Holding in a fart generally won't cause permanent harm, but it can lead to discomfort and some temporary physical effects. Here's what happens:

• Pressure and Pain: When you hold in a fart, gas builds up in your intestines, increasing pressure. This can cause abdominal pain, cramping, and bloating. People with conditions like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) may experience more intense pain

• Bloating: The trapped gas causes your abdomen to feel stretched and hard, sometimes visibly swollen. This bloating can also lead to gurgling noises as the gas moves around your digestive system

• Gas Reabsorption: Some of the gas may be reabsorbed through the gut wall into your bloodstream and eventually exhaled through your lungs, which is why sometimes you might "release" gas through your breath

• Potential Long-Term Effects: Habitually holding in gas might increase the risk of developing diverticulitis, a condition where small pouches in the intestinal wall become inflamed. This is more likely if you frequently trap gas and experience bloating

• No Risk of Serious Damage: Despite discomfort, holding in a fart won't cause your intestines to burst or lead to life-threatening issues. The body will eventually release the gas, either later as a fart or through other means

In summary, holding in a fart is uncomfortable and can cause pain and bloating, but it is not dangerous if done occasionally. Regularly suppressing gas, however, may contribute to digestive discomfort and rare complications like diverticulitis