Intestinal gas production and gastrointestinal symptoms: from pathogenesis to clinical implication.
Intestinal gases are the expression of metabolic activity of gut microbiota in the gut, particularly carbohydrates in the case of H2, CH4. Alterations in composition of gases and air handling, directly or upon challenge with food are relevant for GI and extra-GI diseases. Assessing gas composition in breath can be a very useful tool for clinic, but technical issues are crucial (breath sampling, storing and analyzing). Aim of the present review is to summarize the understanding of the importance of intestinal gases in gastro-intestinal physiology and patho-physiology. Practical considerations on how to collect samples and instruments available for the clinic have also been provided.
Medical Pathology, Department of Internal Medicine, Gastroenterology Division, Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli, Catholic University of Sacred Heart, Rome, Italy. francoscadaferri@gmail.com.
F
F
Scaldaferri
O
O
Nardone
L R
LR
Lopetuso
V
V
Petito
S
S
Bibbò
L
L
Laterza
V
V
Gerardi
G
G
Bruno
I
I
Scoleri
A
A
Diroma
A
A
Sgambato
E
E
Gaetani
G
G
Cammarota
A
A
Gasbarrini
D001419:Bacteria / Q000378:metabolism*; D015415:Biomarkers / Q000378:metabolism; D001944:Breath Tests; D004040:Dietary Carbohydrates / Q000378:metabolism*; D005285:Fermentation; D005740:Gases; D005767:Gastrointestinal Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000378:metabolism / Q000382:microbiology; D006801:Humans; D007413:Intestinal Mucosa / Q000378:metabolism; D007422:Intestines / Q000382:microbiology*; D064307:Microbiota; D011237:Predictive Value of Tests; D013048:Specimen Handling
D015415:Biomarkers; D004040:Dietary Carbohydrates; D005740:Gases