Bowel flora metabolize gut contents, resulting in the production of various gases. Some of these gases are combustible. Production of excessive gas may cause symptoms if not embarrassment.
Flammable gases produced:
(1) hydrogen (up to 47%)
(2) oxygen (up to 2.3%)
(3) methane (up to 26%)
Inert gases produced:
(1) nitrogen (up to 80%)
(2) carbon dioxide (up to 29%)
Flammable gases may be associated with:
(1) combustion during colonoscopy if electrocautery is used
(2) ability to light a fart (pyroflatulence)
(3) possibly spontaneous human combustion
Excessive gas can result in:
(1) cramping and bloating
(2) flatulence
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