by Suarez FL, Springfield J, Levitt MD
Minneapolis Veterans Affairs Medical Center, MN 55417, USA.
BACKGROUND/AIMS:
While the social significance of flatus derives mainly from its
odour, previous studies have focused on the non-odoriferous
components of rectal gas. The aims of the present study were to
determine the role of sulphur-containing gases in flatus odour and
test the efficacy of a device purported to reduce this odour.
METHODS:
Flatus was quantitatively collected via rectal tube from 16 healthy
subjects who ingested pinto beans and lactulose to enhance flatus
output. The concentrations of sulphur-containing gases in each
passage were correlated with odour intensity assessed by two judges.
Odour intensity was also determined after treatment of flatus samples
with zinc acetate, which binds sulphydryl compounds (hydrogen
sulphide and methanethiol), or activated charcoal. Utilising gastight
Mylar pantaloons, the ability of a charcoal lined cushion to adsorb
sulphur-containing gases instilled at the anus of eight subjects was
assessed.
RESULTS:
The main sulphur-containing flatus component was hydrogen sulphide
(1.06 (0.2) mumol/l), followed by methanethiol (0.21 (0.04) mumol/l)
and dimethyl sulphide (0.08 (0.01) mumol/l) (means (SEM)). Malodour
significantly correlated with hydrogen sulphide concentration (p <
or = 0.001). Zinc acetate reduced sulphur gas content but did not
totally eliminate odour, while activated charcoal removed virtually
all odour. The cushion absorbed more than 90% of the sulphur
gases.
CONCLUSION:
Sulphur-containing gases are the major, but not the only, malodorous
components of human flatus. The charcoal lined cushion effectively
limits the escape of these sulphur-containing gases into the
environment.
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