How to Get Rid of Gas Immediately: Remedies for Trapped Gas (2024)

• Introduction
  • What is excessive gas?
• Causes
  • What causes excessive gas symptoms?
• Symptoms
  • What are common symptoms of excessive gas?
• Treatment
  • What is the treatment for excessive gas?
• Gas Pain Relief Tips
  • Tips to get rid of gas immediately
• FAQs
  • Frequently asked questions (FAQs) about how to relieve gas pain

What is excessive gas?

Gas in the digestive tract is a normal phenomenon, either from swallowing air or produced by the normal digestion process. On average, people produce about 1 to 4 pints of gas, and pass gas anally (farting) or by belching up to 14 times a day; however, it is considered normal for some people to pass gas even up to 25 times a day.

What is excessive gas? It may be considered excessive gas if a person feels the need to belch or fart frequently, without finding much relief from the associated discomfort. Excessive gas can get trapped in the bends in the intestines, and cause bloating, abdominal distension, pain, and discomfort. Very often, most people do not really have an excessive quantity of gas but are more sensitive to the effects of normal amounts of intestinal gas.

Learn how to remove gas from the stomach instantly, as well as gas symptoms, causes, and home remedies that can provide relief.

What causes excessive gas symptoms?

Bloating, distension, and gas can be caused by several factors, including:

• Swallowing too much air, such as when you:
  • Eat or drink quickly
  • Drink fizzy drinks, such as soda
  • Smoke
  • Chew gum that contains a sugar alcohol called sorbitol
  • Sleep with your mouth open
• Sluggish intestinal movement
• Overeating
• Menstruation
• Eating refined foods

Eating foods your body cannot digest

Bacteria in the colon break down certain foods and produce gas.

Foods that may cause more gas than usual are:

• Carbohydrates
• Dairy products
• Fruit sugar
• Wheat
• Artificial sweeteners, such as sorbitol, xylitol, or mannitol
• High-fiber foods

Gas moving slowly

In some people, the body may take longer to expel gas. The gas then accumulates and causes pain.

When people have certain medical issues gas moves more slowly through the intestines, such as the following conditions:

• Diabetes
• Gastroparesis (slow stomach emptying)
• Constipation
• Irritable bowel syndrome
• Intestinal bacterial overgrowth
• Certain medications, such as antibiotics or protein supplements
• Eating high-fat foods
• Chronic (long-term) stress
• The pelvic floor muscles and anal sphincter do not relax the way they should. This issue is called dyssynergia.

Excessive sensitivity to gas

People with the following conditions may be more sensitive to normal amounts of gas:

• Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS): People with this condition may have oversensitive nerves in the bowel region. This can result in pain and bloating with the normal passage of gas, as well as the bowel contents.
• Dyspepsia: People with persistent indigestion may be more sensitive to gas.
• Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD): People with GERD may have irritated esophagus that can make burping uncomfortable.
• Hemorrhoids: Passing gas may irritate the anus in people with hemorrhoids.

What are common symptoms of excessive gas?

The passage of gas through the digestive tract causes no symptoms in most people. It is normal to pass gas daily. When gas becomes bothersome, it is due to an excess of gas, or due to high sensitivity to normal amounts of gas.

Excess gas can be accompanied by symptoms, such as:

• Burping
• Farting
• Abdominal pain or cramps
• Feeling stuffed and suffocated (bloating)
• Increase in the size of the abdomen (distension)
• Constipation
• Weight changes
• Frequent tendency to vomiting
• Nausea
• Heartburn

What is the treatment for excessive gas?

The source of the excess gas determines the treatment for gas, belching, and bloating. After reviewing your history, a doctor may advise you to change your diet and eating habits.

A doctor may recommend the following treatment for excessive gas:

• Avoid smoking and chewing gum
• Eat and drink slowly to reduce the amount of air you swallow
• Avoid or limit foods that make you gassy
• Take over-the-counter digestive enzymes to aid in the digestion of carbohydrates in foods that create gas
• Take over-the-counter antacids, which will help you get rid of gas in the digestive tract

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Tips to get rid of gas immediately

Burping and flatulating are two ways the body gets rid of gas. It is a normal physiological activity, but it can be a source of embarrassment in a society where both are considered rude. However, intestinal gas can cause intense discomfort and must be passed. Do not hold it in; get to a private space and pass the gas.

There are several home remedies you can try for instant gas pain relief. The following are some tips on how to relieve gas discomfort instantly, and prevent gas buildup:

