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Intestinal gas dynamics and tolerance in humans
J Serra1, F Azpiroz, J R Malagelada
1Digestive System Research Unit, Hospital General Vall d'Hebron, Autonomous University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain.
Gastroenterology
|August 28, 1998
Summary
Healthy individuals can tolerate high intestinal gas loads due to efficient gas evacuation. Gas retention, however, leads to abdominal distention and symptoms when this mechanism is compromised.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology
- Human Physiology
Background:
- Abdominal symptoms are frequently linked to intestinal gas.
- Intestinal gas dynamics and tolerance in humans are poorly understood.
- Previous research focused on gas production and composition, not its movement and tolerance.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the relationship between intestinal gas loads and symptoms.
- To determine the impact of gas loads on gas evacuation and abdominal distention.
- To assess gas tolerance in healthy human subjects.
Main Methods:
- A dose-response study involving intestinal gas infusion in 46 healthy subjects.
- Measurement of anal gas evacuation, symptom perception, and abdominal distention.
- Gas retention was quantified, with validated calculations using sulfur hexafluoride.
Main Results:
- Gas evacuation rapidly matched infusion rates across all levels, with minimal symptom perception.
- Most subjects tolerated gas loads without discomfort, unless gas retention exceeded 400 mL.
- Significant abdominal distention and symptoms occurred only in subjects with substantial gas retention.
Conclusions:
- Healthy individuals possess a high tolerance for intestinal gas.
- Efficient gas transit and evacuation prevent symptom development by avoiding gas pooling.
- Impaired gas evacuation mechanisms can lead to gas retention, causing abdominal distention and symptoms.
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