How to Get Rid of Gas Immediately? 7 Ways for Trapped Gas

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Reviewed by Brittany Ferri, PhD

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Stomach gas is a common problem that can be brought on by a variety of factors, including certain foods, swallowing air, and even mental or emotional stress. Because of the pain or inconvenience that gas can cause, many people seek immediate treatment. The good news is that there are several time-tested methods for quickly removing gas from the stomach, which should help relieve any pain or swelling. Active methods include taking over-the-counter medications or herbal supplements, whereas passive methods include adjusting one’s posture and breathing. Some people seek medical attention right away when they have serious or persistent gas problems, while others prefer to try home remedies first. Understanding the causes of stomach gas and using quick relief methods can significantly improve a person’s digestive health while also reducing discomfort and bloating[1]. Some of the most effective gas relief treatments are covered in this article, as well as some precautions you can take to avoid getting gas in the first place.

7 Ways To Remove Gas From Stomach Instantly

The following are some quick remedies for stomach gas:

  • Take a walk: Intestinal gas can be painful, but walking or moving around may help move it along and relieve the pain.
  • Over-the-counter medications: sometimes, medications such as simethicone, may provide immediate relief from gas symptoms.
  • Peppermint: Peppermint can help with gas because it contains components found naturally in the body that help relax the digestive tract’s muscles. Peppermint tea or oil might be beneficial.
  • Heat therapy: Placing a heating pad or hot water bottle on the stomach can help relieve gas pain.
  • Warm drinks:  Drinks such as herbal tea or warm water with lemon juice, can help calm the digestive tract and relieve gas.
  • Avoid certain foods: Gas formation is common after eating foods such as beans, lentils, cabbage, onions, and carbonated beverages. By avoiding these foods, you can reduce stomach gas.
  • Eat slowly: Gas formation in the stomach can be avoided by eating slowly and thoroughly, reducing the amount of air swallowed.
how to remove gas from stomach instantly

Symptoms Of Trapped Gas

Trapped gas symptoms vary from person to person, but the following are some of the most common:

  • Abdominal pain: Sharp or mild pain in the lower abdomen is a common symptom of irritable bowel syndrome[2].
  • Flatulence: You could have flatulence, which is when you feel the need to pass gas but are unable to, or you could pass gas more frequently than usual.
  • Nausea: You may feel nauseated if the gas is accompanied by indigestion or acid reflux.
  • Bloating: Bloating is defined by a feeling of a full or enlarged stomach, as well as the perception of excess gas in the digestive tract.
  • Changes in bowel habits: Functional bowel disorders[3] such as functional diarrhea, IBS, functional constipation, or changes in stool consistency are common symptoms of trapped gas
  • Belching: The brief relief from discomfort that occurs as a result of belching can be significant.

Causes Of Trapped Gas In Your Stomach

Stomach gas can be caused by a variety of factors, including:

  • When you consume foods high in dietary gas: Beans, lentils, broccoli, cabbage, onions, and carbonated sodas, among other foods and drinks, can cause painful gas and bloating in the digestive tract.
  • Swallowing air while eating or drinking quickly, chewing gum, or smoking can all cause stomach pain and gas.
  • Gas in the stomach can also be caused by stomach diseases such as inflammatory bowel disease, peptic ulcers, and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)[4].
  • IBS stands for irritable bowel syndrome. This common digestive issue can result in gas, bloating, and stomach pain.
  • Constipation, which occurs when stool accumulates in the colon[5], can result in trapped gas and pain.

Even though gas and bloating are fairly common and rarely require medical attention, you should see a doctor if they occur frequently or are severe.

Best Home Remedies To Remove Gas In Your Stomach

Peppermint Tea

Because chamomile tea contains peppermint, it is an effective natural cure for bloating and gas. Peppermint’s menthol has antispasmodic properties, calming digestive system muscles and decreasing gas. When drunk following a meal, peppermint tea can alleviate flatulence.

