Bloating is a feeling that your abdomen is distended or larger than normal, but it does not necessarily mean that it is. Gas (flatulence) also can be a problem if you are bloated. Common, less serious causes of bloating are eating too fast, too much, or too many fatty foods; swallowing air; pregnancy; and menstruation. Cancer and IBD (ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease) are examples the more serious causes of bloating. Examples of foods and drinks that cause bloating are high fiber foods if you don't eat them regularly; eventually the bloating and gassiness will resolve if you eat them on a regular basis; fatty greasy foods, dairy products (for example, cheese, ice cream, milk, and yogurt); foods high in salt (for example, processed, frozen, and canned foods), and artificial sweeteners.
Some doctors and other health care professionals recommend natural remedies like chamomile or peppermint tea, or pumpkin to relieve bloating. Examples of OTC medicine (medicine available without a prescription) and other products that may relieve bloating and gassiness are, Gas-X, Beano, Pepto Bismol, Metamucil, probiotics, and Ex-Lax for constipation associated with bloating. If you have persistent or severe gas and bloating, and if you have any of these symptoms see a doctor or other healthcare professional, shortness of breath, heart palpitations, chest pain, bloody diarrhea, fever, or if you think you are or may be pregnant.
FAQs
Pain, cramps or a knotted feeling in your abdomen. A feeling of fullness or pressure in your abdomen (bloating) An observable increase in the size of your abdomen (distention)
How do you get trapped gas out ASAP? ›
Here are some quick ways to expel trapped gas, either by burping or passing gas.
- Move around.
- Get a massage. Try gently massaging the painful spot, which can stimulate gas to move downward and out of the body. ...
- Do yoga poses. ...
- Drink more liquids. ...
- Try herbs. ...
- Try baking soda.
- Drink apple cider vinegar.
Pain, cramps or a knotted feeling in your abdomen. A feeling of fullness or pressure in your abdomen (bloating) An observable increase in the size of your abdomen (distention)
How long will trapped gas last? ›
While trapped gas may cause discomfort, it usually passes on its own after a few hours. Some people may be able to relieve pain due to trapped gas using natural remedies, certain body positions, or OTC medications. Avoiding known trigger foods or drinks can help prevent trapped gas from occurring.
Why am I so bloated but can't pass gas? ›
It is also possible to experience bloating without any release of gas. Factors such as hormonal imbalances, food intolerances, constipation, gut bacteria imbalances, large or small intestinal parasites and certain medications can all result in bloating without passing gas.
What relieves gas the fastest? ›
Methods to remove gas from the stomach instantly include gentle burping, consuming peppermint and ginger, engaging in gentle exercise, using a heating pad, and massaging the belly.
What position helps you release gas? ›
Movements that include forward bends, squats, knees to chest, twists, and bridges can help relieve trapped gas. Examples are child's pose, happy baby, downward-facing dog, and lying twists.
Which finger to press for stomach pain? ›
Inner gate point
To find it, place the hand palm up and use three fingers to measure roughly an inch down the wrist. The inner gate point is here, approximately in the center of the wrist. Practitioners recommend using the thumb of the other hand to firmly massage this pressure point to relieve nausea and stomach pain.
What side does trapped gas hurt? ›
Gas in the intestine causes pain for some people. When it collects on the left side of the colon, the pain can be confused with heart disease. When it collects on the right side of the colon, the pain may feel like the pain associated with gallstones or appendicitis.
How do you know if its trapped gas or something else? ›
Temporary discomfort and bloating could signal a normal buildup of gas, but excessive gas that's accompanied by abdominal pain, bloating or fullness, nausea or weight loss could be a warning sign of a more serious health issue – especially if you haven't made any significant changes to your diet or lifestyle.
There are several TUMS varieties. Standard TUMS do not help with gas. TUMS Chewy Bites with Gas Relief is the only version that alleviates gas pain and bloating. Calcium carbonate, one of the active ingredients in TUMS, may interact with other medications.
How do you relieve severe gas pains? ›
Placing a hot water bottle or heating pad on the abdomen can help relieve gas pain and discomfort. The warmth relaxes the muscles in the gut, helping gas to move through the intestines. Heat can also reduce the sensation of pain.
Does drinking hot water relieve gas? ›
The theory is that hot water can also dissolve and dissipate the food you've eaten that your body might have had trouble digesting. More research is needed to prove this benefit, though a 2016 study showed that warm water may have favorable effects on intestinal movements and gas expulsion after surgery.
What causes painful trapped wind? ›
Wind can be caused by eating too fast, which leads us to gulp down air, or by drinking fizzy drinks or eating when stressed. Wearing tight clothing around the waist can contribute to the problem, as can any change to your diet, for example going abroad.
How do you know if it's gas pain? ›
If you've ever experienced waves of sharp pain in your belly along with the feeling that your waistline is inflating like a balloon, you might be experiencing bloating and cramps due to intestinal gas.
Why do I feel like I have to fart but it wont come out? ›
Farts are trapped: If you feel like gas gets trapped inside of you and you cannot let it out, this is likely due to tightness of the pelvic floor muscles. The deep pelvic floor muscles sling around the rectum, and the anal sphincters are also part of the pelvic floor.
Is releasing trapped gas good? ›
It may help to hold a fart in until someone is alone, but it is healthy to pass the gas when the right time comes. For people having difficulty farting or dealing with gas pains, using certain positions, chewing gum, or drinking carbonated water may help release built-up gas and reduce bloating.
