woman at work keeps farting

[poppytea]

I know this might sound stupid but the smell is horrific, like egg, and it's really putting me off being in the office especially when eating. It's a small windowless room and it is very smelly as obviously there's nowhere for smell to go.

AIBU to pass this up OR will I just be laughed at?

[ClawHandsIfYouBelieveInFreaks]

God how AWFUL. I have OCD and this would distress me badly. I have a real problem with other people's wind.

I can't even write the word!

OP you need to tell your manager and she or he needs to do something to make the situation more manageable.

[ClawHandsIfYouBelieveInFreaks]

Chutney how do you manage at work and socially?

[flapjackattack]

She could have gallstones. Until my gallbladder was removed I would produce some eye waterers. It was embarassing. My mum has always been a little noxious too. She was diagnosed with gallbladder disease too.

[Nandocushion]

I know someone with Crohn's. I didn't realise the extent of the problem until we went to the theatre together and I almost had to leave. But it isn't her fault and it probably isn't your colleague's fault either - they have no control over this. I'm sorry but I'm not sure what can be done. Can you use Vicks in your nose when it gets really bad?

[ouryve]

She's probably not enjoying it much, either.

[ClawHandsIfYouBelieveInFreaks]

ouryve no...but then is there a limit to what other people are exposed to due to someone else's illness?

[aurynne]

Even if the OP's workmate can do nothing about the farts, she surely could ask for an office for herself, especially if it is indeed a medical condition? I don't think posters saying there is nothing she can do are actually helping.

[poppytea]

I like the scented candle idea actually.

She started working with us 2 months ago. I know it's her as often it's just us in the office and it's not me farting!

She's of child bearing age but single (doesn't necessarily mean anything I know) so I guess must be a bowel problem?

[ClawHandsIfYouBelieveInFreaks]

Poppy that might not be allowed as it's a fire hazard. Can't see open flames being ok in a workplace.

[poppytea]

Ah true, rubbish. I could ask though?

[ImTheOneThatKnocks]

I would go along the lines of there being a 'stale' smell and that you want the ventilation improved.
She either can't help herself or doesn't care so there isn't much point mentioning farts to her

[ClawHandsIfYouBelieveInFreaks]

You could definitely ask!

[LadyLuck10]

Even if there's nothing she can do it's not really your problem. You shouldn't have to just put up with it. Her bad habit doesn't trump your right to work in a clean smelling environment. Just speak to your manager. They should address it with her directly.

[lomega]

If I need to fart at work I go into the toilet! Haha some things belong in the bathroom alone (unless you're asleep and can't help it or something.)

At work once I had a visitor/client who came into my office and did the most horrendous, tear-gas, nostril-burning fart. He sniffed the air in what he imagine was a subtle way, shifted slightly in his seat and then carried on talking to me as if nothing had happened...all the while I was trying not to be sick!

[ClawHandsIfYouBelieveInFreaks]

lady "trump"

But I agree with you Lady. I think it's not something the OP should have to put up with. Of course it's unfortunate for the other lady...that she has to live with something like that...but working in a closed environment would not be the best choice perhaps? For someone such as this? Not without certain arrangements being in place...such as windows at the least!

[Iloveonionchutney]

clawhands it's very difficult, I'm fortunate now to work for myself so if need be I can stay at home. The last job I had were very understanding and being a small office and people I knew well if I disappeared to the bathroom very frequently they accept it. I carry a changing bag with me all the time and kept spare clothes at work, socially I don't do much,my close friends come to me a lot!
If she is new op she may not feel comfortable telling people, unfortunately it does put employers off hiring you. I know it doesn't help you but chances are she's as uncomfortable as you are . I don't have any helpful suggestions though as it may not be the case at all.

[ClawHandsIfYouBelieveInFreaks]

Onion I'm sorry but I just noticed your user name.

I am sorry you've had such issues to deal with though...

[ZingOfSeven]

what about those dreadful plug in airfreshners?
could you initiate one being used?

I can't control farts easily, never could. They sneak out

[Iloveonionchutney]

Haha, it used to be my favourite thing but not something that I can enjoy anymore! I'm used to it all now but it's still hard, especially around people I don't know.

[NanooCov]

You probably won't be allowed candles. A plug in essential oil diffuser could be worthwhile. Doesn't heat up so very safe. The Zen Bow is marvellous and I can recommend a nice blend of geranium and lavender oils.

[Siarie]

Would be funny if it was actually a drain issue and she thinks you're farting vice versa.

I would casually mention the smell of drains and see how she reacts.

[fluffyraggies]

Skimmed thread.

Has anyone suggested simply keeping the office door wedged open?

Loads of reasons you could give for that. Although to be honest the woman will probably be well aware of why you want the door left open and wont challenge you on it.

[Selks]

Do you have a radiator in your office OP? If so get a tissue and sprinkle a few drops of essential oil (eg lavender, geranium, grapefruit) on it and place on the radiator. The room will smell lovely really quickly.

[Mrsjayy]

I have bowel problems and when I have a flare up I cant control the wind it's mortifying it just sort of sneaks out the smell is terrible. I don't know what you could do perhaps wedge the door opened (off to name change )

[ILovePud]

I'm so childish, this thread has made me laugh so much. Poor you OP that must be awful but I do sympathise with your colleague, I think people are supposed to fart about 15 times a day (my oldest is proud that he regularly smashes this figure) and so if she's always farting it might indicate a problem. Unless someone is hugely socially unaware I don't think she'd would sit in a communal office and trump away all day so I'm guessing she has trouble controlling it. Air fresheners like oust and febreeze do seek to remove odour rather than just end up smelling like someone's farted in a flower shop. I'd steer clear of the candle though your office might explode with all that methane