Pathophysiological Mechanism of Intestinal Gas Production

Abstract

The production and accumulation of gases in the intestine has been reported more frequently in recent times. Accumulation of gas in the intestine without proper remediation has been associated with several pathologic morbidities and consequently mortality in unattended cases. Intestinal gases are primarily produced by oral ingestion of air, activities of the inhabitant bacteria organisms, and in some cases, other gastrointestinal diseases associated with gas production. The most important intestinal gases identified and isolated within the gut lumen have been reported to include; nitrogen, hydrogen, methane, oxygen and carbon di oxide. Intestinal gas accumulation and subsequent explosions has been implicated as the culprit in several colonic surgical complications. The hyper production of Hydrogen in response to certain sugars like lactose may be considered the expression of intolerance or a sugar mal digestion, with an abnormal fermentation by gut microbiota. An enhanced understanding of the pathophysiological intricacies involved in the production of intestinal gases is essential for the advancement of present strategies utilized in the remediation of diseases associated with intestinal gas production and accumulation.