Table 2

Correlation between the concentration of sulphur containing gases and odour intensity of flatus passages

Odour intensity H2S MES DMS Total sulphur- containing gases
Judge 1 r = 0.644 r = 0.248 r= 0.333 r = 0.628
p < 0.001p = 0.071p = 0.014p < 0.001
Judge 2 r = 0.437 r= 0.304 r = 0.227 r = 0.444
p = 0.001p = 0.026p = 0.099p = 0.001

  • Data were analysed using the Pearson correlation coefficient. N=54 flatus passages.

  • Odour intensity was rated on a linear scale ranging from 0 (no odour) to 8 (very offensive).

  • MES, methanethiol; DMS, dimethyl sulphide.