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Gas Relief Medicines

Flatulence refers to the normal condition of having gas in the gastrointestinal tract, and in the stomach and intestine in particular. You usually release gas through belching and passing it through the rectum, but certain foods and conditions can cause an excessive and painful buildup of gas. Fortunately, you have several options to help alleviate gas issues and avoid awkward social situations.

  1. Causes

    • Gas accumulates in the gastrointestinal tract from a number of sources. Swallowed air can enter the stomach through chewing gum, rapid drinking, carbonated beverages and sucking on hard candy. You release swallowed air primarily through belching, but some can continue into the small intestine, where it becomes uncomfortable. Your body may have difficulty digesting certain foods, such as beans and starches, in the small intestine. These foods move into the large intestine where bacteria break them down, producing carbon dioxide, hydrogen and methane gases during the process. Some people have a deficiency in the enzyme lactase in their small intestine, leading to difficulty in digesting lactose, the natural sugar found in dairy products. Eating and drinking dairy products causes painful cramps, gas and diarrhea.

    Over-the-Counter Relief

    • Most over-the-counter remedies for gas relief, including Gas-X, Mylanta and Alka-Seltzer Gas Relief, contain the drug simethicone. This drug gathers gas bubbles in the stomach so that you can release it through belching much easier; however, it has no effect on gas in the small and large intestines. The supplement Beano contains enzymes that help you digest primarily beans and vegetables, which alleviates intestinal gas. If you are lactose intolerant, a lactase enzyme supplement, such as Lactaid, will help you digest dairy products. Activated charcoal tablets, such as CharcoCaps and Charcoal Plus, relieve gas in the large colon. You must take them before and after meals.

    Natural Relief

    • The easiest way to alleviate your gas naturally requires monitoring the foods and beverages that cause your gas and eliminating or limiting them in your diet. MayoClinic.com recommends that you eat smaller meals more slowly, avoid chewing gum and drinking through a straw, cutting back on fried and fatty foods and increasing your water intake. You can also try peppermint tea, which contains menthol. Menthol helps relax the smooth muscle of your digestive tract and provide relief from gas and gas pain.

    When to Seek Medical Care

    • Excessive gas accompanied with cramps, a change in bowel habits, constipation, diarrhea, blood in the stool, fever, vomiting and abdominal swelling for a prolonged period of time might be a sign of a more serious condition. Report to your health care provider if you experience excessive, painful gas and cannot find relief with over-the-counter or at-home remedies. You may be tested for irritable bowel syndrome, diverticulitis, inflammatory bowel disease, parasites or an intestinal obstruction.

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