When To See A Doctor For Bloating
If you have an occasional bout of bloating, its probably nothing to worry about, especially if youre pretty sure you know the cause. For example, if you know that your diet is often the culprit, you could start by eliminating gas-producing foods like beans. You could also cut back on the carbonated drinks.
But if youve tried eliminating the factors that tend to cause bloating for you without experiencing any relief, that may be a sign that its time to consult your doctor. If you have a red flag, dont sit on it, says Dr. Farhadi.
More serious causes of bloating may include:
- Uterine fibroids
- Irritable bowel syndrome
- Celiac disease
These medical conditions may require other more intensive treatments. So, if you experience bloating along with persistent or severe pain, severe diarrhea, or unexplained weight loss, those are reasons that justify a call to your doctor, says Dr. Farhadi. Thats especially true if you have a close relative with a history of gastrointestinal disease or colon cancer.
Women may also want to keep a lookout for symptoms like abnormal vaginal bleeding and vaginal discharge, says Dr. Dweck. Pain during sex and urinary tract infections also should be evaluated by a healthcare professional.
Ajwain Or Carom Seeds
Ajwain or the carom seeds are effective in treating the gas problem. Thymol present in the carom seeds triggers release of gastric juices, which help in proper digestion of the food.
Carom seeds
Method: Take half a teaspoon of carom seeds and gulp it down with a cup of water. Do this once a day to get relief from gas. .
Use Clinical Tests To Dig Deeper
Clinical tests can reveal crucial information. There are many different kinds of infections that can bloat your bellyincluding H. pylori, parasites, or pathogenic bacteriathat your doctor can test for.
But there may be other reasons for bloating that the NHS doesnt currently test for, such as dysbiosis . A SIBO hydrogen breath test or lactose intolerance test could also be useful .
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How To Prevent Gas
Gas pain can just be a nuisance or be due to a medical condition such as celiac disease or irritable bowel syndrome, possibly requiring the aid of a medical professional. But in general, preventing gas pain is something that can be prevented by altering lifestyle habits and diet. The following are some tips you can start doing today to prevent stomach pain:
- Stop chewing gum, as you tend to swallow more air doing so
- Avoid smoking
- Chew with your mouth closed to avoid swallowing excess air
- Cut out gas triggering foods from your diet
- Avoid straws, as they are sucking a lot of air in as well
- Incorporate more exercise into your daily routine
- Avoid the consumption of carbonated beverages and food known to cause stomach upset
- Eat fewer fatty foods
Apple Cider Vinegar And Water
Apple cider vinegar is another remedy for flatulence. It treats gas and soothes stomach. It is advisable to use apple cider vinegar for the remedy but if you do not have it, you can use regular vinegar.
Apple cider vinegar
Method: Take a glass of warm water and add two teaspoons of apple cider vinegar to it. Drink it once a day, preferably in the morning.
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What Natural Or Home Remedies Help Soothe And Get Rid Of Intestinal Gas And Gas Pain
- Eliminating sugars: If there is maldigestion of specific sugarslactose, sorbitol, or fructosethe offending sugars can be eliminated from the diet. In the case of lactose in milk, an alternative treatment is available. People with lactose intolerance can add enzymes that are similar to intestinal lactase to the milk prior to drinking it in order to break down the lactose into glucose and galactose so that it can be absorbed normally. Some people find that yogurt, in which the lactose has been broken down partially by bacteria, produces less gas than milk.
- Eliminating certain vegetables and fruits: There also are certain types of vegetables and fruits that contain types of starches that are poorly digested by people but well digested by bacteria. These include beans, lentils, cabbage, Brussels sprouts, onions, carrots, apricots, and prunes. Reducing the intake of these vegetables and fruits, as well as foods made from whole grains, should reduce gas and flatulence. However, the list of gas-producing foods is rather long, and it may be difficult to eliminate them all without severely restricting the diet.
Prevention Tips: Limit Gas
Certain foods can lead to abnormal amounts of intestinal gas production. If you have lactose intolerance, limit or avoid milk and other products that contain cow’s milk, or use lactase drops or pills to improve digestion of these foods. Limit or avoid foods sweetened with sugar alcohols — such as sorbitol or mannitol — as these are also known to cause intestinal gas. If you need guidance on which foods to avoid and how to manage your diet to avoid gas-forming foods, ask your doctor for a referral to a dietitian.
- Certain foods can lead to abnormal amounts of intestinal gas production.
- If you have lactose intolerance, limit or avoid milk and other products that contain cow’s milk, or use lactase drops or pills to improve digestion of these foods.
