Coping with wind
Why have I got wind?
All of us produce gas and pass wind (fart) throughout the day, which is normal. Most of it comes from the air we swallow when we are eating and drinking, and some of it comes from the type of food we eat or drink. The amount of wind we produce can also increase due to pelvic radiotherapy, some types of bowel surgery, constipation, and certain types of medication. This can lead to stomach-ache and discomfort in the abdomen (tummy).
What can I do about it?
Speak to your doctor or nurse who will try and work out the cause of your increased wind and prescribe any necessary medication.
Useful tips if you have increased wind
- Eat and drink slowly and chew your food well.
- Some food and drink can increase wind production including fizzy drinks, cereals, beans and pulses, and some vegetables including brussels sprouts, cauliflower, broccoli, and onions. If you have noticed these foods make your wind worse, try eating less of them.
- Try having drinks that are still (not fizzy) or leave fizzy drinks until they are flat.
- Avoid eating large quantities of beans on their own and instead enjoy them as part of a meal mixed with other foods.
- Oats, barley, and ground linseeds may help to relieve wind caused by constipation or by the slow movement of food through your gut.
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Gentle activity such as walking helps to reduce the amount of time waste spends in your bowels. This makes stools (poo) easier to pass when you go to the toilet and reduces wind.
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Wind can be a sign of constipation so try to make sure you empty your bowels (poo) regularly.
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Avoid skipping meals, as this can cause a build-up of gas in your tummy, leading to bloating and an increase in painful wind.
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Avoid chewing gum as this means you swallow more air which can then form gas in your gut.