Stomach Gas Pain Relief: Symptoms, Instant Remedies & Medicine Guide

Stomach gas is part of the normal functioning of the digestive system. In fact, most people pass gas around 14 times per day. But in some cases, too much gas can accumulate in the intestines, causing bloating and stomach gas pain. In most cases, gas will go away without treatment, but if you want faster relief, there are several ways to relieve symptoms at home. Read on to learn about common gas pain symptoms and home remedies, as well as recommendations on when to see a doctor.

What Causes Gas and Stomach Pain?

Abdominal pain and gas can occur for a variety of reasons. The most common causes of abdominal pain and gas include:

Aerophagia, caused by eating too quickly, chewing gum, smoking, and loose dentures.
Foods that produce gas, such as beans, lentils, broccoli, and carbonated drinks.
Indigestion, due to an excess of intestinal bacteria.
Food intolerances, such as lactose or gluten sensitivity, can contribute to discomfort.
Slow-moving stools due to constipation.
Underlying conditions such as IBS and Crohn's disease.

What Does Stomach Gas Pain Feel Like?

Gas pain is often described as a generalised cramp. More localised or rippling pain may indicate another cause. Here’s what abdominal pain caused by gas feels like:

A feeling of tenderness, fullness, or pressure (bloating) in the abdomen.
Sharp, stabbing, or dull pain in the abdomen.
Pain, pressure, or discomfort on the right or left side (lateral pain).
Pain, pressure, or discomfort in the upper or lower back.
Chest pain, pressure, or discomfort.

Some additional symptoms of gas pain in back include the pain shifting and being accompanied by bloating, abdominal distension, or gurgling sounds.

Medications Prescribed for Gas Pain Relief

If you experience occasional gas, your doctor may recommend one of the following over-the-counter medicines for gas pain from the following classes:

Alpha-galactosidase, an enzyme that breaks down indigestible foods.
Bismuth Subsalicylate for adults with stomach upset or diarrhea.
Lactase enzyme for lactose intolerance (problems digesting lactose).
Probiotics that eliminate harmful intestinal bacteria.
Simethicone to reduce gas buildup in the intestines that causes bloating.

Top Instant Home Remedies for Stomach Pain and Gas

In most cases, abdominal pain and gas will go away on their own, but there are steps you can take to ease the discomfort and prevent future gas pains. The best instant remedies for gas and abdominal pain are as follows:

Pass Gas

The only way to get rid of the gas is to vent it. Don't keep it to yourself. If the smell bothers you, try cutting back on foods that contain sulfur-producing compounds, such as broccoli, cabbage, and beer.

Herbal Remedies

Peppermint and peppermint oil help with digestion, but other foods can help as well. One study found that a blend of herbal medicines containing rhubarb, barley, tangerine peel, cardamom, and licorice relieved irritable bowel syndrome.

Exercise

Exercise, such as walking, can prevent constipation and provide stomach gas pain relief. Sleeping on your back can cause gas to build up, and gentle self-massage can relieve pressure and cramps, relieving constipation.

Heating Pad

Placing a heating pad or hot water bottle on your stomach can help relieve abdominal pain caused by gas while you wait for it to go away.

When to See a Doctor

Most stomach gas pain and bloating can be treated at home, but if you're concerned, see your doctor. Contact your doctor if you have any of the following symptoms:

Severe pain in the chest or abdomen.
Gastrointestinal discomfort that does not occur during or immediately after eating.
Severe diarrhea or constipation.
Tar, black stool, or rectal bleeding.
Unexplained weight loss.

Relieve Gas Pain with Expert Guidance and Care!

Chronic gas pain requires careful treatment, and if you follow the proper instructions, you can get quick and effective pain relief. If the pain becomes chronic, consult an experienced gastroenterologist. Park Hospital provides comprehensive gastroenterology services to diagnose and treat a variety of gastrointestinal diseases, including those that cause bloating. If you're suffering from bloating, cramps, or indigestion, schedule an appointment today to get personalised advice on managing stomach gas pain.

FAQs

1. What are the common symptoms of stomach gas pain?

Common symptoms of stomach pain include bloating, cramping or sharp pain, frequent belching or gas, and a feeling of fullness or pressure.

2. What causes excessive gas or bloating in the stomach?

Excess gas and bloating can be caused by swallowing air while eating or drinking, eating certain gas-producing foods such as beans or carbonated drinks, or food intolerances such as lactose or gluten sensitivity.

3. Which foods immediately cause gas and what should I avoid today?

Foods that can cause immediate gas include beans, lentils, cruciferous vegetables like broccoli and cabbage, onions, carbonated drinks, and artificial sweeteners like sorbitol and xylitol. These are the foods you should avoid today.

4. Does hot water or tea really help with gas pain? Which one works best?

Yes, hot water and certain herbal teas can relieve bloating. They work by relaxing the muscles of the gastrointestinal tract and increasing the circulation of gas throughout the body.