Passing more wind than usual? Feeling gassy, bloated or embarrassed by stomach noises? While occasional flatulence or gurgling is normal, persistent or excessive symptoms can affect your comfort and confidence. At The Midlands Bowel Clinic, we help patients like you understand what’s going on and offer lasting relief from troublesome digestive symptoms.
What is excessive wind and gurgling?
Everyone produces gas as part of normal digestion, but excessive flatulence, loud bowel noises (called borborygmi) or a feeling of constant bloating can be signs that something isn’t quite right in your gut.
You might notice:
- Passing wind more frequently than usual
- Loud or frequent rumbling noises from your stomach or bowels
- A swollen or bloated tummy, especially after eating
- Cramping or pressure in the lower abdomen
- Relief of symptoms after passing wind or going to the toilet
These symptoms are often linked to how your gut digests food – or to underlying bowel conditions that affect the way gas is produced, absorbed or moved along the gut.
What causes excessive wind and gurgling?
There are several possible causes of gas-related symptoms, including:
- Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) – a common condition linked to bloating, altered bowel habits and gas
- Diet – especially high-fibre foods, fizzy drinks, artificial sweeteners, and fermentable carbs (FODMAPs)
- Swallowing air – from eating too quickly, chewing gum or drinking through straws
- Food intolerances – such as lactose or fructose intolerance
- Coeliac disease – gluten sensitivity that causes gut damage and malabsorption
- Constipation – can trap gas and slow digestion
- Small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO) – excess bacteria in the small bowel can ferment food and produce gas
- Infections or inflammation – which may disrupt your gut’s normal function
In rare cases, persistent bloating or gurgling could signal more serious conditions, including inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) or bowel cancer, particularly if combined with weight loss or a change in bowel habits.
When to seek medical advice
Most people pass wind around 10–20 times a day. However, you should speak to a bowel specialist if:
- You feel bloated or gassy most days
- You have painful bloating or cramps
- You hear constant rumbling or gurgling sounds
- Symptoms interfere with your work, sleep or social life
- You notice changes in your bowel habit, weight loss, blood or mucus in your stool
- You feel full quickly or lose your appetite
These signs may suggest something more than just dietary sensitivity.
How we investigate excessive wind and gurgling
At The Midlands Bowel Clinic, we’ll start by listening carefully to your symptoms, medical history and diet. Investigations may include:
- Blood tests – to check for anaemia, inflammation or coeliac disease
- Stool tests – to assess for signs of infection, fat malabsorption or inflammation
- Breath tests – for lactose intolerance or SIBO
- Colonoscopy or flexible sigmoidoscopy – to assess the large bowel if needed
- Coeliac screening – for gluten-related issues
- Imaging tests – such as ultrasound, CT or MRI, if symptoms are more complex
We’ll explain everything clearly and make sure you feel comfortable throughout the process.
Treatment options
Treatment will depend on the cause of your symptoms. Options may include:
- Dietary advice – including a trial of a low-FODMAP diet
- Medication – to reduce gas, relieve cramping or regulate bowel habits
- Probiotics or antibiotics – especially for SIBO or imbalanced gut flora
- Fibre management – adjusting your fibre intake based on whether you’re constipated or sensitive
- Treatment of underlying conditions – like IBS, coeliac disease or inflammation
We also work closely with specialist dietitians for tailored nutritional support.
Why choose The Midlands Bowel Clinic?
Our expert team specialises in diagnosing and treating the full range of digestive symptoms. With fast access to investigations and a personalised care approach, we’ll help you feel more comfortable, confident and in control.
Contact us
If excessive wind, bloating or gurgling is affecting your daily life, don’t suffer in silence. Contact The Midlands Bowel Clinic today to book a consultation and find out what’s causing your symptoms – and how to fix them.