1. Drink warm water
   • Water stimulates peristalsis (movement in the intestine). Drinking a cup of warm water may help relieve gas and cramps.
2. Physical activity
   • Movement helps. Walk around and gently massage your belly.
   • Try yoga poses that can relieve gas. Check with your doctor if you have never done yoga before.
     • Child's pose (balasana)
     • Spinal twist (supta matsyendrasana)
     • Knee to chest (ardha apanasana)
     • Forward fold (uttanasana)
     • Happy baby (ananda balasana)
     • Low lunge (anjaneyasana)
     • Garland pose (malasana)
3. Try natural digestive aids
   • Natural digestive aids contain digestive enzymes that operate in tandem with the body's enzymes to speed up and improve digestion.
   • Certain supplements may contain enzymes that aid in the breakdown of complex carbohydrates found in gas-producing foods.
   • Consult a doctor about a high-quality supplement with the proper enzyme combination for your diet.
4. Take activated charcoal
   • Activated charcoal is a natural and safe treatment for excess gas and bloating. This charcoal is safe for human consumption.
   • When you swallow the charcoal, it draws gases into itself, allowing it to be flushed out of the body. This helps reduce gas and bloating, as well as move any irritants out of the digestive tract, providing gas pain relief.
   • Take activated charcoal with plenty of water and only use it under the supervision of a doctor.
5. Take a probiotic
   • Probiotic supplements contain the “good” bacteria the gut needs to break down food efficiently. Probiotics can help rebalance gut bacteria.
   • Clinical studies have shown that certain probiotic supplements can help reduce excess gas and bloating.
   • However, this frequently depends on the type of probiotic strains contained in the supplement. Probiotics may cause more gas in the first few days because new bacteria are introduced into the gut. As you continue to take them, this will get better. Check with your doctor to find which probiotics may suit you best.
6. Try herbs
   • Many herbs can help relieve bloating and allow trapped gas to exit the digestive tract.
     • Fennel seeds are one of the best cures. They contain a compound that relaxes spasms in the smooth muscle of the gut, making it easier for gas to pass. After eating, you can chew on the seeds or drink fennel tea.
     • Peppermint and chamomile are both excellent carminatives, which means they “calm” the stomach and help relieve gas.
     • Carom seeds may help in some cases.
     • Ginger tea can improve digestion and speed up metabolism. Include this in your morning routine to jumpstart the de-bloating process.
7. Medications
   • Simethicone dissolves small gas bubbles in the stomach and intestines.
   • Most people start with small doses, but up to 125 mg with meals may be required to see a difference.
   • Simethicone is available over the counter (OTC) in the US. Check with your doctor before you take any OTC medications.
8. Reduce intestinal gas formation
   • Many healthy foods such as legumes, some fruits and vegetables, and high-fiber foods cause gas, and it is not possible to avoid them. Try limiting the consumption of such foods and avoid having too many gas-forming foods at the same meal.
   • Reduce dairy products and/or grains with gluten, if you are intolerant to either of these.
   • Increase fiber in your diet gradually; do not suddenly add large amounts of high-fiber foods.
   • Chew well, eat slowly, and eat smaller portions and more often, if necessary.

Frequently asked questions (FAQs) about how to relieve gas pain

What is the fastest way to cure gas?

The best and quickest way is to try and pass the gas by belching or farting. But what if the gas is trapped and you are unable to pass it easily?

How to remove gas from the stomach instantly home remedies include:

• Drink a glass of warm water, or tea made with herbs such as peppermint, fennel, carom, cumin, or ginger.
• Move around. Exercise stimulates intestinal movement and if you have a bowel movement, it can free up space for the gas to move out.
• Gently massage your stomach. Using a heating pad on your stomach can soothe pain.
• Try yoga poses that can relieve gas. Lying down and holding your bent knees to the chest or sitting on your haunches and bending forward in a stretch are a couple of yoga poses that can help pass gas.
• Take activated charcoal or simethicone. Check with your doctor before taking these, especially if you have any health conditions, or take regular prescription medicines.

Can broccoli get rid of excessive gas?

Ways to get rid of gas are the same, whatever the cause. However, legumes, onions, garlic, and cruciferous vegetables such as broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage, and Brussels sprouts have a high content of sulfur. Most foods high in fiber contain sulfur, the compound that is the culprit for foul-smelling gas. When these foods are digested by gut bacteria, they produce hydrogen sulfide which smells. You could reduce smelly gas by limiting these foods, as well as other difficult-to-digest sugars and carbs. Bismuth subsalicylate may be useful to reduce sulfur-induced gas smell.

What can I drink to stop gas?

Drinking adequate water throughout the day, and drinking green tea or teas made with herbs such as peppermint, fennel, carom, ginger, or cumin may help reduce gas. Some people claim a tablespoon of apple cider vinegar (ACV) in a glass of water can help stop gas, but there is no scientific evidence that ACV has any effect on gas.

Does drinking hot water relieve gas?

Drinking hot water can help with digestion and move the bowel contents, including gas.

What position helps you release gas?

Some positions that can help release gas are:

• Walking. Movement helps stimulate intestinal muscle movement, which helps release gas from the intestines.
• Lying on your side and move your knees up to your chest and down a few times. Do this for a few minutes and repeat it lying on your other side.
• Squatting. Try doing a few squats, it helps relax the colon.
• Yoga poses such as child's pose, happy baby pose, knee-to-chest pose, seated spinal twist, and pigeon pose.

How do you get rid of gas in the elderly?

The digestive system naturally slows down in the elderly and people may be more prone to constipation and flatulence in old age. Activated charcoal tablets can help reduce gas in the elderly. All the other tips such as chewing well and eating slowly, drinking warm herbal teas, and gentle walking can help in getting rid of gas. In people wearing dentures, making sure the dentures fit well can help prevent excessive swallowing of air.

How do you get rid of gas after gallbladder surgery?

Your surgeon will usually advise how to get rid of gas pain after surgery. Your intestinal movement is likely to be sluggish after any surgery and will take a little time to get back to normal. A hot pack on the stomach can ease gas pain. Walking as soon as possible, and doing gentle exercises in bed, such as bringing one knee at a time to your chest, can help release gas.

After a gallbladder surgery, some people may develop bloating, flatulence, and diarrhea, because the bile fluid cannot be stored, and continuously drips into the intestines. If you have such symptoms after gallbladder removal, you can try the following:

• Eat smaller meals more frequently. This will make it easier to digest because of the small quantities of continuous bile flow.
• Avoid fatty foods and spicy foods, and limit fiber-rich foods to make digestion easier and quicker.
• Avoid or limit caffeine and sodas.

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