AN embarrassed patient once asked me, "Doctor, what can I do to control flatus (farts)? I'm becoming a social pariah." I didn't have an answer for this distressed woman at the time as no one had discovered the ultimate cure. But I've finally found the right prescription, charcoal-activated underwear.

We've all heard about the whoopee cushion used to embarrass friends at parties, and the usual jokes about passing gas. However, it's not amusing for those who have food allergies or suffer from bowel problems. But it's never been easy to get information about flatus. After all, how many researchers want to say, "I'm a specialist in farts?"

His underwear, called "Under-Ease" is available for both sexes. It's made from a soft nylon (poly-urethane-coated) fabric and is airtight with an exit hole at the rump. The exit hole has a small pocket containing a replaceable soft, activated carbon pad that allows all gases to pass.