The subject of a thousand jokes, wind is something which in one form or another, affects us all – and, it must be said, often the people around us as well.

In fact, you may be surprised to know that you’re entirely normal if you pass wind around 15 times a day. Most of it is simply air you’ve swallowed being expelled again. For each 10 to 20ml of food we swallow, we take in one to two millilitres of air with it.

Some things make us swallow more air – these include fizzy or hot drinks, drinking through a straw, eating or drinking quickly, eating chewing gum or boiled sweets, and smoking.

Interestingly, people with certain allergies, sinus infections or heartburn can swallow air more often as well.

Most of the air you swallow reappears later via a burp. But the fact is, you’re also a factory for gas. About 25% of wind is produced by friendly gut bacteria in your large intestine. Some makes its way into your gut where it is later expelled as ‘flatus’.

Dr Krishna Basavaraju a consultant gastroenterologist at BMI St Edmund’s Hospital, explains: “Flatulence is a by-product of bacterial breakdown of undigested food that makes its way to the large intestine.

“If you’re eating things that can’t be absorbed by the small intestine, the bacteria in the large intestine will work on it and make more gas in the process.”

Bloating is caused by a build-up of the gas. The resulting symptoms can range from uncomfortable to painful, and indeed can be visible as well, resembling a swelling.

Here we look at possible remedies:

• Adjusting your diet

Bloating is a common symptom of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and can be triggered by certain foods. It is a good idea to avoid high-sugar fruit and indeed some vegetables, such as onions. You can find out more at www.ibsdiet.org

• Avoiding sugar substitutes

The body can find it difficult to digest artificial sweeteners. As a result, they sit in your digestive system and provide a ‘snack’ for bacteria. This leads to gas, causing flatulence, stomach aches and bloating.

• Say no to fizzy drinks

More obvious than many innocuous-looking foods, fizzy drinks (including diet ones) can cause gas to get trapped in your stomach. Choose still drinks instead.

Should I see my GP?

Most wind is perfectly normal, if socially uncomfortable. But if, for example, you have a sudden onset of burping with severe heartburn, then you may have gastrooesophageal reflux disease (GORD) or something obstructing your gullet or food pipe.

In the case of long-term bloating this may have an underlying cause. In women this may be an indicator of ovarian cancer, so it is important not to ignore it. But otherwise – tomorrow is just another naturally windy day.

For further information about all services offered at BMI St Edmunds Hospital visit www.bmihealthcare.co.uk/stedmunds