If you’re dealing with trapped gas, trying home remedies and certain movements may provide relief. If the problem persists, occurs often, or comes with other symptoms, it could signal an underlying health issue.
Producing and expelling gas is a normal part of digestion. When a pocket of gas becomes lodged, you’ll want to ease the pain quickly. If other symptoms are present, it’s wise to determine what’s causing the discomfort.
Below you’ll find ways to relieve trapped gas, possible causes, and preventive strategies.
Best home remedies for trapped gas
Different home remedies for trapped gas work better for different people. You may need to try several approaches to discover what helps you most quickly. Much of the support for these remedies is anecdotal.
Here are some quick techniques to encourage burping or passing gas.
1. Move around
Go for a walk or do light exercise. Physical activity can help move the gas along so you can expel it.
2. Get a massage
Gently massaging the sore area can encourage gas to travel downward and exit the body. Specifically, the “I LOV U” massage approach might help.
This technique involves making clockwise circular strokes on your abdomen shaped like the letters I, L, U, and O, following the route that stool takes through the small intestine and colon.
3. Do yoga poses
Yoga can relax your muscles and help gas pass.
Try this simple pose:
- Lie on your back and lift your legs straight up with your feet together.
- Bend your knees and wrap your arms around them.
- Bring your knees toward your chest.
- At the same time, lift your head toward your knees, or keep your head on the floor if that feels better.
- Hold for at least 20 seconds.
Different yoga positions may be more beneficial for some people than others.
4. Drink more liquids
Opt for noncarbonated beverages. Warm water or herbal teas may help. Consider peppermint, ginger, or chamomile tea.
Use commercial teabags, or brew your own by steeping fresh ginger root, peppermint leaves, or dried chamomile.
A traditional Persian remedy is to mix 10 grams each of ground cumin and fennel with 5 grams of ground anise, then steep in a cup of boiling water for 20 minutes.
5. Try herbs
Natural kitchen remedies for gas include:
- anise
- caraway
- coriander
- fennel
- turmeric
Stir one of these ground herbs or seeds into a cup of warm water and drink it.
6. Try baking soda
Dissolve a small amount of sodium bicarbonate (baking soda) in a glass of water and drink it.
Be cautious not to exceed 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda. Too much on a full stomach could cause serious complications.
7. Drink apple cider vinegar
Mix 1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar into a glass of water and drink it — a common home remedy for encouraging gas release.
Evidence for its effectiveness is mainly anecdotal; there’s no strong scientific proof. Still, this method generally carries minimal risk of adverse effects.
Best OTC remedies for trapped gas
Several over-the-counter (OTC) options may offer gas relief. Effectiveness varies and is often based on personal experience. You’ll need to try what works best for you.
Consider these commonly used products.
8. Enzyme preparations
Certain enzyme supplements can help if you’re lactose intolerant, though they’re typically used preventively. Examples include:
- Lactaid
- Digest Dairy Plus
- Dairy Relief
Alpha-galactosidase is a natural enzyme that can reduce gas from eating legumes. Older studies suggest it may prevent gas and bloating when taken before meals. Beano is a well-known version available in tablet form.
9. Adsorbents
Simethicone products may help relieve gas by breaking up gas bubbles, according to some sources.
These include:
- Gas-X
- Alka-Seltzer Anti-Gas
- Mylanta Gas
Activated charcoal in tablet, capsule, or powder form may also reduce gas. The charcoal is heated to make it porous so gas molecules can bind in the created spaces. However, charcoal can cause unwanted effects like a blackened tongue.
Examples include:
- Activated Charcoal
- CharcoCaps
Symptoms of trapped gas
Symptoms of trapped gas can start suddenly. Pain may be sharp and stabbing or present as a general, intense discomfort.
You may notice abdominal bloating and stomach cramps.
Gas accumulated on the left side of the colon can radiate to the chest and mimic a heart attack.
Gas on the right side of the colon might feel like appendicitis or gallbladder pain.
Causes of trapped gas
Many factors can lead to trapped gas bubbles. Most are related to digestion, although some stem from physical conditions that may need medical attention.
The following table-like list summarizes potential causes of trapped gas:
Common causesof excess gasOther factors that may cause excess gasHealth conditionsdigestionpersistent post-nasal dripirritable bowel syndrome (IBS)food intolerancecertain medications, such as OTC cold medicationsCrohn’s diseasebacterial overgrowthfiber supplements that contain psylliumulcerative colitisconstipationartificial sugar substitutes, such as sorbitol, mannitol, and xylitolpeptic ulcerslifestyle behaviors, such as chewing gum, overeating, and smokingstressa previous surgery or pregnancy that altered your pelvic musclesTips for preventing trapped gas
You can reduce your chance of getting painful trapped gas by being mindful of what and how you eat.
Keeping a food diary can help identify foods and situations that provoke gas, so you can steer clear of those triggers.
Eliminate suspect foods one at a time to identify the culprits.
Basic preventive tips include:
- Stay hydrated.
- Avoid carbonated drinks.
- Drink beverages at room temperature rather than extremely hot or cold.
- Avoid foods known to produce excess gas.
- Skip artificial sweeteners.
- Eat slowly and chew thoroughly.
- Don’t chew gum.
- Avoid smoking and chewing tobacco.
- If you wear dentures, have your dentist check whether they allow excess air in while eating.
- Increase your physical activity.
Experiment with the home and OTC remedies above to see which provide the quickest relief.
When to see a doctor
See your doctor if trapped gas occurs frequently, lasts a long time, or comes with any concerning symptoms or other warning signs.
Watch for these additional symptoms:
- unexplained weight loss
- changes in bowel movement frequency
- blood in your stool
- constipation
- diarrhea
- nausea or vomiting
- heartburn
- loss of appetite
Your provider can evaluate for other conditions and may recommend a probiotic or a prescription antibiotic when appropriate.
Be sure to tell them about any remedies or herbal supplements you’re taking.
Frequently asked questions:
What is the best position to relieve gas?
Several stretches and yoga poses can relieve gas, including child’s pose and the knee-to-chest pose among others.
How long can trapped gas last?
Trapped gas can cause pain for a few hours. If relief doesn’t occur within that timeframe, consider consulting a physician to rule out more serious conditions like appendicitis.
Does drinking hot water relieve gas?
Increasing fluid intake, whether hot or cold, can help ease trapped gas.
Takeaway
Trapped gas can be intensely painful but is usually not dangerous. It may indicate a food sensitivity or another digestive issue.
Paying attention to your diet and adopting preventive habits can reduce episodes.
Rapid relief often requires trying a few different remedies to find what works best for you.
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