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Farting, also known as flatulence or wind, is normal. There are things you can do if you fart a lot or it's smelly. Sometimes it can be a sign of a health condition.
Farting is usually nothing to worry about. Everyone farts, some people more than others.
What's normal is different for everyone. If you notice a change or it's affecting your life, there are things you can do.
eat smaller meals, more often
drink or chew food slowly, with your mouth closed
exercise regularly to improve how your body digests food
drink peppermint tea
do not chew gum, smoke, or suck pen tops or hard sweets (to avoid swallowing air)
do not wear loose-fitting dentures
do not eat too many foods that are difficult to digest and make you fart
do not drink too much beer, wine or fruit juice
Speak to a pharmacist about excessive or smelly farts.
They might be able to tell you:
Excessive or smelly farts 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 a GP if you're worried about your farting.
| Symptoms | Possible causes |
|---|---|
| Difficulty pooing and stomach pain | Constipation |
| Bloating, stomach pain with diarrhoea or constipation that comes and goes | Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) |
| Indigestion, constipation, diarrhoea and stomach pain | Coeliac disease |
| Diarrhoea, bloating, stomach pain, feeling sick | Lactose intolerance |
Excessive or smelly wind can also be a side effect of some medicines, including:
Do not stop or change your medicine without speaking to a GP first.
