One of the oldest and most widespread complaints that affects human beings is gas, the polite, medical term for which is flatulence. People can pass gas between 8-20 times a day. The sound ranges from a stifled burp to loud, embarrassing - often smelly - explosions from either end of the body.

Babies need to be "burped" - have the air removed from their stomachs - after every feed. Otherwise, the trapped air builds up through the day and by evening the baby has got "colic" and is crying inconsolably.

In grown-ups, a build up of gas can make one feel bloated and unable to breathe. It can even produce chest pain that feels like a heart attack. Gas can also give one severe abdominal pain, especially if it becomes trapped in the curves and bends of the intestines.

What leads to gas? A great deal of it is accidentally-swallowed air, especially in people who eat fast. Some foods also tend to produce more gas during the digestive process - apples and pears, vegetables like beans, onions and wheat. The cooking process also makes a difference; deep-frying, for instance, makes food difficult to digest.

Aerated drinks contain carbon dioxide, and that can become trapped in the tummy. When the natural sugar in fruit juices is broken down by intestinal bacteria, it produces gas.

Lactose is a natural sugar found in dairy products. About 27 per cent north Indians and 66 per cent south Indians are relatively or absolutely lactose intolerant, that is, they cannot digest it. When undigested lactose is fermented by bacteria in the gut, it causes gas, bloating and stomach cramps.

If excessive gas is a problem, a medical evaluation is required. Diseases such as GERD (gastrointestinal reflux disease), Crohn's disease irritable bowel syndrome and diverticulosis have to be ruled out. Bloating is rarely due to colon cancer.

Here are some simple solutions that may help keep gas at bay.

Eat meals slowly, chew thoroughly and avoid items that do not agree with you.

Drink water 30 minutes before or an hour after meals.

Aerobic exercises help intestinal motility and reduce gas, especially those exercises which tone the stomach muscles.

Natural remedies such as tea with ginger, jeera (cumin), sauf (fennel), mint and peppermint all help.

Digestive enzymes are sold OTC in tablet, capsule and syrup form. They need to be taken halfway through the meals in consultation with your physician.

Antacid tablets and liquids do not work for flatulence.

Prescribed intestinal motility agents may help.