Home Remedies for Severe Gas Pain

Many people joke about intestinal gas and its noisy aftermath, but there's nothing funny about severe gas pain. Sometimes this pain can be so severe, the related symptoms may feel like a heart attack or severe intestinal disorder. The pain related to excess gas, which is typically caused by swallowed air or intestinal gas production, will improve in time, but can be more quickly remedied using over-the-counter (OTC) medications and other home remedies. There are also several steps you can take to avoid gas buildup.

Move More

Gas pain is related to abnormal amounts of trapped air in the stomach or intestines. After trapped gas is released -- and after some burping or passing of gas -- the pain should subside. One way to free trapped gas is to move your body. Take a walk, gently massage your abdomen, or lie on your back or side and pull your knees up to your chest. Alternatively, participate in your usual exercise program if you feel up to it. Since gas is trapped by stool, having a bowel movement will typically hasten the release of gas and improve your symptoms.

Drink More

How to Get Rid of Gas Pains in the Stomach

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Drinking fluids stimulates peristalsis, or the snake-like movement of the intestines, which helps push fecal matter -- and intestinal gas -- towards the rectum for elimination. Sometimes this movement of stool can temporarily make gas pains worse, but ultimately this pain should resolve when the stool and gas leave your system. So drink more water or other beverages without bubbles -- since carbonated drinks can contribute to gas buildup. There's also limited evidence peppermint tea can help, as peppermint oil has antispasmodic effects which may relax the smooth gut muscles, relieving the spasm and distention that causes gas pain.

Apply Heat

Applying heat to the abdominal area can provide some relief by relaxing muscles, which can reduce pain, although the warmth may not help the gas resolve more quickly. Try soaking in a warm bath for 15 to 30 minutes, or apply a heating pad or a hot water bottle to your abdomen for 15 minutes at a time. However, protect your skin from damage by placing a thin towel or a layer of clothing between your skin and the heat.

Try OTC Relief

How to Get Rid of Gas in Your Stomach

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Certain OTC products might help counter bloating and gas, but there's limited evidence they are effective in treating severe gas pains. Simethicone, found in numerous anti-gas products, helps break up gas bubbles in the stomach and intestines. In addition, certain digestive enzymes work to prevent gas from forming -- but do not treat gas that is already trapped in the gastrointestinal tract. The lactase enzyme, when taken with dairy products, helps the body digest lactose -- or milk sugar -- reducing gas production in people with lactose intolerance 5.

Prevention Tips: Limit Swallowed Air

Taking steps to reduce gas buildup, whenever possible, is the best way to avoid severe gas pain. One way to prevent excess gas is to minimize swallowed air, which can be accomplished if you:

• Eat and drink slowly, and avoid the use of straws
• Avoid carbonated beverages
• Stay away from chewing tobacco and cigarettes
• Avoid chewing gum
• Ensure your dentures fit well, if applicable
  

Prevention Tips: Limit Gas-Forming Foods

Certain foods can lead to abnormal amounts of intestinal gas production. If you have lactose intolerance, limit or avoid milk and other products that contain cow's milk, or use lactase drops or pills to improve digestion of these foods. Limit or avoid foods sweetened with sugar alcohols -- such as sorbitol or mannitol -- as these are also known to cause intestinal gas. If you need guidance on which foods to avoid and how to manage your diet to avoid gas-forming foods, ask your doctor for a referral to a dietitian.

Warnings

Most of the time, gas and related discomfort resolves in time or with the help of home remedies, and does not require medical attention. However, if you have frequent or severe gas pains with no obvious dietary cause or solution, or if you also have weight loss or other gastrointestinal symptoms such as diarrhea, vomiting or heartburn, see your doctor.

Reviewed by Kay Peck, MPH RD