How to Relieve Gas Pains

Your gastrointestinal system normally produces roughly a pint to two quarts of gas each day, according to the American Gastroenterological Association. Swallowing large amounts of air, increased gas production within your gastrointestinal system or heightened sensitivity to normal amounts of gas can cause abdominal pain. Several remedies help relieve gas pains; the choice of what remedy to use depends on the location and cause of the gas.

Things You'll Need

• Peppermint tea or oil
• Gas reliever with simethicone

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Instructions

Stomach Gas

• 1

  Stand up if the pain is located above your navel. Air trapped in your stomach shifts to the area where your food pipe enters when you stand, making it easier to release by belching. Place your hands just below your ribcage on the left side of your body and gently press on your stomach to help expel trapped gas.

• 2

  Drink a cup of peppermint tea if gas pains persist in the upper part of your abdomen. Peppermint relaxes the muscles of the stomach and food pipe, making it easier to belch. Alternatively, try a few drops of peppermint oil in warm water, if you have some on hand. Sucking on peppermint candy is generally not helpful because holding the candy in your mouth increases saliva production, leading to additional air swallowing and potential worsening of your gas pains.

• 3

  Go for a walk. The movement of your abdominal muscles as you walk may help you expel the trapped air in your stomach. If you don't want to go outdoors, take a few laps around the inside of your home.

• 4

  If other relief measures fail, take an over-the-counter gas reliever that contains simethicone. This ingredient joins tiny air bubbles in your stomach, creating a larger, more easily expelled bubble. Take the gas-relief product as directed. If you haven't burped spontaneously within 10 to 15 minutes after taking the medicine, try standing, walking and applying gentle pressure to your stomach to help expel the trapped air.

Intestinal Gas

• 5

  If you have gas pains below your navel, the air is trapped somewhere within the roughly 27 feet of your intestines. Expelling gas from your intestines, therefore, is usually more difficult than releasing air trapped in your stomach. Although you are uncomfortable, try to relax.

• 6

  Move around to help trapped gas move through your intestines. Take a walk, if you are able to do so comfortably. If your pain is too intense to walk, lie down and move into different positions every few minutes until the gas shifts and your pain eases. If your pain recurs, repeat the process until you find a comfortable position.

• 7

  Gas pains in your lower abdomen commonly indicate gas near the end of your large intestine, which you can potentially expel through your rectum. From a standing position, slowly squat and rest your chest on your thighs. Repeat this maneuver as you attempt to move the trapped air and pass it. Alternatively, lie down on your back and bring your knees toward your chest. Hold your knees in this position with your arms. Rock slowly from side to side to help move the trapped air into your rectum.