You know what it’s like, you’re stuck in a meeting or sitting on a plane and you feel there’s enough wind in your system to blow up a large balloon. Or maybe you’re in a lift full of silent people and your rumbling, gurgling stomach completely drowns out the accompanying ‘muzak’.

In this section we’ll explain exactly what trapped wind is and why it happens; we’ll also suggest ways of treating it and explain how you can try to avoid it altogether. Simply click on the links.

It’s quite natural for our digestive systems to produce gas. The problem starts when an excess builds up and you can’t get rid of it. There are four main reasons why this might be happening:

1. you are eating the kinds of foods that can lead to an increased amount of gas being produced during the digestive process. Typical problem foods are beans, onions cauliflower and root vegetables.
2. you may have the wrong levels of bacteria in your gut, which means your stomach finds it hard to break down certain types of food. By having to work harder, it produces an excess of gas
3. you are drinking too many carbonated drinks and adding extra gas to your digestive system
4. you gulp your food or drink which leads you to swallow too much air

Trapped wind is nothing more than a build-up of gas in your stomach and lower intestines. But it can be uncomfortable and it’s quite often embarrassing, so scroll down/click on the links on the left to see what you can do about it.

It’s quite natural for our digestive systems to produce gas. The problem starts when an excess builds up and you can’t get rid of it. There are four main reasons why this might be happening:

• you are eating the kinds of foods that can lead to an increased amount of gas being produced during the digestive process. Typical problem foods are beans, onions cauliflower and root vegetables.
• you may have the wrong levels of bacteria in your gut, which means your stomach finds it hard to break down certain types of food. By having to work harder, it produces an excess of gas
• you are drinking too many carbonated drinks and adding extra gas to your digestive system
• you gulp your food or drink which leads you to swallow too much air

If you often experience trapped wind, then you've probably learnt to accept that you have a ‘windy system’. It’s probably more likely to be something you’ve eaten or the way you eat that’s causing the problem. Here are a few hints on how you can reduce the amount of gas in your system:

• try to avoid the foods that cause you a wind problem. If you can’t pinpoint which foods might be causing it, try and keep a note of what you’ve eaten and then cut them out, one by one. It can often be a case of trial and error for a while
• eat a varied diet so that you can keep the natural bacteria in your gut balanced - this will help your stomach digest food more effectively
• cut down on fizzy drinks - and try to sip them rather than gulp them
• eat more slowly and chew your food well. Food that travels through your system when it’s not properly digested is more likely to cause flatulence

Painful symptoms of trapped wind are uncommon in children. If you are concerned and think that your child is suffering from trapped wind, ask your GP for further advice on how to treat.

Trapped wind is not usually a condition you have to seek medical help for, but if you find you suffer regularly or for extended periods, then you should talk to your doctor.

You don't have to suffer in silence! There are a number of products which relieve trapped wind which you can buy from your pharmacy. Ask for an anti-flatulent that contains either dimethicone or simethicone. These cause gas bubbles to break down into larger bubbles, so that it’s much easier to expel the wind from your body.

There are many natural remedies thought to aid digestion but the scientific evidence for their effectiveness is unclear. If you want to try a natural alternative, consult a homeopath or a natural remedy retailer for further advice.

How do I tell if the trapped wind pain I suffer is actually linked to Irritable Bowel Syndrome?