Wind and pain

What is it?

We’ve all suffered from trapped wind at some time or other and it can be quite severe. The pain results from bubbles of gas not being able to move along your intestines so intestinal muscles go into spasm in an effort to shift it, causing cramps.

There are certain foods that are renowned for promoting excess wind, such as peas and beans.

What are the symptoms? Burping, flatulence and passing wind on their own aren’t abnormal unless excessive.

On occasion they can be accompanied by severe abdominal cramps and bloating when your abdomen gets painfully distended.

What causes it?

Some foods can cause wind, such as fruits, vegetables, legumes and wholegrains. Fizzy drinks can cause stomach wind and burping. You’ll swallow more air if you eat too quickly, drink through a straw, chew gum, suck on sweets or talk while chewing.

Excess flatulence is a feature of chronic intestinal disease and food intolerances. Wind collects in your large intestine (colon) when bacteria ferment carbohydrates, fibre, some starches and some sugars that don’t get fully digested in your small intestine.

What’s the treatment?

If your wind pain is caused by a medical condition, treating the underlying problem may offer some relief.

Most often wind problems respond to changes in diet, lifestyle and over-the-counter products.

While I’d always advocate plenty of fibre in your diet, you could try eating less. Certainly avoid fizzy drinks, eliminate sugar from your diet and try reducing the amount of dairy you eat.

Over-the-counter products such as lactase supplements, Simethicone (an antiflatulent) or activated charcoal may also help.