Bloating & Trapped Wind

Trapped wind and bloating can be an occasional, mildly unpleasant after-effect of eating or drinking too much. But for others this type of stomach pain can affect them more regularly with greater levels of discomfort.

Symptoms

An excess of trapped wind can create:

stomach cramps, burping, bloating, flatulence, nausea, vomiting, pain when bending over, lying down or with physical exercise.

Causes

• Some foods can pass to the large intestine without being completely digested leading to gas production, such as baked beans, butter beans, lentils, starchy foods (such as pasta and potatoes).
• Fizzy drinks contain carbon dioxide which adds to the overall level of gas in the body.
• Having meals at irregular times (too late in the day), eating too fast or foods that are high in fat can contribute to trapped wind (and indigestion and/or heartburn)

Indigestion

Indigestion is a common problem that affects many people, in most cases it is mild and only occurs occasionally.

Indigestion is caused by stomach acid entering the lining of the digestive system where it irritates and inflames to produce soreness and swelling.

It can often come about after a heavy meal or specific foods along with belching, and feeling bloated or sick.

Symptoms

Feeling full or bloated, heartburn, nausea (feeling sick), belching.

Causes

In most cases indigestion is due to eating. Having meals at irregular times (too late in the day), eating too fast or foods that are high in fat . Foods and drinks that are more likely to cause indigestion are high-fat or spicy foods, wine, carbonated drinks, and drinks with caffeine

Heartburn

Heartburn is a common condition caused by stomach acid escaping into the throat area. Many people experience occasional episodes of heartburn, often alongside bloating and/or indigestion. In most cases it is mild and only occurs occasionally, but, if people have persistent and reoccurring symptoms it is normally regarded as a condition that needs treatment and they should consult their GP.

Symptoms

Burning sensation in the chest or throat, indigestion, bloating or trapped wind, unpleasant, sour taste at the top of your throat or the back of your mouth, problems swallowing (also known as dysphagia)

If you are experiencing symptoms such as heartburn more than once or twice a month or experiencing severe symptoms then you should see your GP.

Causes

• Having meals at irregular times, eating too fast or foods that are high in fat, too heavy for your stomach to easily digest can contribute to heartburn, trapped wind, and/or indigestion.
• High pressure on the stomach, such as excess weight.