intestinal gas

Volatile material (mostly swallowed air, partly digestive by-products) in the digestive tract, which normally contains 150–500 cc of gas. Air in the stomach is either belched out or passed to the intestines. Some of its oxygen is absorbed into the blood along the way. Carbon dioxide produced by digestion is added. Nitrogen, the major component, is inert and usually passed on. Obstructions in the small intestine can trap gas in distended pockets, causing severe pain. In the large intestine, bacterial fermentation products are added—mostly hydrogen but also methane, hydrogen sulfide, ammonia, and sulfur-containing mercaptans. Excess gas in the colon is eventually expelled from the body.

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The Canadian Society of Intestinal Research (CSIR) is a national registered charity established in 1976. The Society is dedicated to providing patient education and promoting public awareness in the area of digestive diseases and disorders and fundraising to support medical research in this field. Research funds are distributed through the University of British Columbia and its teaching hospitals.

CSIR is a member of the Better Pharmacare Coalition and the Best Medicines Coalition and advocates for patient access to medication.

Patient Resources

CSIR produces a series of patient information pamphlets on the following topics:

Celiac Disease, Crohn's Disease, Diverticular Disease, Gastro Esophageal Reflux Disease, Hemorrhoids, Hiatus Hernia, Inflammatory Bowel Disease, Intestinal Gas, Irritable Bowel Syndrome, Functional Dyspepsia, Pancreatitis, Stress Management, Support Groups, Ulcer Disease, Ulcerative Colitis, Ulcerative Proctitis.

The Society also hosts the Badgut(R) Lectures, a series of free public lectures on various digestive conditions for patients and other interested individuals.

The Inside Tract(R) is a comprehensive bi-monthly newsletter containing current information on gastrointestinal research, treatments, nutrition advice and explanations of disease processes. The newsletter is distributed to members of the Society and to doctor's offices, clinics, hospitals, pharmacies and other locations in Canada.

Sources

• Canadian Society of Intestinal Research website
• Canada Revenue Agency registered charity information database
• Better Pharmacare Coalition website
• Best Medicines Coalition website