Fennel Seeds

A popular herbal cure for flatulence and indigestion[6] is fennel seeds. Certain antispasmodic chemicals, such as anethole, serve to relax the muscles of the digestive tract. After each meal, take one teaspoon of fennel seeds to prevent intestinal flatulence.

Ginger

Ginger is an additional natural treatment for gas and bloating. Ginger’s anti-inflammatory characteristics make it an effective remedy for digestive disorders and pain. By sipping ginger tea or chewing on fresh ginger, flatulence can be promptly alleviated.

Activated Charcoal

Activated charcoal is a safe and efficient natural therapy for decreasing gas in the digestive tract[7]. Use a capsule containing activated charcoal thirty minutes prior to eating to prevent extra gas.

Apple Cider Vinegar

Apple cider vinegar improves digestion and prevents gas formation. 30 minutes before each meal, consume a glass of warm water with one teaspoon of apple cider vinegar to prevent bloating and flatulence.

Things To Drink When Having Trapped Gas

A few drinks can help relieve stomach pain caused by gas. Here are a few possibilities:

Water

Water can help relieve bloating by removing gas from the digestive system. In order to stay hydrated, it is recommended that people with uncomfortable gas drink eight or more glasses of water every day.

Warm Lemon Water

Because lemons contain citric acid, drinking warm water with lemon may aid digestion and relieve flatulence. Some people believe that drinking a warm glass of lemon water first thing in the morning will help to stimulate the digestive tract.

Ginger Root Tea

Ginger root tea is another herb that has been scientifically proven[8] to aid digestion. It can aid in the relief of flatulence and inflammation.

Chamomile Tea

To relieve gas and bloating, drink chamomile tea. In studies[9], peppermint has been shown to help relax the muscles of the digestive tract. If consumed after a meal, peppermint tea may help reduce gas production.

Fennel Tea

Fennel-seed tea is popular because it contains chemicals that relax the muscles in the digestive tract and relieve gas and bloating. Drink fennel tea if you feel bloated after eating.

Prevent Trapped Gas In Your Stomach

Trapped gas in the stomach causes pain, discomfort, and bloating. To avoid the discomfort of intestinal gas[10], take the following precautions:

Eat Slowly

If you eat too quickly, you may experience bloating and gas; therefore, eat slowly. Take your time, and enjoy every bite.

Stay Hydrated

Drink plenty of water to keep your digestive system running smoothly and to avoid the buildup of unpleasant gas.

Avoid Chewing Gums or Drinking Carbonated Drinks

Chewing gum can cause air to be swallowed and trapped gas to be produced. In addition carbonated beverages such as soda can also lead to trapped gas and should be avoided to avoid stomach gas.

Regular Exercise

Daily exercise will keep your digestive system healthy, preventing bloating and gas.

Avoid Straws 

Straws lead to excessive air intake can result in gas collection.

Avoid Certains Foods

Eating foods that are known to cause flatulence may also lead to trapped gas. Beans, broccoli, cabbage, and onions are some foods to avoid because they produce gas. 

Conclusion

To summarize, stomach gas is unpleasant and frequently painful, but there are several ways to quickly alleviate the symptoms. Aside from avoiding gas-producing foods, you can try over-the-counter antacids or gas relief medications, gentle exercise or yoga postures that promote digestion, heat therapy such as a warm compress or heating pad, and consulting a doctor. If your gas symptoms are severe or persistent, however, you should see a doctor for a proper diagnosis and treatment.

Frequently Asked Questions

How and why does gas become trapped?

Trapped gas occurs when an abnormal amount of gas accumulates in the digestive system and is unable to escape.

What are common symptoms of trapped gas?

Bloating, abdominal pain, flatulence, belching, and pain or pressure in the belly can all be symptoms of trapped gas.

What is the best way to eliminate trapped gas?

Drinking hot water or herbal tea, going for a walk, doing some light exercise, massaging the stomach, or taking over-the-counter gas relief medication can help relieve trapped gas quickly.

How can I get trapped gas to move through my system naturally?

