinal health and reduce the occurrence of foul-smelling flatus.

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Can patients with appendicitis eat soup dumplings (xiaolongbao)?

In general, patients with appendicitis can eat xiaolongbao (steamed soup buns), provided they do so in moderation. However, it is important to note that during an acute flare-up or before passing gas post-surgery, xiaolongbao should be strictly avoided, as gastrointestinal function is weak at these times and consuming them may easily cause discomfort such as bloating or abdominal pain. When eating, one should chew slowly and thoroughly to avoid swallowing quickly, which could increase gastrointestinal burden. If symptoms such as nausea, bloating, or mild abdominal pain occur after eating, consumption should be stopped immediately.