How to get rid of trapped gas

By Jayne Leonard (Reviewed by Saurabh (Seth) Sethi, MD MPH)

Most people pass gas between 13 and 21 times a day. When gas is blocked from escaping, diarrhea or
constipation may be responsible. Gas trapped in the intestines can be incredibly uncomfortable. It may
cause sharp pain, cramping, swelling, tightness, and even bloating. Gas pain can be so intense that
doctors mistake the root cause for appendicitis, gallstones, or even heart disease.

20 ways to get rid of gas pain fast

Luckily, many home remedies can help to release trapped gas or prevent it from building up. Twenty
effective methods are listed below:

1. Let it out :: Holding in gas can cause bloating, discomfort, and pain. The easiest way to avoid
these symptoms is to simply let out the gas.

2. Pass stool :: A bowel movement can relieve gas. Passing stool will usually release any gas
trapped in the intestines.

3. Eat slowly :: Eating too quickly or while moving can cause a person to take in air as well as food,
leading to gas-related pain. Quick eaters can slow down by chewing each bite of food 30 times.
Breaking down food in such a way aids digestion and can prevent a number of related
complaints, including bloating and indigestion.

4. Avoid chewing gum :: As a person chews gum they tend to swallow air, which increases the
likelihood of trapped wind and gas pains. Sugarless gum also contains artificial sweeteners,
which may cause bloating and gas.

5. Say no to straws :: Often, drinking through a straw causes a person to swallow air. Drinking
directly from a bottle can have the same effect, depending on the bottle's size and shape. To
avoid gas pain and bloating, it is best to sip from a glass.

6. Quit smoking :: Whether using traditional or electronic cigarettes, smoking causes air to enter
the digestive tract. Because of the range of health issues linked to smoking, quitting is wise for
many reasons.

7. Choose non-carbonated drinks :: Carbonated drinks, such as sparkling water and sodas, send
a lot of gas to the stomach. This can cause bloating and pain.

8. Eliminate problematic foods :: Eating certain foods can cause trapped gas. Individuals find
different foods problematic. However, the foods below frequently cause gas to build up: “Artificial
sweeteners, such as aspartame, sorbitol, and maltitol cruciferous vegetables,including broccoli
cabbage, and Cauliflower, dairy products, fiber drinks and supplements, fried foods, garlic and
onions, high-fat foods, legumes, a group that includes beans and lentils, prunes and prune juice,
spicy foods

Keeping a food diary can help a person to identify trigger foods. Some like artificial sweeteners,
may be easy to cut out of the diet. Others, like cruciferous vegetables and legumes, provide a
range of health benefits. Rather than avoiding them entirely, a person may try reducing their
intake or preparing the foods differently.

9. Drink tea :: Some herbal teas may aid digestion and reduce gas pain fast. The most effective
include teas made from: Anise chamomile, ginger, peppermint Anise acts as a mild laxative and
should be avoided if diarrhea accompanies gas. However, it can be helpful if constipation is
responsible for trapped gas.

10. Snack on fennel seeds :: Fennel(Sompu in Telugu) is an age-old solution for trapped wind.
Chewing on a teaspoon of the seeds is a popular natural remedy. However, anyone pregnant or
breast-feeding should probably avoid doing so, due to conflicting reports concerning safety.
11. Take peppermint supplements :: Peppermint oil capsules have long been taken to resolve
issues like bloating, constipation, and trapped gas. Some research supports the use of
peppermint for these symptoms. Always choose enteric-coated capsules. Uncoated capsules
may dissolve too quickly in the digestive tract, which can lead to heartburn. Peppermint inhibits
the absorption of iron, so these capsules should not be taken with iron supplements or by people
who have anemia.

12. Clove oil :: Clove oil has traditionally been used to treat digestive complaints, including bloating,
gas, and indigestion. It may also have ulcer-fighting properties. Consuming clove oil after meals
can increase digestive enzymes and reduce the amount of gas in the intestines.

13. Apply heat :: When gas pains strike, place a hot water bottle or heating pad on the stomach. The
warmth relaxes the muscles in the gut, helping gas to move through the intestines. Heat can also
reduce the sensation of pain.

14. Address digestive issues :: People with certain digestive difficulties are more likely to
experience trapped gas. Those with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) or inflammatory bowel
disease, for example, often experience bloating and gas pain. Addressing these issues through
lifestyle changes and medication can improve the quality of life. Gentle exercises can relax the
muscles in the gut, and yoga poses can be especially beneficial after meals. People with lactose
intolerance who frequently experience gas pain should take greater steps to avoid lactose or take
lactase supplements.

15. Add apple cider vinegar to water :: Apple cider vinegar aids the production of stomach acid and
digestive enzymes. It may also help to alleviate gas pain quickly. Add a tablespoon of the vinegar
to a glass of water and drink it before meals to prevent gas pain and bloating. It is important to
then rinse the mouth with water, as vinegar can erode tooth enamel.

16. Use activated charcoal:: Activated charcoal is a natural product that can be bought in health
food stores or pharmacies without a prescription. Supplement tablets taken before and after
meals can prevent trapped gas. It is best to build up the intake of activated charcoal gradually.
This will prevent unwanted symptoms, such as constipation and nausea. One alarming side effect
of activated charcoal is that it can turn the stool black. This discoloration is harmless and should
go away if a person stops taking charcoal supplements.

17. Take probiotics :: Probiotic supplements add beneficial bacteria to the gut. They are used to
treat several digestive complaints, including infectious diarrhea. Some research suggests that
certain strains of probiotics can alleviate bloating, intestinal gas, abdominal pain, and other
symptoms of IBS. Strains of Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillusare generally considered to be
most effective.

18. Exercise :: Gentle exercises can relax the muscles in the gut, helping to move gas through the
digestive system. Walking or doing yoga poses after meals may be especially beneficial.

19. Breathe deeply :: Deep breathing may not work for everyone. Taking in too much air can
increase the amount of gas in the intestines. However, some people find that deep breathing
techniques can relieve the pain and discomfort associated with trapped gas.

20. Take an over-the-counter remedy :: Several products can get rid of gas pain fast. One popular
medication, simethicone, is marketed under the brand names: Gas-X, Mylanta Gas, Phazyme.
Anyone who is pregnant or taking other medications should discuss the use of simethicone with a
doctor or pharmacist.
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