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Passing gas could be considered normal and may not raise concern. Sometimes, excess gas could get trapped in the intestines or stomach, causing flatulence, gurgling, bloating, swelling, and pain.
Swallowing air, consuming gas-inducing foods, and digestive disorders could contribute to excess gas buildup.
Gas trapped in your stomach may feel like a stabbing and sharp pain. However, you can follow practical remedies that could help reduce this discomfort.
Natural remedies like apple cider vinegar, exercise, and abdominal massage techniques could help you release gas, causing distress. There are some easy methods that could also reduce gas from your system.
Read on to understand the causes behind trapped gas, how it happens, and how to prevent its excess buildup.
Understanding Trapped Gas
Trapped gas is the accumulation of gas in the intestines or stomach, resulting in abdominal discomfort. When gas becomes trapped, it might cause symptoms like belching, bloating, and distention.
Gas in the digestive system can occur when you swallow in excess air, and the bacteria in the large intestine break down hard and undigested carbohydrates. Digestive issues and dietary intolerances, such as lactose intolerance, can also contribute to the buildup of gas.
Home Remedies for Relief From Gas
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Abdominal Massage
Abdominal massage might help alleviate trapped gas symptoms and promote digestive health. It may involve applying gentle pressure and circular motions to the abdomen to stimulate digestion and help gas move out of the body. The gentle pressure applied during abdominal massage could reduce discomfort and pain caused by trapped gas.
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Consume Herbal Tea
Herbal tea can be a beneficial and natural method to help alleviate trapped gas symptoms and promote digestive health.
Spearmint, ginger, or anise possess soothing properties that might help relax the digestive tract muscles. This relaxation may allow trapped gas to pass through more easily, providing relief from discomfort and bloating.
Certain herbal teas like peppermint tea can help stimulate bile flow, which helps in the digestion of fats and can help prevent gas buildup. Fennel tea has the ability to relax the digestive muscles and reduce bloating.
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Consider Activated Charcoal
Activated charcoal may have the ability to trap gas molecules and reduce bloating. However, more research is needed to understand its effectiveness fully. It may help reduce the amount of gas in the stomach and intestines, relieving bloating and discomfort.
Activated charcoal may help to alleviate bloating by absorbing the gas and promoting its expulsion from the body.
Some studies suggest that activated charcoal positively impacts digestion. It may help to improve overall digestive function and reduce the symptoms associated with trapped gas by reducing bloating.
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Apply Heat To The Abdomen
Applying heat to the abdominal area may provide soothing relief and promote relaxation of the muscles in the digestive tract. It might increase blood flow to the area, which can assist in the relaxation of the muscles in the digestive tract. This relaxation could help relieve any tension or spasms that may cause the discomfort caused by trapped gas.
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Try Exercises
Engaging in regular physical activity could relieve symptoms of trapped gas and promote overall digestive health.
Exercise may stimulate the muscles in the digestive tract, allowing trapped gas to move through more efficiently. It could also encourage regular bowel movements, preventing gas buildup and bloating.
A study found that gentle exercises like walking or yoga could reduce trapped gas. These activities might relax the muscles in the abdomen, promoting the movement of gas bubbles through the digestive system.
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Consume Peppermint Supplements
Peppermint supplements could alleviate symptoms of trapped gas, providing relief from pain and bloating. It contains menthol, which can relax the digestive tract muscles by reducing spasms and allowing trapped gas to pass through more easily.
Peppermint supplements have anti-inflammatory properties, which can help reduce bloating and discomfort caused by trapped gas. It may relieve the symptoms of gas buildup by reducing inflammation in the digestive system.
Peppermint may help improve digestion by enhancing the growth of digestive enzymes, which can support the breakdown of food and reduce gas production.
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Use Baking Soda
Baking soda might be a natural remedy for various ailments, including digestive issues. It could react with stomach acid to produce carbon dioxide gas, which might help relieve bloating and discomfort caused by trapped gas. It may also help neutralize stomach acid, relieving acid reflux and heartburn.
You can consume baking soda by mixing it with a glass of water. Stir the mixture well and drink it slowly. However, you should not use baking soda for an extended period, as excessive consumption could cause an imbalance in electrolytes.
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Clove Oil
Clove oil contains anti-inflammatory compounds, which might help reduce gas and bloating. It may help prevent gas formation in the digestive system. It could also help to expel existing gas from the body to relieve the discomfort associated with trapped gas.
