When discussing gas, much attention is often given to embarrassing noises and unpleasant smells. While these aspects are indeed bothersome, the discomfort of gas pain is perhaps the most challenging aspect of the entire experience. Even among young children who might find gas amusing as a bodily phenomenon, experiencing actual pain is not enjoyable.
The reassuring aspect is that experiencing gas is a natural part of having a human body, so you’re not alone in managing it. According to the Mayo Clinic, the average person passes gas around 20 times a day. However, while gas is normal, coping with severe gas pain is not. You don’t have to endure it silently and attempt to push through. Instead, it’s advisable to address gas pain promptly to prevent it from disrupting your life.
Tips to get rid of gas and accompanying symptoms
If adjusting your diet doesn’t entirely resolve the issue, there are several options available:
- Peppermint: Research indicates that peppermint tea or supplements can alleviate symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome, such as gas. However, consult your doctor before starting supplements, as peppermint may interfere with iron absorption and certain medications, and could cause heartburn in some individuals. Follow the dosage instructions on supplement labels, or drink one cup of peppermint tea before each meal for optimal results.
- Chamomile tea: Chamomile tea is known to reduce indigestion, trapped gas, and bloating. Consuming chamomile tea before meals and bedtime may alleviate symptoms for some individuals.
- Activated charcoal: Over-the-counter activated charcoal medication helps eliminate trapped gas in the colon. Take tablets before and one hour after meals.
- Apple cider vinegar: Drinking diluted apple cider vinegar before meals or up to three times daily may combat bacteria responsible for abdominal gas accumulation and discomfort.
- Physical activity: Engaging in exercise can help release trapped gas and alleviate gas pain. Walking after meals is particularly beneficial, while jumping rope, running, or walking may help expel gas if pain occurs.
- Lactase supplements: Individuals with lactose intolerance can benefit from lactase supplements, which aid in digesting lactose found in milk.
- Cloves: Clove oil, known for producing digestive enzymes, may reduce bloating and gas. Add two to five drops to an 8-ounce glass of water and consume after meals.
- Over-the-counter medications: Simethicone is an OTC medication that consolidates gas bubbles in the stomach, making them easier to expel. Beano, another OTC digestive aid, helps break down sugars in beans and certain vegetables. Consult your doctor before using these medications, especially if you’re taking other medications or pregnant.
- Prescription medications: Your doctor may prescribe medications depending on the cause of your abdominal gas, such as those for GERD, IBS, or IBD.
- Diet: If an underlying medical condition isn’t the cause, dietary changes may alleviate gas. Keeping a food diary can help identify problematic foods such as high-fat or high-fiber foods, carbonated beverages, beans, and lentils, allowing you to modify your diet accordingly.
Conditions that cause gas, pains, and bloating
Several conditions can lead to excess gas production. These conditions include:
- Gastroenteritis
- Lactose intolerance
- Celiac disease
- Crohn’s disease
- Diabetes
- Peptic ulcer
- Irritable bowel syndrome
Ways to relieve gas pain
Given your likely curiosity about alleviating gas pain, we regret to inform you that there’s no single magic remedy that can instantly eliminate any discomfort you may be feeling. As Dr. Staller puts it, “Figuring out how to cure gas is the holy grail for us.” Nevertheless, there are a few strategies you can experiment with to either alleviate the gas or, at the very least, improve your comfort level.
Sip a glass of water slowly
Dr. Wakim-Fleming explains that drinking water serves two purposes: Firstly, it aids in the movement of any gas-causing foods through your digestive system. Secondly, it hinders your intestines from contracting in a manner that generates gas. Intestinal contractions are essential for food movement, but excessive or prolonged contractions can contribute to the formation or worsening of gas.
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Get up and walk around
Exercise offers benefits beyond general health; it can also alleviate painful gas and bloating. While embarking on a five-mile run may not be your first choice when experiencing discomfort, engaging in a brief walk or gentle movement can significantly improve your condition.
“Exercise helps exercise your intestines, too,” explains Dr. Wakim-Fleming. Although experts are not entirely certain why exercise aids in gas movement, physical activity appears to enhance the muscle activity of your intestines, as noted by Ashkan Farhadi, M.D., a gastroenterologist at MemorialCare Orange Coast Medical Center and director of MemorialCare Medical Group’s Digestive Disease Project in Fountain Valley, Calif. This aspect underscores why exercise is recommended for constipation as well.
Avoid swallowing so much air—seriously
Dr. Wakim-Fleming advises that consuming water hastily may be counterproductive if it results in increased gas. Until the discomfort subsides, it’s advisable to steer clear of habits that may lead to excessive air swallowing. These include taking large gulps of water, using straws, drinking carbonated beverages, eating quickly, engaging in extensive conversation while eating, and chewing gum.
Consider if dairy is actually the culprit
If you’re currently experiencing gas pain while curled up in the fetal position, take a moment to recall your recent consumption of cheese, milk, and ice cream—even if you don’t believe you’re lactose intolerant. You might have gone for years without any issues after indulging in a venti latte in the morning followed by a grilled cheese sandwich at lunch… until suddenly experiencing discomfort.
According to Dr. Staller, as individuals age, they typically produce less lactase, an enzyme crucial for breaking down lactose, the sugar found in dairy products. This decrease in lactase production can lead to lactase deficiency and subsequent lactose intolerance. When your digestive system’s bacteria attempt to metabolize lactose without sufficient lactase, you may encounter bothersome symptoms, such as more severe gas than usual.
“Many individuals in their 20s and 30s experience symptoms without suspecting dairy as the culprit,” notes Dr. Staller. If you suspect dairy products are responsible for your painful gas, consider eliminating them from your diet for a few weeks, or at least for the remainder of the day, to assess any improvements.
Try an over-the-counter remedy
As per Dr. Staller’s advice, Beano could potentially alleviate gas pain. “It has enzymes that can be helpful for people with excessive gas,” he explains. The enzyme in Beano, alpha-galactosidase, aids in breaking down the carbohydrates present in beans and other vegetables when taken before meals, according to the Mayo Clinic. While its effectiveness isn’t guaranteed, it may be worth trying.
Another option is simethicone, a drug found in products like Gas-X, which functions as an anti-foaming agent to alleviate bloating and gas pain. “Anecdotally, people say it helps,” adds Dr. Staller.
For individuals dealing with dairy intolerance, the Mayo Clinic suggests considering a lactose supplement such as Lactaid. However, it’s essential to consult with your doctor before taking any medications or supplements, particularly if you’re pregnant or breastfeeding, as advised by the Mayo Clinic.
Conclusion
Finding relief from gas pain can be a trial-and-error process, but there are several strategies and remedies available to alleviate discomfort. Whether it’s adjusting dietary habits, incorporating supplements like Beano or lactase supplements, or considering over-the-counter medications such as simethicone, individuals have various options to explore.
However, it’s crucial to consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatments, especially if you’re pregnant or breastfeeding. By taking proactive steps and seeking guidance from medical experts, individuals can effectively manage and mitigate gas pain, improving their overall quality of life and well-being.
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