Trapped Wind vs. IBS: What’s the difference?

Ever get that bloated, bubbly feeling in your stomach? It's hard to tell if it's trapped gas or something like IBS. They have many of the same symptoms. But here's the thing: gas usually clears up fast, while IBS is a long-term issue that can mess with your day.

We will help you decode those digestive discomforts, breaking down the key differences between trapped wind and IBS so you can better understand what your body is trying to tell you.

What is Trapped Wind?

Trapped wind is just excess gas that gets stuck in your digestive system. Your body naturally produces gas as it breaks down food. However, sometimes, this gas gets trapped and can't escape easily, leading to discomfort.

How Does Gas Get Trapped?

Several things can cause gas to build up and get trapped:

Swallowing Air: We all swallow a little air when we eat or drink, but some people swallow more than others. This can happen when you:

• Eat too quickly
• Drink carbonated drinks
• Chew gum
• Smoke
• Talk while eating

Certain Foods: Some foods are naturally harder for your body to digest, which leads to more gas production. These include:

• Beans
• Lentils
• Cruciferous vegetables (like broccoli, cauliflower, and cabbage)
• Onions
• Dairy products (if you're lactose intolerant)
• Artificial sweeteners.

Digestion: The natural bacterial process of digestion creates gas. Extra gas can be produced if the gut bacteria are out of balance or food isn't moving through the digestive tract properly.

Common Symptoms of Trapped Wind:

• Bloating: Your belly feels full and tight.
• Abdominal Pain or Cramping: You might experience sharp, stabbing pains that move around your abdomen.
• Burping or Flatulence: You'll likely need to release gas through burping or passing wind.
• Gurgling or Rumbling Sounds: You might hear noises coming from your stomach.

How To Treat Trapped Wind?

Thankfully, trapped wind is usually temporary and can be managed with a few simple steps:

Lifestyle fixes: To help with trapped wind, some simple changes to your routine can make a big difference. First, try slowing down when you eat and make sure to chew your food well. This helps your body digest it easier and reduces the air you swallow.

Also, it's best to reduce your intake of carbonated drinks and chewing gum, as these may add extra air to your stomach. Finally, pay attention to the foods that seem to cause you gas, like beans or broccoli, and try eating less.

Over-the-Counter Remedies: Simethicone is a medicine that works by breaking up tiny gas bubbles in your stomach, making them easier to pass. On the other hand, activated charcoal acts like a sponge, soaking up extra gas in your gut. So, while simethicone breaks down the bubbles, charcoal pulls them in and helps get rid of them.

Physical Activity: Getting your body moving can help with trapped gas. Even going for a short, easy walk can help push the gas through your system. Another helpful trick is a gentle belly massage. Just rub your stomach in a clockwise circle, and it can help those gas bubbles move along and relieve the pressure.

What is IBS?

IBS is a common disorder that causes a range of uncomfortable symptoms. It's not a disease like Crohn's or colitis; it's a problem with how the gut muscles and nerves work together. 

Common Symptoms of IBS

Everyone experiences IBS a little differently, but here are some of the most common signs:

Belly Pain: You'll likely get cramps or a dull ache in your stomach, and it often feels better after you go to the bathroom.
Bathroom Changes: This means you might have:

• Lots of loose, watery poops (diarrhoea).
• Trouble pooping with hard stools (constipation).
• Or sometimes diarrhoea and sometimes constipation.
  

Bloating: Your stomach might feel full and tight.
Slimy Stool: You might see some clear or white slime in your poop.

Triggers and Contributing Factors:

Doctors aren't completely sure what causes IBS, but we know a few things can set it off or make it worse:

Worry and Stress: Your tummy can get upset if you're stressed.
Certain Foods: Some foods are common triggers, like:

• Foods with certain sugars and fibres (FODMAPs) are found in wheat, milk, and some fruits.
• Spicy meals.
• Greasy, fatty foods.
• Coffee and tea.
• Alcohol.
  

Hormones: Women might notice their IBS gets worse around their period.
Sensitive Gut: Your gut nerves might be extra sensitive, making you feel pain more quickly.
Gut Bacteria Changes: The good bacteria in your gut might get out of balance.

Diagnosis and Treatment:

If you suspect IBS, doctors will rule out other causes. They'll use the Rome IV criteria, which focuses on your specific symptom patterns. Treatment aims to make you feel better and improve your daily life. This may include:

Dietary Changes: To feel better with IBS, try changing your diet. You might try a low-FODMAP diet to reduce gas. For constipation, eat more fiber, such as fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.

Medications: Doctors might suggest a few different types of medicine. For pain, they might prescribe antispasmodics, which help relax the gut muscles and ease cramping. If you're dealing with constipation or diarrhoea, laxatives or anti-diarrheal medications can help regulate your bowel movements. 

Probiotics: Sometimes, the balance of good bacteria in your gut gets thrown off, and this can make IBS symptoms worse. Probiotics are like little helpers that can bring that balance back. They're good bacteria that you can supplement or get from certain foods.

Key Differences: Trapped Wind vs. IBS

Many people easily get confused with trapped wind and IBS symptoms. Here, we highlight some key differences between these two conditions:

Duration and Frequency:

• Trapped wind usually comes and goes quickly. You might feel bad for a while, but it's over.  
• IBS, on the other hand, is a long-term issue. You'll likely have symptoms that keep coming back.

Bowel Habit Changes:

• With trapped wind, your bathroom habits mostly stay the same. You might feel gassy, but your stools are normal.
• IBS often changes how you poop. You might have diarrhoea, constipation, or both regularly.

Pain Characteristics:

• Trapped wind pain tends to move around and feel sharp. It's like little bubbles of pain shifting in your belly.  
• IBS pain is often tied to your bowel movements. It may get better or worse when you go to the bathroom.

Root Causes:

• Trapped wind usually happens because of something you ate or did, like swallowing air. It's often a simple, temporary problem.  
• IBS is more complex. It involves a sensitive gut and how your brain and gut talk.
  

When To See a Doctor?

You should immediately visit your doctor if you notice the following alarming signs:

• If you see any blood when you go to the bathroom, it's important to get it checked out.
• See a doctor if you're dropping pounds and don't know why.
• If your tummy pain is severe or won't go away, get help.
• If your pooping habits change a lot and stay that way, talk to a doctor.
  

You may also like to read: Heartburn at night? Causes and solutions to sleep better

Final Thoughts

Trapped wind and IBS might seem similar, but they're different. Trapped wind is usually a short-term gas problem, while IBS is a long-lasting gut issue. Knowing the difference can help you figure out how to feel better. If you're ever worried about your tummy, it's always best to talk to a doctor.