Passage of gas from the digestive tract is referred to as flatulence. Though it is normal in adults, flatulence (farting) in teens can leave them embarrassed and even amused. However, studies say that farting is a usual phenomenon. In fact, the average number of times an individual passes wind is five to 15 times in a day (1). Read this post to know about the foods, medications, and other factors that cause excessive farting in teens and how to deal with it.
What Causes Farting?
The digestion of food can cause the formation of gases within the digestive tract. Also, a small amount of air is swallowed with food, water, or saliva. These gases are relieved from the digestive system through belching (burping) or flatulence (farting). The following are the various reasons for flatulence in people, including teens (2) (3) (4). Certain foods with short-chain carbohydrates (FODMAPS), such as garlic and onion, are inadequately digested by the small intestine (5). These carbohydrates are then digested by colonic bacteria in the large intestine, which may increase gas production. Carbonated beverages are often associated with gas, but they are more likely to cause burping than flatulence. If your teen has flatulence due to medications, discuss with a pediatrician, who may prescribe alternative medicines.
What Makes Farts Smell?
The passed gas could sometimes have a bad smell due to the presence of sulfur compounds. Foods high in sulfur, such as broccoli, cabbage, onion, and garlic, may lead to smelly flatulence. Bacteria in the digestive tract also produce gases during digestion. These gases could have sulfur compounds (6). The type of food eaten and the bacterial composition in the digestive tract can influence the smelliness of flatulence. The sulfur compounds account for only 1% of gas, and the remaining is made of oxygen, nitrogen, hydrogen, carbon dioxide, and methane. It is normal for gas to smell and is seldom a cause for concern.
When To See A Doctor
Consult a general practitioner if your teen complains of increased farting and is frequently passing smelly gas. Visit a doctor if the teen has recurring episodes of any of the following signs or symptoms along with flatulence (6).
Diarrhea
Constipation Abdominal pain Bloating Bowel incontinence Blood in feces High fever Vomiting Chills Joint pain Muscle aches
These issues may indicate digestive or other health problems, and a doctor may order tests for an exact diagnosis.
How To Avoid Excessive Farting?
The following changes in your teenager’s diet and lifestyle could help reduce excessive gas formation.
Eat small portions of frequent meals
Chew food and drink slowly Avoid sugar-free chewing gums, candies, etc. Have regular physical activity
Avoid gas-causing foods Quit smoking
You may also consider child-safe over-the-counter medications for flatulence. However, dietary or lifestyle factors can usually provide relief without medications. If farting persists and you are concerned, then see a doctor.
What Foods Reduce Farting In Teens?
A healthy balanced diet with adequate fiber could help reduce excessive farting. Although fiber-rich foods may cause bloating in some teens, it is essential to eat about five portions of vegetables and fruits in a day. Some foods with easy-digesting carbohydrates tend to produce less gas than others. The inclusion of these foods may help provide the teen relief from excessive flatulence (7).
Rice Potatoes and sweet potatoes Bananas Grapes Sugar-free yogurt Citrus fruits Gluten-free foods Leafy vegetables, such as spinach and lettuce Vegetables, such as tomatoes and zucchini
It is not necessary that the same set of foods lead to flatulence commonly or provide relief. For instance, yogurt could ease gas in some teens but could worsen it in those with lactose intolerance. Therefore, you may ask your teen to note down the foods they have eaten on days when flatulence is more than normal. Next time, they may avoid or reduce the intake of such foods.
