Chennai, Aug. 21 -- What is Gas?

Flatulence is a common problem that affects everyone at some time or another. It occurs when you need to drive out the excess air that builds up in your body.

The gut from the esophagus or food pipe to rectum contains a lot of gases, but mainly of nitrogen and oxygen, which enter the body through the mouth via air swallowed during regular activities such as eating and talking.

Carbon dioxide is produced when the acid present in the stomach comes into contact with bile and juices from the pancreas. Some of these gases are absorbed into the blood and will be breathed out in due course. The rest is passed out through the rectum.

Common Causes of Gas

* Overproduction of bacteria in the stomach

* Foods co...