Trapped Wind

This page deals in detail with Trapped Wind. For more general conditions covered by the term Irritable Bowel Syndrome click here

Symptoms

Stomach and abdominal pain often accompanied by bloating.

Causes

In the case of simple trapped wind, this can be caused in the stomach by unconsciously swallowing air or eating gas-producing foods or in the bowel by fermentation of incompletely digested food. It can be caused and exacerbated by constipation, stress or allergy and worsens with age.
There are more serious potential causes, for example gallbladder disease, gastritis, nervous dyspepsia, stomach ulcer or possibly cancer of the bowel. It is therefore important to see your doctor if it persists.

Treatment

Again, in the case of simple trapped wind, some lifestyle changes can help alleviate or remove the symptoms:

• Try taking a probiotic such as acidophilus. (Keep probiotics in the fridge.)
• Food: eat less, eat slowly and avoid fizzy drinks and sugar-free food containing sorbitol
• Beans and peas, broccoli, cauliflower, apples, dried fruit and fruit juices can all cause flatulence, but are important in a balanced diet so do not cut them out
• Keep a food diary. Make a note of any foods that make it worse and either cut down or avoid them
• Do not chew gum
• Do not smoke
• Do not wear tight-waisted clothes

Herbs

• Ginger may help to ease bloating. Make tea with one teaspoon of fresh ginger, boiling water and a little honey
• Peppermint may be helpful in relieving nausea sometimes associated with bloating. If you have oesophageal reflux or heartburn take peppermint with an enteric coating because peppermint will relax the oesophageal sphincter making reflux worse
• Caraway, Cardamom, Fennel and Anise seeds are all carminative, that means they help to reduce spasm and wind
• Chamomile is calming and helps to relieve tension
• Cinnamon is an anti-spasmodic, a digestive tonic and has an anti-bacterial action

Tea

For simple cases of trapped wind, I would recommend a tea of fennel (or caraway), anise, chamomile, cinnamon, liquorice and peppermint (though the last is not appropriate if you suffer from oesophageal reflux).
Combine the ingredients in equal amounts and keep in an airtight container in a cool, dark place.

Please Note
Information given here should not replace consultation with you doctor.

See also Irritable Bowel Syndrome - Insomnia - Eczema

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