This page deals in detail with Trapped
Wind. For more general conditions covered by the term Irritable Bowel Syndrome,
click here.
Trapped Wind
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
cancerof 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:
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 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 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. Cardamom, Fennel and Anise 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, 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 contained in a cool, dark place.
I can supply this tea mix for £5.00 ($10) per
100 grams plus postage. Click here to order
Please Note
Information given here should not
replace consultation with you doctor.
