Why Holding It In Can Harm Your Health

Holding in gas causes a rise in pressure in the gut, which may stretch the intestinal walls slightly. Although not usually dangerous, consistently forcing your body to hold gas may not be the best long-term habit, especially for people with sensitive digestive systems. In some cases, if the gas isn’t released, it may be partially reabsorbed into the bloodstream and eventually expelled through the lungs when you exhale. While this doesn’t cause harm, it’s an unusual process and your body’s way of balancing internal gases.