The Quantity and Composition of Human Colonic Flatus

Abstract

Summary A report is given of a procedure for quantitative collection and analysis of human colonic flatus and results obtained by such studies presented. The excretion of colonic gas was found to vary considerably between different individuals; the average value observed in 45 normal subjects was 1.47 ml. per minute. Carbon dioxide, hydrogen and nitrogen were constant constituents of the colonic flatus. Oxygen was present in most of the samples, whereas methane and hydrogen sulphide were occasionally lacking. The concentration of hydrogen sulphide when present was only small, valuing 0.0001 to 0.001 per cent. Ingestion of brussel sprouts by normal individuals was followed by a marked increase in the volume of excreted flatus, whereas lactose and cow's milk were without effect on the quantity and composition of the flatus. In patients suffering from the colitis syndrome no excess gas excretion could be demonstrated. Intake of lactose and cow's milk was likewise without effect on the amount and composition of the flatus in these subjects. The volume of gas excreted by patients with cardiac decompensation was not increased.