Clove oil has antispasmodic effects, which may relax the digestive tract muscles, reducing cramping and spasms that can contribute to gas buildup.
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Take Deep Breathing
Deep or diaphragmatic breathing involves taking slow, deep breaths that fully expand the diaphragm and abdomen. It could relax the digestive system muscles to promote better digestion and alleviate trapped gas symptoms.
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Over-the-counter Medicine
Over-the-counter medicines like simethicone are available without a prescription to provide quick relief from gas. Simethicone breaks down gas bubbles in the digestive tract, allowing them to be expelled more easily. It may help alleviate symptoms such as bloating, belching, and flatulence. However, it is crucial to read and follow the guidelines on the packaging or consult a healthcare professional for proper dosing information.
Causes Of Trapped Gas
Common causes of excess gas may include digestion issues and ways of eating. However, there are specific conditions that might need medical attention.
- Lactose intolerance
- Food intolerance
- Swallowing air through chewing gum, smoking, or eating and drinking quickly
- Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
- Bacterial overgrowth
- Ulcerative colitis
- Constipation
- Peptic ulcers
- Consumption of high-sugar and starch
Prevention Of Trapped Gas
It is essential to include healthy eating habits and make mindful choices regarding food and lifestyle factors to prevent the occurrence of gas buildup.
- Eat slowly and chew food thoroughly.
- Avoid gas-producing foods.
- Stay hydrated and incorporate fiber-rich foods.
- Keep a food diary and identify triggers.
What Does Trapped Gas Pain Feel Like?
Trapped gas could lead to bloating and distress of the abdomen, causing a feeling of fullness and tightness. It could be accompanied by visible swelling and discomfort.
Some people may experience sharp and stabbing pain in the abdomen. The pain could be intense and radiate to other areas, such as the chest or back, causing further discomfort.
Trapped gas pain may also show cramp-like sensations, similar to menstrual cramps or gastrointestinal spasms. It could build pressure and discomfort in the abdomen, ranging from a mild, nagging sensation to a more severe, constant feeling of pressure.
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When To Consult A Health Professional?
You may manage trapped gas with home remedies and lifestyle changes. However, you should consult a doctor if you are experiencing intense pain, bloating, or discomfort accompanied by fever, vomiting, or difficulty breathing. It might indicate an underlying health issue requiring a doctor’s immediate assessment.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can Certain Medications Contribute to Trapped Gas?
Certain medications, such as aspirin, antacids, and proton pump inhibitors, can contribute to trapped gas. These medications can slow down digestion, leading to gas buildup. Consult a doctor regarding any concerns or side effects of medications. - Are There Any Natural Remedies That Can Provide Immediate Relief From Trapped Gas?
Natural remedies like herbal teas, apple cider vinegar, fennel seeds, and gentle exercise may provide some relief from trapped gas. However, it is essential to consult a doctor for personalized advice. - Can Stress or Anxiety Contribute to Trapped Gas?
Stress and anxiety can contribute to trapped gas by impacting the normal process of the digestive system. Increased stress levels could lead to gut motility and sensitivity changes, resulting in bloating and gas symptoms. - Are There Any Medical Conditions That Can Worsen Trapped Gas Symptoms?
Yes. Medical conditions, including gastrointestinal disorders like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), can worsen the trapped gas symptoms.
Conclusion
Trapped gas in the stomach could make you feel irritated and uncomfortable. Many factors might influence gas buildup, including consuming foods like beans and lentils that can trigger gas.
However, applying a heating pad, staying hydrated, and avoiding consuming processed food may help resolve your digestive issues.
You can also consider the remedies mentioned above to support your gut health naturally and reduce gas accumulation in the stomach.
Consulting a gastroenterologist will help you examine your health condition and address if there is any underlying reason behind your persistent digestive discomfort.
- The data in this article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice.
- It is not recommended to disregard/delay seeking professional medical advice or treatment because of what you read or accessed through this review.
- The results may vary from individual to individual.
- It is recommended to consult your doctor for any underlying medical conditions or if you are on any prescribed medicines before trying any product or tips.
Rachel has been a freelance medical writer for more than 18 years. She graduated from the University of Tennessee at Knoxville in 2005 and is currently practicing as a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist at a Level I trauma center.
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