Trapped Wind

Gas is naturally produced by our bodies during food digestion as its byproduct every day. However, some people produce more gas than others. Certain food or drinks may also cause an increase in stomach gas. If this gas or wind cannot make its way out of the bowels, then it becomes a trapped wind. Suffering from trapped wind is not life-threatening, however, it can be agonising especially when accompanied with bloating and abdominal pain.

Trapped wind can be caused by various reasons and can affect people differently. For some people, it only happens rarely and is usually caused by consuming gas-producing foods such as beans, onions, green vegetables and foods high in fat. However, some people who suffer from this condition daily because of other underlying stomach problems. 

If you are diagnosed with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) or small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO), then you could experience trapped wind more frequently because it is a symptom of this disorder along with constipation or diarrhoea. When you suffer from constipation that is not related to other underlying issues, stomach gas tends to be trapped because the stools are not released out of the body.

If you have food intolerances such as lactose, gluten, soy or eggs, it can also contribute to suffering from trapped wind. Consuming foods that your body can’t tolerate will irritate the digestive system and result in getting trapped wind.

In some cases, simple actions such as swallowing too much air can cause trapped wind. As you swallow the air into the digestive system, it finds a way to come out either through the mouth by burping or through the bottom by farting. However, this air sometimes gets trapped and causes bloating and abdominal pain. Excess air can get into our stomach by drinking fizzy drinks, chewing gum and smoking. These factors could contribute to experiencing trapped wind.

Trapped wind does not usually happen continuously. Even if you suffer from it daily, you will also get some relief. Other accompanying symptoms such as bloating and abdominal pain can be painful so doing activities that can encourage the air to come out is advised.

Doing some exercises can help move the trapped wind in the stomach and encourage its exit from the digestive system. Simple exercises like taking a brief walk can make a huge difference. You can also massage your stomach so the trapped wind will move through your gut. You can try herbal treatments such as peppermint tea or oil. It is known to help alleviate the symptoms of trapped wind, but be wary as it may not be suitable for some prescription medicines or certain medical issues. Make sure it is suitable for your condition before taking it.

If you have tried taking natural or herbal remedies but did not experience any relief, then you might need to try our effective range of medications. With your health and comfort in mind, we offer different delivery options for our products to serve you the best way we can.

Consider changing your eating habits to avoid experiencing trapped wind frequently. Stay away from trigger foods, avoid taking in excess air and increase water intake to prevent constipation.