A suppressed flatus or ‘fart’ can lead to many health complications, such as anxiety, depression, nausea, constipation and even hives. Studies show that not letting a flatus manifest, or ‘passing wind’, increases levels of cortisol, the ‘stress hormone’.
“Those with existing conditions or predispositions to hypertension, depression or irritation can find that these symptoms exacerbated,” said Petre Anderson of NAWO, Norway, “Flatulence is such a commonplace occurrence. It should be as acceptable as any other bodily function. Therein lies the problem. Social etiquette shuns (farting) and there has been a rise of allergy-like symptoms as a direct consequence.”
Evidence is being gathered to assess whether habitual resistance to passing wind causes chronic or permanent conditions. If found to be the case, Petre suggests that training would be required to desensitise patients from their social predicament to prevent a fart-induced epidemic.
“Such training would be beneficial just from a psychological level. What I would prefer to see, though, is a general acceptance for (farting) and (farting) related illnesses. For this we can expect to see greater resistance and slower change than at a personal level, but with today’s social media and a high quality marketing campaign, I hope to see (farting) elevated to the same status as other expulsions such as coughing or sneezing.”
Chester Press 