Flatology

Advances in flatology are often close-lipped but of note. Cultural constraints and scatologic implications at times impede meaningful research. Historical and contemporary perspectives on flatus range from the biblical and theatrical, to paleontologic and environmental concerns, to the omninauseant legal and psychiatric sequelae. The current state of flatal physiology, pathophysiology, and diagnosis of aberrancy are reviewed. Flatoanalysis, air-flow studies, and flatulograms are discussed, as well as various remedies.