Trapped Wind

There are many things that can cause trapped wind, like swallowing too much air when eating or talking - this is typically when you’re eating too fast, chewing gum, or drinking something fizzy.

Certain foods (beans, cabbage, sprouts and onions, for example) can cause trapped wind as they create gas while your body digests them.

Trapped wind can also occur when you consume something you're intolerant to, like milk if you’re lactose intolerant.

If you suffer from IBS (irritable bowel syndrome), trapped wind may be one of your symptoms.

A popular remedy for trapped wind is simeticone, which works by combining the tiny gas bubbles in your stomach into larger bubbles, making them easier to pass so they can leave your system and reduce your bloating.

Any trapped wind remedy will work best when you make changes to your diet, such as eating more fibre, avoiding food you’re intolerant to, limiting the amount of fizzy drinks you consume, eating slowly and eating small portions often.

When you’ve fed your baby, it’s always a good idea to burp them, which can help to reduce trapped wind.

Winding your baby helps wind to move through their digestive system so they can pass it more easily, preventing bloating and irritation.

If your baby often suffers from trapped wind, you may want to consider sitting or holding them upright during feeds, as this can help to keep them from swallowing air.

It’s thought that the cause of colic could be a digestive issue, so if you find that your baby has colic, you may want to consider whether they’re suffering from trapped wind.

If you think your baby has colic, indigestion, or any other health condition, speak to your doctor or other health care professional for advice.

Whilst heartburn and wind can happen at the same time, especially after a big meal, they’re usually separate problems that need to be treated separately.

Gaviscon works specifically to relieve the symptoms of heartburn and indigestion, so probably won’t help with excess gas.

If you’re feeling gassy, the best medicine to try is simeticone, which works by bringing together the small gas bubbles in your gut to form bigger bubbles that can pass through your body more easily.