Drinking ginger tea, taking probiotics, taking peppermint oil capsules, and doing deep breathing exercises are all natural ways to get rid of flatulence.

Can you fix stale air with over-the-counter medications?

Most home remedies for trapped gas are safe, but if you have a health problem or are taking medication, consult your doctor first.

What digestive conditions may lead to gas and associated bloating?

The most common are irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), and lactose intolerance.

Is it true that stress causes gas to become stuck?

Stress can cause the digestive system to malfunction, causing more gas to be produced, which can then become trapped.

How long does trapped gas last?

Most trapped gas symptoms resolve within a few hours and are treatable at home or with over-the-counter medications. 

+ 10 sources

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  1. Hasler, W.L. (2006). Gas and Bloating. Gastroenterology & hepatology, [online] 2(9), pp.654–662. Available at: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5350578/ [Accessed 28 Feb. 2023].
  2. Seo, A.Y., Kim, N. and Oh, D.H. (2013). Abdominal Bloating: Pathophysiology and Treatment. Journal of Neurogastroenterology and Motility, [online] 19(4), pp.433–453. doi:https://doi.org/10.5056/jnm.2013.19.4.433.
  3. Hasler, W.L. (2006). Gas and Bloating. Gastroenterology & hepatology, [online] 2(9), pp.654–662. Available at: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5350578/ [Accessed 28 Feb. 2023].
  4. Hasler, W.L. (2006). Gas and Bloating. Gastroenterology & hepatology, [online] 2(9), pp.654–662. Available at: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5350578/ [Accessed 28 Feb. 2023].
  5. Cleveland Clinic. (2020). Gas and Gas Pain: Causes, Symptoms, Management & Prevention. [online] Available at: https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/7314-gas-and-gas-pain [Accessed 28 Feb. 2023].
  6. Medlineplus.gov. (2014). Gas. [online] Available at: https://medlineplus.gov/gas.html [Accessed 28 Feb. 2023].
  7. Hopkinsmedicine.org. (2022). Gas in the Digestive Tract. [online] Available at: https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/gas-in-the-digestive-tract [Accessed 28 Feb. 2023].
  8. Hasler, W.L. (2006). Gas and Bloating. Gastroenterology & hepatology, [online] 2(9), pp.654–662. Available at: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5350578/ [Accessed 28 Feb. 2023].
  9. Alammar, N., Wang, L., Saberi, B., Nanavati, J., Holtmann, G., Shinohara, R.T. and Mullin, G.E. (2019). The impact of peppermint oil on the irritable bowel syndrome: a meta-analysis of the pooled clinical data. BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine, [online] 19(1). doi:https://doi.org/10.1186/s12906-018-2409-0.
  10. Cleveland Clinic. (2020). Gas and Gas Pain: Causes, Symptoms, Management & Prevention. [online] Available at: https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/7314-gas-and-gas-pain [Accessed 28 Feb. 2023].

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Teresa Mboci
Pediatric Nurse, Nutritionist, and Wellness Author
A dedicated pediatric nurse with a passion for nutrition and wellness, Teresa has made it her mission to empower families with the tools and knowledge they need to promote optimal health and well-being in their children. With over 8 years of experience in the healthcare field and a background in nutrition, Teresa brings a unique perspective to the challenges facing families today. In her role as a pediatric nurse, Teresa has seen firsthand the impact that diet and lifestyle can have on a child's health, and in her writing, she shares her expertise and insights with a broader audience. Whether through her books, articles, or speaking engagements, Teresa is committed to helping families navigate the complexities of pediatric health and wellness with confidence and compassion.

ABOUT MEDICAL REVIEWER

Brittany is the owner of a writing and consulting company called Simplicity of Health. She has written over 350 pieces of patient-facing content, published 4 books, created over 30 continuing education courses, and medically reviewed countless pieces of content for accuracy. Her media appearances include being quoted as a health expert in WebMD, Healthline, NBCNews, and Forbes.
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