I fart more than most people and it’s so embarrassing! Help me – I’m really worried

It’s simple to neglect your sleep over the festive season.

A regular sleep pattern should be your top concern, even though you may feel like you are being pulled in all directions.

We may all become a little Scrooge when we don’t get enough sleep, so getting a good night’s sleep keeps your immune system robust and your attitude upbeat.

Examine your calendar and schedule the upcoming weeks, highlighting days off when you can indulge in the pleasures of a hot chocolate and a Christmas movie.

On the other side, get in touch with a professional or an old acquaintance if you’re feeling especially depressed or lonely around this time of year.

Carol singing and other festive events are held in many localities.

Age UK’s Silver Line Helpline, which is open 24/7 at 0800 4 70 80 90, offers companionship to senior citizens.

I’ve included a few of the questions that readers have asked me this week.

Excess wind is an embarassment

Q: I am concerned about stomach issues despite having a recent normal colonoscopy.

Excess gas is the problem that most annoys me; I undoubtedly have more of it than most people, and it’s embarrassing.

A lot of people worry needlessly about this, and I am asked about it a lot.

First of all, rest assured that farting, also known as flatulence, is completely natural and not a cause for concern.

We all engage in it, and anyone who claims not to is either lying or isn’t conscious of it, as they may do it when they’re sleeping or hold it till they use the restroom.

Gas exiting the gastrointestinal tract causes flatulence, and some meals might make it more frequent and odorous.

Flatulence has been reported to be exacerbated by spicy foods, legumes, and vegetables like cabbage and sprouts. A diet rich in fiber is also very beneficial to our health, but it may result in more gas.

Farts that don’t smell or smell loudly are rather common.

Depending on the individual, their diet, and their unique microbiome—the colony of bacteria and other microbes that reside in our digestive tract and aid in the digestion of specific nutrients, particularly those found in meals high in fiber—it will vary.

It’s crucial to note that if your flatulence changes and continues to occur along with other symptoms like bloating, diarrhea, constipation, or changes in your bowel habits, it may be a sign of an underlying issue and should be checked out.

Having the standard camera test to examine the big bowel seems to have given you some peace of mind.

However, it doesn’t hurt to have a follow-up discussion with your doctor to see whether additional tests are required if your symptoms are concerning you or are changing.

Dysmorphia’s so bad

I am a horrible person that suffers from body dysmorphia.

This exacerbates the anxiety and despair I already have.

As a 31-year-old man, I feel helpless.

Body hair is one of my main mental health problems.

Every three weeks, I shave my body hair and get a haircut.

I simply think I appear strange, inhuman, and ape-like.

It has caused me to cry uncontrollably on many occasions.

I’ve talked to my doctor, but it doesn’t seem like anything is helping.

Does the NHS offer laser hair removal services?

A: I appreciate you writing in; I know it took a lot of bravery.

Although the severity of body dysmorphic disorder (BDD) varies from person to person, it can result in eating disorders and OCD in addition to feelings of shame, loneliness, guilt, and isolation.

In response to your particular inquiry, the NHS does not offer laser hair removal.

However, as you pointed out, a mental health problem is the underlying cause of this.

Treating the BDD is the proper course of action in this situation.

Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is one psychological treatment option; occasionally, SSRI antidepressant medication is used in addition to CBT.

Since you claim to have anxiety and depression, I’m curious if you now take antidepressants.

This is the first stage, followed by receiving therapy, if your BDD has not yet been officially diagnosed.

To find out what you can access, speak with your general practitioner. The community-based mental health team also offers specialized programs.

Charities that offer resources and support include OCD Action, OCD-UK, and the Body Dysmorphic Disorder Foundation.

In the near future, self-help resources might have an impact.

Honor your accomplishments, no matter how minor.

Give yourself and accept praises; they don’t have to be about your looks.

Additionally, make a list of your positive attributes.

In the end, even though it might be difficult to believe at the moment, getting therapy for the BDD may help you perceive your body hair differently.

Q: I am a 73-year-old male who has been experiencing a horrible burning feeling in my stomach, whether or not I am eating, for the past year or so.

When I drink water, I get it. What’s the reason?

A: You seem to be talking about dyspepsia, which is a symptom of indigestion.

The medical name for pain, discomfort, and a number of other symptoms that may originate in the upper gastrointestinal tract is dyspepsia.

Bloating, nausea, belching, feeling full immediately after eating, and vomiting are some of the symptoms, albeit the precise cause is occasionally unknown.

Other symptoms include waterbrash, which is the sensation of a bitter liquid in the back of your mouth, and heartburn.

Acid reflux, duodenal and stomach inflammation, gastric ulcers, and hiatus hernias—where the upper portion of the stomach passes through the diaphragm and into the lower chest—can all be the cause.

Certain drugs, including steroids, antidepressants, certain antibiotics, and anti-inflammatory pills, can increase the risk of dyspepsia.

Then there is H. pylori, a type of bacteria that can damage the stomach lining and alter the stomach’s acid production.

A course of antibiotics can be used to test for and treat this.

It’s crucial to note that in order to rule out cancer as a cause, any unexplained weight loss or swallowing difficulties that coexist with dyspepsia require an immediate referral.

You don’t say if you’ve changed your lifestyle at all, but if not, you can make some adjustments.

Avoiding caffeine and spicy foods, quitting smoking and alcohol, eating smaller, more often meals, and decreasing weight if you’re overweight can all be beneficial.

Dyspepsia symptoms are frequently triggered by stress as well.

Antacids are available over-the-counter, but if your symptoms last more than a few weeks, you should see your doctor so they can examine you thoroughly and determine whether tests are necessary.

Avoiding late-night meals is also a good idea, and if you haven’t already, you should keep a journal to determine if any particular foods exacerbate your illness.

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