Each day, the human body produces 1 to 4 pints of gas, according to Medline Plus. An individual releases gas up to 14 times. Flatulence is an excessive amount of air in the large intestine that an individual relieves through the anus. The air inside the intestines may cause uncomfortable symptoms such as abdominal pain, cramping and bloating. Gas passed through the anus may or may not have an odor. The cause of chronic gas in one person may not affect another person.
Air Intake
Swallowing air is one way that gas gets into the digestive tract. Some activities increase the possibility of swallowing increased amounts of air. These activities include using a drinking straw, chewing gum and drinking carbonated beverages. Eating food quickly also increases the amount of air swallowed with the food. Individuals who have one or more of these habits may experience chronic flatulence.
Diet
A major source of intestinal gas comes from food sources. Undigested food begins to ferment in the large intestine and release gas. Foods that cause this most often contain sugar, fiber or starch. The small intestine may lack specific enzymes to help digest these products, according to the National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse. Common foods that increase the chance of causing intestinal gas include beans, whole wheat, cabbage and broccoli. Fruits that increase the possibility of flatulence include pears, apples, prunes and peaches. Individuals with an inability to digest the sugar found in milk may experience painful gas after eating or drinking milk products such as ice cream and cheese. Decreasing consumption of foods that cause gas may relieve chronic flatulence. Keeping a food diary may help determine the foods that cause the most gas buildup.
Irritable Bowel Syndrome
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is an intestinal disorder that causes painful symptoms in the large intestine. The cause of IBS is not understood, but the symptoms come from the walls of the intestines contracting stronger than usual or lasting for longer than normal. Because of the powerful contractions, the food passes quickly through the intestines. This quick movement of the food causes symptoms such as diarrhea, gas and bloating. A treatment option for irritable bowel includes increasing fiber intake. The increased fiber can cause more flatulence, so a fiber supplement may work better for some instead of increasing dietary fiber, according to the Mayo Clinic.
