*Welcome to the OutUK series looking at gay men and their health brought to you in association with the NHS* website.**
	Each week we'll tackle a different topic in our A to Z of Gay Health. We'll have features and advice on everything from relationships, sexual health, mental and physical conditions and how to stay fit. You can follow any of links provided below for more information direct from the NHS website, or view any of our Previous A to Z Features.

You should also know that OutUK has produced a special report about: Coronavirus Covid-19.

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This Week - F : Flatulence

What is normal farting?

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.

Things you can do to reduce excessive or smelly farts

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

Don't

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
do not smoke or chew gum

A pharmacist can help with excessive or smelly farts

Speak to a pharmacist about excessive or smelly farts.

They might be able to tell you:

if you can buy something to help - for example, medicines such as simeticone or special underwear and pads that absorb smells
if you should see a GP

Find a pharmacy

See a GP if:

farting is affecting your life and self-help and pharmacy treatments have not worked
you have a stomach ache or bloating that will not go away or comes back
you keep getting constipation or diarrhoea
you have lost weight without trying
you've had blood in your poo

What causes excessive or smelly farts

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.

Excessive or smelly wind can also be a side effect of some medicines, including:

non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS), like ibuprofen
some laxatives
antifungal medicines
statins

Do not stop or change your medicine without speaking to a GP first.

[Previous Feature]

We'll have more information and advice next week on another topic in our A to Z of Gay Health. We have covered many subjects in this series and you can catch up with all of our Previous A to Z Features. If you want to find out more about this week's subject you can visit the Original article on the NHS website. If you are worried by any aspect of your health make sure you go and see your doctor or book an appointment at your local clinic.
Photos: LightFieldStudios and one of VladOrlov, Stockcube, darak77, ajr_images or rawpixel.com.