Enteral ventilation, also known as “butt breathing,” may soon become a revolutionary method for helping those with respiratory issues. This groundbreaking technique, which involves delivering oxygen through the rectum, has been gaining attention and recognition in the scientific community.
In 2021, a team of researchers published a study in the prestigious journal Nature, which won the Ig Nobel award for physiology. Their paper, titled “Mammalian Enteral Ventilation Ameliorates Respiratory Failure,” revealed that many mammals, including humans, have the ability to breathe through their anus. While this may sound like a humorous concept, further research has shown that it could have significant implications for those facing respiratory failure.
The idea behind enteral ventilation was inspired by organisms such as loaches, which use intestinal air breathing. With the critical shortage of respiratory tools like ventilators during the Covid pandemic, the researchers sought to explore whether humans could also obtain oxygen through their rectums.
In their study, the team used a highly oxygenated liquid called conjugated perfluorocarbon, which was administered through an enema-style technique into the digestive systems of pigs and rats. The results were astounding – the gas successfully entered their bloodstreams through their rectums.
Building on this groundbreaking research, a recent study published in Med has evaluated the safety of this method in humans for the first time. The study found that enteral ventilation could potentially give the lungs of those facing severe respiratory failure a chance to rest and heal.
The study involved 27 healthy male participants who were given between 25 and 1,500 ml of a non-oxygenated version of the liquid to hold in their rectums for 60 minutes. The results showed no serious side effects, although some participants reported feelings of bloating and discomfort, which seemed to increase as the volume of liquid increased.
Dr. Takanori Takebe, one of the study’s co-authors, stated, “This is the first human data, and the results are limited solely to demonstrating the safety of the procedure and not its effectiveness.” He further added, “But now that we have established tolerance, the next step will be to evaluate how effective the process is for delivering oxygen to the bloodstream.”
While it may be too early to say whether “butt breathing” will become a mainstream medical practice, the potential benefits are promising. If successful, it could fulfill the 2021 paper’s proposal of “repurposing the distal gut as an accessory breathing organ.” This could be a vital source of support for those in respiratory failure, for whom invasive breathing tools may risk further strain on their lungs.
This innovative technique has the potential to revolutionize the way we think about respiratory support. It could provide a non-invasive and less taxing alternative to traditional methods, making it a game-changer for those with respiratory issues.
Moreover, the concept of “butt breathing” has sparked interest in other unconventional methods for improving respiratory health. For example, a doctor has suggested that “fart walks” could be the secret to healthy aging, and “finger breathing” has been shown to improve sleep quality. These unconventional approaches may seem strange, but they are backed by scientific research and have the potential to improve our overall well-being.
In conclusion, enteral ventilation, or “butt breathing,” may seem like a humorous concept, but it has the potential to be a life-changing technique for those with respiratory issues. The recent study published in Med has shown that it is safe for humans, and further research will determine its effectiveness. If successful, it could provide a much-needed alternative to traditional respiratory support methods and improve the quality of life for many individuals. So, let’s keep an open mind and see where this innovative approach takes us in the future.
