Flatulence is a normal bodily function that happens when you pass gas from your digestive system. Learn about the common causes of excessive flatulence , how to treat it and when to seek medical help. Burping and farting. They are caused by gas, and gas is caused by a number of factors, some within our control. WebMD explains. Flatulence is the release of gas from the rectum, caused by swallowed air, food breakdown, or gut bacteria. Learn about the common causes, symptoms, diagnosis, and treatments of flatulence , and when to see a doctor. While farting every day is normal, farting all the time may be a sign of an underlying health problem. We’ll explain the causes of excessive farting and cover some prevention tips.