Medicine
Fact-checked

At WiseGEEK, we're committed to delivering accurate, trustworthy information. Our expert-authored content is rigorously fact-checked and sourced from credible authorities. Discover how we uphold the highest standards in providing you with reliable knowledge.

Learn more...

How Do I Choose the Best Gas Pain Remedies?

Meshell Powell
Meshell Powell

Gas pain is a common medical ailment with several possible causes. While it is important to consult a doctor for an accurate diagnosis concerning the cause of the pain, there are several types of gas pain remedies available. Some of the most commonly used types of remedies include over-the-counter medications, dietary changes, and lifestyle modification. Each person responds differently, so choosing the best gas pain remedies on an individual basis is often a matter of trial and error.

Over-the-counter medications are often used as gas pain remedies. There are several different types of medications on the market, so it is likely that anyone suffering with gas pains can find something to help relieve symptoms. Products containing simethicone are particularly popular and work by breaking up gas bubbles and preventing excessive belching. Activated charcoal is available in tablet form and is designed to be taken both before and after meals. Lactase supplements may be helpful if the gas pains are due to lactose intolerance.

Activated charcoal can be taken before and after meals to deal with gas pain.
Activated charcoal can be taken before and after meals to deal with gas pain.

Certain foods may cause gas pain in some people. If this is the case, dietary changes may be among the most effective gas pain remedies. Foods such as broccoli, whole grains, and alcohol frequently cause excessive gas and discomfort. Fried foods and foods that have a high fat content may also lead to gas pain in some people. It may be helpful to eliminate some of the most common gas-producing foods, adding them slowly back to the diet as tolerated, in order to find out which foods cause this symptom for the individual in question.

Dietary changes may help relieve gas pain.
Dietary changes may help relieve gas pain.

Foods that are high in fiber content are known to cause excessive gas buildup in some people. Dairy allergies or intolerances may also lead to digestive problems, including gas pain. If painful gas becomes a chronic problem, a doctor should be consulted so that any serious illnesses or digestive disturbances can be diagnosed and treated properly.

A few lifestyle modification techniques may serve well as gas pain remedies. Eating while stressed is believed to aggravate symptoms in those who struggle with persistent gas pain. Relaxing and eating slowly may help to prevent flare-ups. If the patient wears dentures, it is important to make sure that the dentures fit properly so that excess air is not swallowed while eating. Smoking also increases the amount of air that is swallowed, so smokers who suffer with gas pain issues are frequently advised to stop smoking.

Discuss this Article

Post your comments
Login:
Forgot password?
Register:
    • Activated charcoal can be taken before and after meals to deal with gas pain.
      By: Africa Studio
      Activated charcoal can be taken before and after meals to deal with gas pain.
    • Dietary changes may help relieve gas pain.
      By: PictureP.
      Dietary changes may help relieve gas pain.
    • Smokers who suffer from gas pain issues are advised to stop.
      By: ra2 studio
      Smokers who suffer from gas pain issues are advised to stop.