Have you ever wondered what happens when you hold in a fart for too long? Most people have been in situations where passing gas feels embarrassing, so they choose to hold it in to avoid discomfort. However, holding in a fart for too long isn't ideal for your body.

Studies have revealed that when you hold in a fart, the gas doesn’t just stay trapped inside you. Instead, some of it gets reabsorbed into your bloodstream. From there, it travels to the lungs, where it goes through the pulmonary system and is eventually exhaled through your breath. While it’s not exactly a "mouth fart," it’s the same gas that would have been released through your bottom, but instead, it escapes through your mouth.

So, how often does this happen, and is it harmful to keep holding in farts? 

Farts, or flatus, are a normal part of digestion. When bacteria in your intestines break down food, they produce gas. This gas makes your colon expand, which can leave you feeling full and uncomfortable. Normally, the gas escapes through your rectum.

But if you hold in a fart, some of the gas can pass through the walls of your intestines and get absorbed into your bloodstream. From there, it can travel to your lungs and be exhaled through your mouth instead.

Can you taste your fart 

No, you cannot taste your fart. Farts are released when air and gases produced by bacteria in your colon break down undigested carbohydrates. The bad smell comes from sulfur-containing gases created during this process, but these gases are not reabsorbed by your body.

Other side effects of holding in gas

Holding in gas can lead to several uncomfortable side effects. First, it can cause bloating and swelling in your abdomen, making you feel full and uncomfortable. This trapped gas can also increase the likelihood of burping. 

Other than this, holding in a fart can intensify the discomfort, leading to cramping or pain from the trapped gas. Over time, consistently holding in flatulence may result in air pockets forming in your digestive tract, and if these pockets become infected or inflamed, they can cause diverticulitis, a painful condition in the digestive system.