Passing gas is a normal physiological phenomenon. On average, an adult passes gas 8 to 12 times per day. This process helps the body expel excess gas and toxins, contributing to overall health.

Occasional flatulence is normal and not a cause for concern, but excessive gas could indicate a more serious health issue and should not be overlooked.

Why Do Humans Pass Gas?

Flatulence occurs due to two main mechanisms:

1. When talking or eating, people inadvertently swallow air. This air is released through burping or flatulence.
2. If the air isn’t expelled through burping, it travels down to the intestines, forming intestinal gas, which is then released as flatulence.

Typically, a person expels about 500ml of gas daily through approximately 10 instances of flatulence. However, excessive and persistent gas warrants further investigation, as it may be linked to serious health conditions.

A Real-Life Case

Ms. Xiao Yang, a 25-year-old office worker, recently started experiencing excessive flatulence regardless of what she ate. There were even times when she couldn’t control it in the elevator, leaving her feeling extremely embarrassed.

In addition to frequent gas, she also experienced abdominal pain and diarrhea, which she dismissed as the effects of eating spicy food.

Her family noticed these unusual symptoms and urged her to see a doctor. After undergoing a colonoscopy and CT scan, she was diagnosed with stage III colorectal cancer. Shocked, she wondered how she could have developed late-stage cancer at just 25 years old.

When the doctor inquired about her recent symptoms, she admitted to frequent flatulence, abdominal pain, and diarrhea—clear signs of a serious underlying health issue.

Is Frequent Flatulence Related to Colorectal Cancer?

Colorectal cancer can cause symptoms such as excessive bloating and frequent flatulence. However, not everyone who experiences these symptoms has colorectal cancer. Other conditions that can lead to excessive gas include:

• Chronic colitis
• Ulcerative colitis
• Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)

Therefore, anyone experiencing abnormal symptoms should undergo a colonoscopy to determine the exact cause. If a malignant tumor is detected, a biopsy can confirm whether it is cancerous. If the colon lining appears red, swollen, or ulcerated, it may indicate chronic or ulcerative colitis.

Doctor’s Warning: 3 Signs to Watch Out For

1. Flatulence with a Blood-Like Odor

If flatulence has a fishy or blood-like smell, it could indicate gastrointestinal bleeding. When blood accumulates in the digestive tract, stomach acid and bacteria break it down, producing a foul, rotten odor.

• In cases of colorectal cancer, tumors may necrotize, slough off, and bleed, resulting in particularly unpleasant-smelling gas.

2. Changes in Bowel Habits

• Normally, individuals have a consistent bowel movement pattern, with stools of a stable shape and color.
• When colorectal cancer develops, growing tumors can obstruct the passage of stool, leading to changes in bowel movement frequency, stool shape, and color.

3. Blood in Stool

Blood in the stool can result from hemorrhoids or other intestinal conditions.
However, it is important to differentiate:

• Hemorrhoids: Small amounts of bright red blood.
• Colorectal cancer: Larger amounts of blood, often mixed within the stool. Immediate medical attention is necessary.

How to Prevent Colorectal Cancer

1. Eat More Vegetables and Fruits

• Consuming at least five servings of vegetables and fruits daily helps lower the risk of colorectal cancer.
• Vegetables like spinach and broccoli promote digestive health, reduce constipation, and support gut function.

2. Limit Red Meat and Fatty Foods

• Excessive consumption of red meat reduces fiber intake, increasing cancer risk.
• High-fat foods contribute to chronic constipation, a leading risk factor for colorectal cancer.

3. Stay Physically Active

• Regular exercise helps maintain a healthy weight, boosts immunity, and stimulates bowel movements, aiding in toxin elimination.

Conclusion

Multiple factors contribute to colorectal cancer, with diet and lifestyle habits playing a crucial role.

To lower the risk, drink plenty of water, eat fiber-rich foods, limit red meat, and maintain an active lifestyle. If you experience unusual symptoms like excessive flatulence, altered bowel habits, or blood in the stool, seek medical attention promptly for early detection and treatment.