From the Guidelines
Carbon monoxide poisoning is a leading cause of odorless gas in patients, resulting from incomplete combustion of carbon-based fuels, and can lead to severe toxicity and even death. The symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning can be nonspecific, including headache, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, and fatigue, making it challenging to diagnose 1. According to the Annals of Emergency Medicine, approximately 50,000 emergency department visits per year are due to carbon monoxide poisoning, with an estimated 1,000 to 2,000 patients dying from severe toxicity annually 1.
The mechanism of toxicity is multifactorial, resulting from impaired oxygen delivery to highly metabolic tissues, induced altered function of critical proteins, toxic free radical formation, and other less well-understood actions 1. The World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines for indoor carbon monoxide exposure are 100 mg/m3, 35 mg/m3, 10 mg/m3, and 7 mg/m3 for averaging times of 15 min, 1 h, 8 h, and 24 h, respectively 1.
In addition to carbon monoxide poisoning, other potential causes of odorless gas in patients may include the consumption of certain foods, such as carbohydrate-rich foods, swallowing air while eating or drinking, carbonated beverages, artificial sweeteners, and certain medical conditions like lactose intolerance or irritable bowel syndrome. However, based on the most recent and highest quality study, carbon monoxide poisoning is a significant and potentially life-threatening cause of odorless gas in patients, and prompt diagnosis and treatment are crucial to prevent morbidity and mortality 1.
Key points to consider:
- Carbon monoxide poisoning can cause severe toxicity and death
- Symptoms can be nonspecific, making diagnosis challenging
- WHO guidelines provide recommendations for indoor carbon monoxide exposure
- Prompt diagnosis and treatment are crucial to prevent morbidity and mortality
- Other potential causes of odorless gas in patients may include certain foods, swallowing air, and medical conditions, but carbon monoxide poisoning is a leading cause 1.
From the FDA Drug Label
Use for the relief of pressure and bloating commonly referred to as gas Purpose Antigas
The cause of odorless gas in a patient is not explicitly stated in the provided drug labels.
- Gas and bloating are mentioned as conditions that can be relieved by the medication, but the underlying cause of the odorless gas is not specified.
- The medication simethicone (PO) is used for relief of pressure and bloating, but the exact cause of the odorless gas is not directly addressed 2 2. The FDA drug label does not answer the question.
From the Research
Causes of Odorless Gas in a Patient
- Odorless gas in a patient can be caused by various factors, including small-bowel obstruction with or without ischemia, as stated in the study 3.
- Another possible cause is the production of odorless gases such as hydrogen (H2) and methane (CH4) in the colon, which can be measured by breath testing 4.
- Carbon monoxide (CO) is a potentially deadly, odorless gas that can be generated during the incomplete combustion of carbon-based fuels, and can cause unintentional deaths 5.
- Small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO) can also lead to the production of odorless gases, including H2 and CH4, which can be managed with antibiotic therapy, dietary modifications, and herbal supplements 6.
- It is worth noting that while odors can serve as warning signs of potential health risks, odorless gases can still pose health risks without any noticeable smell 7.