The symptom, flatulence, indicates the presence of excess gas in the bowel, or the passage of gas from the rectum in noticeable quantities. The causes are so numerous that flatulence is in itself of little diagnostic importance, but occasionally it is the chief or only symptom, or the earliest noticeable symptom, and then its study becomes of value.
From a circumspective point of view gas gets into the bowel in three ways. It may be swallowed, may be generated in the alimentary tract, or may be excreted through the bowel wall into the lumen.
OUTLINE OF CAUSES: Swallowed Gasin