Relief From Gas

Gas and its associated pain is an embarrassing yet common condition. Everyone passes gas daily, though at times it can be frequent, foul smelling and painful. You cannot stop gas entirely; but there are a number of medications and lifestyle remedies that can help alleviate the pain and discomfort.

Symptoms and Causes

• Gas isn't just expelled through the anus, which is known as flatulence. Gas can also be passed through the mouth, commonly known as belching. Symptoms include stabbing pains in the abdomen, which could be confused for a far more serious condition. For example, if you experience pain in the lower right side of the abdomen, it can be mistaken for appendicitis or gallstones, while pain in the upper left part of the abdomen can be confused with heart disease. Other symptoms include distension of the stomach, also known as bloating.

  If gas is expelled through the mouth, the most common culprit is the accidental swallowing of air. This can occur due to nerves, gum chewing and drinking with a straw. The most common cause of intestinal gas, which causes flatulence, is undigested carbohydrates fermented by bacteria. Foods high, though healthy, can contribute to gas as well. Other causes include antibiotics, another health condition, laxatives, artificial food additives and an intolerance to food such as lactose.

Medication

• Beano is a brand-name medication that works best when taken with beans (legumes) and vegetables that can exacerbate gas. It should be taken with the first bite of food, as it is most effective when there is little to no intestinal gas present in your system.

  If you are lactose intolerant, lactase supplements such as Lactaid and Dairy Ease can help prevent the gas caused by products containing lactose. If this does not work, eliminating lactose entirely will help, as will consuming lactose-free dairy products.

  Simethicone, found in products such as Gas-X, Mylanta and Mylicon, may provide quick relief of gas and associated pain. It works by breaking down the bubbles found in gas, and can prevent excessive belching.

  Charcoal, normally used to absorb toxins in the body, may help. It is a common treatment for accidental poisoning as well as gas.

Lifestyle Remedies

• Should no medications work to alleviate your gas in the short-term, a long-term solution may be in order.

  Reduce the amount of air you swallow by quitting smoking, eating smaller meals, eating slowly and chewing thoroughly. Eating smaller meals will also help reduce the amount of pressure on your stomach and aid in proper digestion.

  Keep a food journal to help identify foods that might exacerbate your symptoms. Foods such as legumes, broccoli, whole wheat, bran and carbonated beverages can all contribute to gas.

  Drink a glass of warm peppermint tea. Menthol, an ingredient in peppermint oil, can help prevent digestive tract muscle spasms. The downside to this alternative remedy is the possibility the tea could cause heartburn or acid reflux.

  Exercise not only alleviates stress and improves your mood, it also helps regulate your digestive tract and provide short-term relief for gas. The best exercises are low-impact, such as cycling and swimming.