You’ll fart about 14 times today, leaving roughly half a liter of gas as evidence.
But not every toot is the same. Some are quiet–but deadly, while others rip through the room like the thunder. Occasionally, farts feel warmer than normal or burn on their escape. And no, you’re not the only one this happens to.
Although flatulence is a normal part of digestion, talking about it can feel embarrassing to some–which means our questions about passing gas often unanswered. That’s why we turned to Lisa Ganjhu, DO, clinical associate professor in the Division of Gastroenterology at NYU Langone Health, for answers about why passing gas sometimes feels warm.
Are some farts warmer than others?
Farts may feel “hot,” but that’s due to perception and not temperature changes, says Ganjhu.
“Everything is based on your body temperature,” she explains to Men’s Health. “The heat of the gas that comes out of your body is going to be the same temperature as what your body is.”
Ganjhu explains that sometimes people may experience a burning sensation when passing gas that they describe as feeling “warm.” However, you should never feel any pain, which could be a sign that something is up. Then, it’s time to head to the doctor to be sure you don’t have hemorrhoids or fissures, she says.
Ganjhu explains burning may be caused from eating spicy or acidic foods. Drinking water may lessen the severity as it helps neutralize the acid.
However, some foods, like hot sauce, are just problematic.
“If it burns your mouth going down it’s going to burn your butt coming out,” Ganjhu explains. “The tissue in your mouth is very similar to the tissue in your rectum.”