Flatulence, known as passing wind, is normal. There are things you can do if you pass wind a lot or it is smelly, see below. In some cases, it can be a sign of a health condition.

Passing wind is usually nothing to worry about. Everyone passes wind, some people more than others. The average is 5 to 15 times a day.

What is normal is different for everyone. If you notice a change or it is affecting your life, there are things you can do.

Causes of excessive or smelly wind 

Excessive or smelly wind can be caused when you swallow air or eat foods that are difficult to digest. It can also sometimes be a sign of a health condition.

Do not self-diagnose, see your doctor if you are worried about flatulence.

There are symptoms of excessive or smelly wind that are linked to a number of health conditions. These include:

• difficulty pooing -
  
• possible cause - constipation
• bloating, stomach pain with diarrhoea or constipation that comes and goes - possible cause - irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)indigestion, constipation, diarrhoea and stomach pain
• possible cause - coeliac disease
• diarrhoea, bloating, stomach pain, feeling sick -
• possible cause - lactose intolerance

How to cut down excessive or smelly wind

There are things you can do to help cut down excessive or smelly wind. These include:

• eating smaller meals, more often
• drinking or chewing food slowly
• exercising to improve how your body digests food.
• eating a healthy, balanced diet
• drinking peppermint tea
• not chewing gum, smoking, or sucking pen tops or hard sweets to avoid swallowing air
• not wearing loose-fitting dentures
• not eating too many foods that are difficult to digest and make you pass wind.