How to get rid of trapped gas

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Many home remedies can help prevent or release trapped gas.

1. Let it out

Holding in gas can cause bloating, discomfort, and pain. The easiest way to avoid these symptoms is to let out the gas, if possible.

If it seems the gas will not come out, consider the possibility of constipation. If it persists, worsens, or is very painful, a person may need medical treatment.

2. Pass stool

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

Home remedies may help relieve constipation. If not, a pharmacist can advise on over-the counter options.

3. Eat slowly

Eating quickly or while moving can cause a person to take in air as well as food, leading to gas-related pain.

Tips for slowing down eating include taking meals around a table with other people and chewing each bite of food 30 times. Breaking down food by chewing 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 and painful gas.

Sugarless gum also contains artificial sweeteners, which may cause bloating and gas.

5. Say no to straws

Drinking through a straw or from a bottle or can may cause a person to swallow air.

To avoid gas pain and bloating, it is best to sip from a glass.

6. Quit smoking

Research suggests there is a link between smoking and digestive problems, including bloating. It may also cause a person to breathe in air, increasing the risk of gas.

Quitting or avoiding smoking may help manage digestive and other health problems.

7. Choose non-carbonated drinks

Carbonated drinks, such as sparkling water and sodas, can increase gas in the stomach. This can cause bloating and pain.

8. Eliminate trigger foods

Eating certain foods can cause trapped gas.

The foods below may cause gas to build up:

• artificial sweeteners, such as aspartame, sorbitol, and maltitol
• cruciferous vegetables, including broccoli, cabbage, and cauliflower
• dairy products
• some fiber supplements
• legumes, a group that includes beans and lentils

Keeping a food diary can help identify trigger foods.

Some of these foods provide essential nutrients. Rather than avoid them entirely, it might be better to consume a smaller amount in one meal or to try different ways of preparing them.

9. Herbal tea

Some herbal teas may aid digestion, including managing gas.

These include teas made with:

• anise
• chamomile
• ginger
• peppermint

Anise can act as a mild laxative, so it may help if gas is due to constipation.

10. Fennel seeds

Fennel seeds are a popular digestive aid around the world. People use the seeds and extract for flatulence, stomach pain, and other symptoms. Some animal research suggests it may help protect the lining of the digestive tract.

People can fennel seeds to salads, stews, and other dishes. In some places, people chew a pinch of fennel seeds after eating to help with digestion and freshen the mouth.

However, there is a lack of research to confirm the safety or effectiveness of using fennel seeds for bloating.

11. Take peppermint supplements

Some people take peppermint oil capsules to resolve issues like bloating, constipation, and trapped gas. Some research suggests it may help, but more investigations are needed.

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 people should not take these capsules with iron supplements. They may not be suitable for people with anemia.

12. Clove oil

Clove oil has traditionally been used to treat digestive complaints, including bloating, gas, and indigestion.

There is not enough evidence to show it is effective or safe for flatulence, but some research suggests it may have ulcer-fighting properties.

Consuming clove oil after meals can increase digestive enzymes and reduce the amount of gas in the intestines.

13. Heat

Placing a hot water bottle or heating pad on the abdomen can help relieve gas pain and discomfort. The warmth relaxes the muscles in the gut, helping gas to move through the intestines. Heat can also reduce the sensation of pain.

14. Apple cider vinegar

One case study has suggested apple cider vinegar may help manage functional dyspepsia, symptoms of which include bloating.

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.

15. Use activated charcoal

Activated charcoal pellets taken by mouth may help treat or prevent gas. The charcoal traps the gas and removes it as it leaves the body in the stool.

It is best to speak with a doctor before taking activated charcoal and to follow their instructions.

16. 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.

However, more investigations are needed to establish which probiotics are most helpful.

17. Exercise

Moderate exercise — such as walking or doing yoga — may help remove gas from the body.

18. Deep breathing

Deep breathing may have beneficial effects on the autonomic nervous system. In this way, it may also benefit the functioning of the digestive system.

However, deep breathing may not work for everyone. Taking in too much air can increase the amount of gas in the intestines.

19. Over-the-counter remedies

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.

20. Address digestive issues

Bloating and gas pain may be a sign of an underlying problem, such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), or lactose intolerance.

A doctor can help a person create a treatment plan involving medical options and home remedies.

Here are some questions people often ask about trapped gas.

What should I drink to remove gas from my stomach?

One traditional Iranian remedy for preventing gas is to drink a cup of hot water 30 minutes before breakfast. Some older research suggests chamomile or ginger tea may help, but there is not enough evidence to confirm this.

It may also be a good idea to:

• wait at least 1 hour after eating food before drinking
• avoid or limit carbonated beverages
• avoid drinks with high fructose corn syrup and other artificial sweeteners
• avoid drinking through a straw

What are the pressure points to relieve gas?

Some people use acupressure to relieve bloating. According to one form of acupuncture, Tian Shu, focusing on point ST25 may help manage the symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome, which include flatulence. ST25 is on the upper abdomen, 2 thumb widths to the side of the navel.

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, especially if they also have:

• 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 a medical condition or food sensitivity.

Read the article in Spanish.