trapped gas

Hello Im 34 yrs old and have been told by my GP that I have IBS. My symptoms are trapped gas in my bowels its there all day but not while Im sleeping. its causing pressure type pain and discomfort in my lower left side ,nausea, heartburn and bloating. I am not constipated nor have diarrhea but do have mucous in my stools some times. I am on thyroxine and colofac and am eating small meals made mostly of soluble fibre but Im still having gas problem worse with menstruation, also feel like I need to pass wind {fart} but cant its taking over my life and Im miserable is there any advice you can give Ive been like this for 8 months now . Im grateful for any suggestions .many thanks.


Helping Trapped Wind

Diet is important here. Maintaining a low carbohydrate diet (the complex sugars are liked by gut bacteria which ferment them) and keeping up a high fiber diet. A good fluid intake can be helpful. Foods such as cakes, biscuits, bread, milk, dairy products (particularly in suffers with lactose intolerance), wheat, nuts, pulses, dried fruits, vegetables such as cabbage and broccoli are important to keep to a minimum. They shouldnt be totally avoided as this will result in hunger and this in turn results in increased bloating in some. Reducing caffeine intake (Tea, coffee, some carbonated drinks) and fat in the diet can also help some sufferers of wind and flatuance. A low fiber content incorporating meat, eggs, fish, white bread, pasta, rice, corn and rice cakes should also be taken in the diet. Fruits are okay, but try to eat fruits without the skins (the skin has the high fiber in usually). You can read more about this topic in the Diet section of the website. Use of probiotics probiotics can also have a role in helping the symptoms of wind. Avoiding dairy products may be helpful too, replacing with soya based products.

Drugs for reflux such as Omeprazole or Lansoprazole may help with the nausea and heartburn. Make sure your doctor tests you for Celiac disease (Coeliac disease) as you have an increased risk of this with your hypothyroidism. Get your doctor to refer you to a gastroenterologist if this isnt helpful.