[Intestinal gases and digestive pathology: clinical syndromes and their treatment]

A number of annoying and frequent disturbances caused by an increase in intestinal meteorism have aroused the interest of students since the last century. Aerophagy, abdominal distension, flatulence represent the commonest aspects of this frequent gastroenterological pathology. The new diagnostic approaches have made it possible to classify the principal mechanisms involved in the production and elimination of intestinal gases. It has thus been possible to study with greater precision the composition of gaseous content and the origin and removal of intestinal gases. It is possible to demonstrate an increase in intestinal gas in various conditions, not only in relation to concomitant organic factors but also following surgery and disease situations triggered by functional or reflex mechanisms. Basic diagnosis is important because if correctly classified these pathological conditions can be resolved with simple therapeutic aids.