Effective Ways to Relieve Gas and Bloating

Introduction

All humans produce gas as a part of normal day-to-day digestive functioning. As people eat, they swallow some air. Additionally, the digestive tract produces additional gas as the colon bacteria break down certain foods. As the gas moves through the body, the pain is generally created by the intestinal gas. When this gas gets trapped inside, pain occurs, which can range from mild to intense.

What Are the Causes of Stomach Pain and Trapped Gas?

The common causes of trapped gas and stomach pain are:

• Swallowed Air - Typically, individuals swallow air while eating due to behavioral habits like being too fast in eating and drinking, chewing gum, sucking candy, smoking, and drinking aerated drinks.

• Irritable Bowel Syndrome - Aggregated symptoms can affect bowel movements, lead to pain in the abdomen, and damage the digestive tract. The symptoms include constipation, bloating, and frequent abdominal pain.

• Food Intolerance - This occurs when the individual is unable to digest certain foods properly, like, gluten intolerance and fructose intolerance. In such conditions, individuals can also experience skin rashes, itching, diarrhea, abdominal pain, and bloating.

• Lactose intolerance.

• Constipation.

• Carbonated beverages.

• GERD - Gastroesophageal reflux disease is a condition in which stomach contents backflush through the esophagus, causing discomfort and heartburn. The individual can experience regurgitation, sore throat, hiccups, heartburn, chest pain, nausea, and difficulty swallowing.

• Fermentation of Gut - Beans, sugar alternatives, high-fiber foods, dairy products, and vegetables all cause flatulence and burping when they are broken down in the intestine and release gases.

• Other less common causes are colon cancer, peptic ulcer, chronic constipation, celiac disease, bowel obstructions, and hernia.

What Kind of Pain Occurs Due to Trapped Gas?

Trapped gas usually causes cramp-like pain. Localized pain or pain comes in waves and is felt by the individual. Along with other causes of gas, women experience more pain and gas during the menstrual cycle. Hormones greatly impact digestion and an individual's sensitivity to gas.

What Behaviors and Food Choices Can Lead to Gas Formation in the Digestive Tract?

The behavior and food choices affecting gas formation are:

Behaviors:

• Smoking and chewing tobacco.

• Eating when upset.

• Deep sighing.

• Overloading the stomach.

• Using a straw to drink or a sports bottle.

• Talking while eating.

• Drinking from the water fountain.

• Tight-fitting clothes.

• Chewing gum and eating hard candy.

• Long-term use of cold medications and antihistamines.

• Drinking cold and hot beverages.

Foods:

• Beans.

• Apple and prune juice.

• Dried fruits and vegetables.

• Carbonated beverages.

• Spicy and fatty foods.

• Anything containing maltitol, mannitol, or sorbitol.

What Are the Tips to Reduce Trapped Gas?

Tips to reduce trapped gas and bloating are:

• Avoid Carbonated Drinks: Carbonated drinks release carbon dioxide.

• Eat and Drink Slowly: Take time to eat and drink. This allows one to chew properly and swallow food properly. Try taking meals in relaxed sessions.

• Do Not Smoke: Inhaling smoke can lead to swallowing more air.

• Skip Gum and Hard Candy: Chewing gums and candy for too long can lead to swallowing more air and leading to gas traps.

• Treat Heartburn: Over-the-counter medications like antacids can help in treating heartburn.

• Get Moving: Walking can solve many issues. A short walk after meals can help in digestion.

• Check the Dentures: Poorly fitting dentures can lead to swallowing excess air while drinking and eating, leading to excess air in the digestive tract.

What Are the Remedies and Treatments for Trapped Gas?

The most common medications for gas are recommended mainly to relieve gas, and they are

• Simethicone: Simethicone is used as an over-the-counter drug for relieving gas. This drug works by gathering trapped gas bubbles and converting them into large bubbles which helps to pass through the body easily. It takes half an hour for the medication to perform the task. It is a safe medication for breastfeeding and pregnant women and can have very mild side effects.

• Lactase Supplements: Lactase is one of the main enzymes that helps in digestion, it is a type of sugar in dairy products. Individuals having lactose intolerance have low levels of this enzyme.

• Alpha-Galactosidase: This drug helps to break down complex carbohydrates like sugars, whole grains, vegetables, and legumes. This breakdown leads to preventing and reducing gas production leading to limiting fermentation. This drug has no side effects.

• Prescription Medications: Some prescribed medications are recommended to individuals to get rid of gas and treat underlying conditions associated with medication to treat irritable bowel syndrome. Antispasmodics, laxatives, antimotility medications, antacids, proton pump inhibitors, and H2 blockers.

• Other Natural Remedies: Other natural remedies available for getting rid of gas are cinnamon, anise, ginger, chamomile tea, peppermint tea, caraway, coriander, and turmeric.

• Peppermint Tea: Peppermint has antispasmodic properties that can help to relax the muscles in the digestive tract and relieve gas. Drinking a cup of peppermint tea can help to reduce bloating and discomfort.

• Activated Charcoal: Activated charcoal is a natural remedy that can help to absorb excess gas in the digestive tract. Taking activated charcoal supplements before or after a meal can help to reduce gas and bloating.

• Lifestyle Modifications: Many conditions like anxiety, obesity, and depression boost the formation of gas and cause gas-related issues. Following a proper diet, maintaining a healthy weight, and seeking medications for mental conditions can positively impact digestive functioning.

When Is Trapped Gas a Matter of Concern?

In many cases, trapped gas gets relieved on its own, or natural home remedies and medications achieve the relief. Some do not require any medical attention. Self-assessment, over-the-counter drugs, and changes in habits and lifestyle can resolve the issue. But immediate medical attention is required in cases with increased frequency of trapped gas, locations, severity, and worsening symptoms. Attention is required in cases where it is accompanied by diarrhea, vomiting, heartburn, and weight loss.

Conclusion:

Trapped gas can cause immense discomfort and can be typically dangerous. A better diet and lifestyle can relieve bloating and gas pain issues. Lifestyle and diet modification can eliminate the issue in some cases. If lifestyle changes and diet do not make a difference within several weeks, contact the healthcare provider for further treatment. Most individuals experience trapped gas at some point. Natural remedies help to relieve gas, like ginger, anise, and cinnamon. Medications also relieve gas in certain cases. Gentle movement and mild exercise can also help in relieving and alleviating gas.