Trapped Wind

Trapped wind is a common condition that leads to discomfort and pain in the abdomen. It happens when food is in the stomach and intestines is not broken down, causing gas build-up which puts pressure in your abdomen. That is why holding in the gas can be painful. The gas released usually is hydrogen sulphide, which can be smelly. Trapped wind can lead to discomfort, pain and embarrassment, especially if you are in public. For this reason,

Common symptoms of trapped wind include;

• Passing gas
• Flatulence,
• Bloating
• Distension
• Abdominal pain when sitting, bending or lying down
• Stomach cramps,
• Burping
• Nausea
• Sometimes vomiting.

To manage trapped wind effectively, you may have to assess the cause. Is it because of overeating, or do you lack foods rich in fibre is it because of a carbonated drink or is it because you ate too fast?

Hence to treat trapped wind, start by implementing a habit of eating slowly. Chew solids well and avoid drinking carbonated drinks during meals. Also avoid straws, eating while talking, which allows air into your mouth or smoking.

If you are lactose intolerant, you may want to avoid dairy products as they may be the trigger. Also, increase your fibre intake and exercise if necessary.

Some home remedies you could use include warm drinking water, or peppermint tea. Warm water and peppermint tea prevent your stomach from contracting too quick and thus reducing the painful spasms and the build-up of gas.

Trapped wind treatments work by helping you release the gas trapped in your stomach and thus giving you relief. Wind-Eze is an example of a confined wind treatment. It contains simeticone, which is effective that works by trapping any gas, in your stomach. The trapped small bubbles of gas are combined to form big bubbles of gas, which can be expelled quickly, either through burping or passing wind.

If symptoms persist, always seek medical assistance.

Things to avoid consuming:

• Drinking carbonated drinks, which cause bubbles to get trapped and release as burps or trapped wind.
• Dairy products
• High fibrous foods; including beans, lentils, cruciferous vegetables, onions and garlic.
• Also, chew each bite of food 30 times, to avoid swallowing bubbles and avoid using straws with any liquids.