How to get rid of trapped gas

20 ways to get rid of gas pain

Takeaway

Gas trapped in the intestines can be incredibly uncomfortable.

It may cause sharp pain, cramping, swelling, tightness, and
even bloating.

Most people pass gas between 13 and 21 times a day. When gas is blocked from escaping,
diarrhea or constipation may be responsible.

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

Most people pass gas between 13 and 21 times a day, but diarrhea and constipation can block the gas from escaping.

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

Carbonated drinks such as sparkling waters and soda send a lot of gas to the stomach, which can cause bloating and pain.

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 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.

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

Gentle exercises can relax the muscles in the gut, and yoga poses can be especially beneficial after meals.

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 Lactobacillus are 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 following 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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Takeaway
Trapped gas can be painful and distressing, but many easy remedies can alleviate symptoms
quickly.

People with ongoing or severe gas pain should see a doctor right away, especially if the pain is
accompanied by:

constipation
diarrhea
fever
rectal bleeding
unexplained weight loss

While everyone experiences trapped gas once in a while, experiencing regular pain, bloating,
and other gastrointestinal symptoms can indicate the presence of a medical condition or food
sensitivity.
 Read the article in Spanish.

Last medically reviewed on January 25, 2020

Acid Reflux / GERD GastroIntestinal / Gastroenterology Nutrition / Diet

Medically reviewed by Saurabh Sethi, M.D.,

MPH — Written by Jayne Leonard on
January 25, 2020

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