A patient is voicing concerns about the increased amount of flatus he has been having over the last couple weeks and asks the nurse what causes flatus. In response to the patient's question, the nurse explains that flatus normally

Question

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Flatus is a result of normal flora's interaction with chyme, which occurs in the large intestine. The bacteria in the large intestine break down undigested food, releasing gas which is then expelled as flatus. Peristalsis refers to the muscular contractions that move food through the digestive system and is not directly related to the production of flatus. Eating an imbalanced diet may affect the odor or frequency of flatus but is not the primary cause. Reducing normal flora is not a normal occurrence and may require medical intervention.

A Patient Is Voicing Concerns About the Increased Amount of Flatus