Wind and bloating are different symptoms, and wind can occur without bloating. Bloating is described as an uncomfortable feeling of fullness or pressure and this can sometimes be accompanied by a widening of the girth, called distension.
Most people will feel uncomfortable if they have ignored their “full” signals from their stomach and consumed a particularly large meal and this would be a normal physiological response to overeating. Rich meals that have a high content of fat can also delay the emptying of the stomach, which can be another cause of bloating.
If bloating is persistent or associated with weight loss, abdominal pain, diarrhoea or appetite loss, and increasing need to pee for women over 50 years, you should see your doctor as it could be a symptom of more serious condition.
Passing wind is a natural process and whether someone admits to it or not, we all do it. The first food that comes to mind when talking about the festive season is Brussel sprouts – they have a notorious reputation when it comes to wind!
There are other causes of increased wind. Swallowed air, carbonated drinks, chewing gum, smoking, and eating quickly can also introduce air into the gut. People shouldn’t be too concerned about short term wind during the festive season if they have changed their lifestyle, unless they notice a more persistent change and other symptoms. These are diarrhoea, bloating, blood in poo, abdominal pain, or weight loss.
Some tips that might help to reduce wind and bloating:
- Chew food well and take time eating your meal as this can reduce swallowed air.
- Reduce the amount of fizzy drinks you have in mixers or reduce the fizz by stirring a fork around fast (over the sink – they cause a bit of a mess!)
- If you find that rich meals and beer and wine are making wind smellier perhaps choose an alternative drink to have instead and opt for smaller portion sizes.