Definition

Intestinal gas, a buildup of air in the digestive tract, is usually not noticed until you burp or pass it rectally (flatulence). The entire digestive tract, from the stomach to the rectum, contains intestinal gas as the natural result of swallowing and digestion.

In fact, certain foods, such as beans, are not fully broken down until they reach the large intestine (colon), where bacteria act on them.

Everyone passes gas several times daily, and occasional burping or belching is normal. However, excessive intestinal gas sometimes indicates a digestive disorder.