Cause of Death: FARTING!

I’ve been on a talk radio tour over the past few weeks, sharing diet and digestion insight to enraptured gassy listeners around the country.

Among all the (gas) burning questions I fielded, Dr. Ken Kronhaus, the host of ‘Heart Talk Live’ on WBZT-AM, asked me something particularly explosive: Has anyone ever died from farting?

The answer is probably yes—not from the flatulence itself, but from the complications, er, behind it.

IBS; GERD; Crohn’s disease; ulcers; strictures (narrowing) of the esophagus; cancer of the esophagus, colon, and stomach; and diabetes are all digestive complications that produce excessive gas and bloating.

Each and every one of these diseases and conditions can lead to potentially fatal complications. But the good news is all of these diseases and conditions can be treated if caught early enough.

Almost everyone has a digestive problem at some point in his or her life. If you haven’t farted, you haven’t lived! If you experience occasional farting, bloating, constipation, the runs, have no fear. This is normal.

But if you experience any of these symptoms in excess, or with bleeding or extreme discomfort, see your doctor right away. Because death can be a gas.

In addition to seeing your doctor, check out some of my previous posts on how to change your diet to cut down on cutting the cheese.