Buzz
Some bodily actions seem almost impossible to accomplish together. For instance, we can't sneeze with our eyes open. But is it actually possible to both burp and fart simultaneously, a phenomenon the Urban Dictionary has coined 'furp'? Or would this daring act create some kind of dangerous internal pressure, potentially turning us inside out—or worse, causing an explosion?
Before diving into this intriguing question, it's useful to understand the mechanisms behind belching and flatulence. Dr. Niket Sonpal, M.D., an adjunct assistant professor of clinical medicine at New York City's Touro College of Osteopathic Medicine, explains to Mytour, 'When we eat, drink carbonated beverages, or consume food too quickly, air gets trapped in the stomach. Belching occurs when this air is released from the stomach. Eating can also redistribute air already in the stomach, leading to more burps. This is not the same as the gas produced during digestion.'
When we eat or swallow food, we typically ingest about a tablespoon of air. (We also swallow air throughout the day.) When a sufficient amount of air builds up in the stomach, the esophageal sphincters relax, allowing the air to escape through the mouth. If you also consume carbonated drinks, the added carbon dioxide mixes with the air, making burps even louder and more noticeable.
Farting, by contrast, is driven by gases that accumulate in the intestines as bacteria break down food in the gut. Certain gases, such as methane, can create a smell. Foods that are difficult to digest, like beans or broccoli, can also contribute. Excess gas may be absorbed by the body, but most of it must be released. On average, a person passes gas about 15 times a day. 'Farting is part of digestion,' says Dr. Sonpal.
Belching is a function of the upper gastrointestinal tract, while farting involves the lower gastrointestinal tract. It is possible for a fart to exit through the mouth if it's held in for too long, where the gas is reabsorbed and then exhaled. (However, this is not considered a burp.) The air that could have become a burp may instead travel into the small intestine, and then the large intestine, leading to a flatulent release.
But is it possible to release gas from both ends at the same time?
'Most people could manage both simultaneously,' says Dr. Sonpal. 'Both involve the contraction of your stomach muscles. You apply positive pressure to the abdominal area to push air out. But it usually doesn’t happen at once.'
Why not? 'The reason is that different muscle contractions are involved. You contract the lower abdomen to pass gas and the upper abdomen to expel air from the stomach. You won’t necessarily perform both actions simultaneously.'
The rare symphonic burp-and-fart combo is an unusual, but not impossible, occurrence. So, are there certain things the body absolutely can't do while farting? For instance, could we sneeze and fart at the same time? Yes, according to Dr. Sonpal. However, there may be some unintended effects. 'Sneezing applies pressure to the abdomen, the same as when you pass gas. People often experience urine leakage from sneezing, and the same can happen with coughing or laughing. There's the possibility of urine or stool leakage.' This highlights the importance of letting your body handle each release individually.