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Here Are Some Home Remedies To Treat The Gas Problem
The thought of passing gas at an inappropriate time and in front of people is among the worst fears. Gas is one of the most common and embarrassing health issues. Although it is not a disease and is part of the normal digestion process, gassy stomach can be a painful condition. It can lead to bloating, stomach pain, stomach cramps and heaviness. This condition of gas accumulating in the digestive system is known as flatulence and it happens when you swallow air while drinking or eating. The digestive system produces excessive intestinal gas, which is a mixture of oxygen, carbon dioxide, methane and hydrogen, when the amount of stomach acid is not sufficient for the digestion. Other reasons for gas include eating spicy food, not chewing the food properly, stress, digestive disorder, bacterial infection and excessive drinking. Excessive gas leads to problems like belching, burping, gas and discomfort. Here are some home remedies to get rid of the gas and bloating. .Also Read – Pregnancy Tips: Common Mistakes Women Should Avoid During Pregnancy For A Safer Delivery – Watch Video
Limit Foods And Drinks That Give You Gas
Moderating foods and drinks that make you gassy can also help stave off back pain. Per the Mayo Clinic and the Cleveland Clinic, some common culprits include:
- High-fiber foods like beans, fruits and whole grains
- Cruciferous vegetables like cabbage, cauliflower, broccoli, Brussels sprouts and asparagus
- Fermented foods like kombucha or kimchi
- Dairy products if you’re lactose intolerant
- Sugar substitutes and artificial sweeteners
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Garlic With Black Pepper And Cumin Seeds
Garlic is another option to treat the gas problem. It contains healing property and helps in proper digestion. Add garlic to your meals and soups to reduce the formation of gas.
Garlic and black pepper
Method: Take a cup of water and boil it. Now, take a few cloves of garlic and grind it. Add the ground garlic into the water. Add a few black pepper corns and cumin seeds. Let it boil for coupel of minutes and then take it off the fire. Strain the drink and let it cool. Drink this thrice day.
Fast Facts About Trapped Gas
- About 5 percent of emergency room visits are because of abdominal pain.
- On average, your colon produces 1 to 4 pints of gas a day.
- Passing gas
Certain home remedies for relieving trapped gas work better for some people than others. You may have to experiment to see what works best and fastest for you. Most of the evidence behind these home remedies is anecdotal.
Here are some quick ways to expel trapped gas, either by burping or passing gas.
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Stomach Gas Buildup Can Be Extremely Discomforting And Sometimes Embarrassing Don’t Worry Remedies Like Honey Ginger And Others Can Provide Instant Relief
Having stomach gas is normal and healthy, as it is a byproduct of the human digestive system. On average, a person can pass anywhere from a pint to 2 quarts of gas per day. Most gas, trapped in the body, is expelled via burping. The rest is absorbed by the small intestine and released through the rectum. Various problems occur when gas is not expelled properly from the body. This can result in bloating of the abdomen, nausea, abdominal pain and an acidic taste in the mouth. All these symptoms can be extremely discomforting and will need some relief. To rid yourself of stomach gas problems, the underlying cause should be understood, and appropriate medications and remedies should be used.
Medical Conditions That Cause Gas
Some medical conditions can increase intestinal gas, gas pains, or bloating including:
- Intestinal diseases chronic intestinal diseases like Crohnâs disease, ulcerative colitis, and diverticulitis can cause excess gas.
- Overgrowth of bacteria A change or increase in small intestine bacteria may cause excess gas, weight loss, or diarrhea.
- Food intolerance some food intolerances can cause excess intestinal gas. This is caused by an inability to properly break down the sugar in dairy products or gluten .
- Constipation It may be difficult to pass gas when experiencing constipation.
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What Questions Should I Ask My Doctor
You may want to ask your healthcare provider:
- Could a medical condition be making me gassy?
- What tests can determine the cause of intestinal gas?
- What steps can I take to cut down on intestinal gas?
- What foods or drinks should I avoid?
- Whats the best treatment for my gas symptom?
- How can I tell the difference between gas and something more serious?
- Should I look out for signs of complications?
A note from Cleveland Clinic
While intestinal gas is common, the symptoms belching, flatulence, bloating and stomach discomfort can be embarrassing and even painful. Gas is sometimes a symptom of a more serious health problem. Talk to your healthcare provider about your concerns. The right treatment can ease gas symptoms so you can go about your day in confidence.
Last reviewed by a Cleveland Clinic medical professional on 09/11/2020.
References
How Do You Unblock Your Intestines
By increasing the pressure within your intestines, air or fluid enemas may assist relieve obstructions. For those who are too unwell to undergo surgery, a stent is a safe alternative. Its inserted into your gut by your doctor to push the intestines open. A stent may be all that is required in certain cases.
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When To Call Your Healthcare Provider
Some kinds of stomach pain need immediate attention. With others, you can call or visit your healthcare provider. It can be hard to know what you should do. Listen to your body and trust your instincts if you’re not sure.
If you have any of these symptoms along with stomach pain, call your healthcare provider within one to two days:
- Fever for three days or longer
- Loss of appetite
- Pain that gets worse or doesn’t get better within one or two days
You should also call your healthcare provider if you have stomach pain while you are being treated for cancer.
What Is The Treatment For Excessive Gas
The treatment for gas, belching, and bloating is determined by the source of the excess gas. The doctor may advise you to change your diet and eating habits after reviewing your history.
The doctor may recommend the following treatment for excessive gas:
- Avoid smoking, chewing gum, and eating and drinking slowly to reduce the amount of air you swallow
- Avoid or limit foods that make you gassy
- Take over-the-counter digestive enzymes to aid in the digestion of carbohydrates in foods that create gas
- Take over-the-counter antacids, which will help you get rid of gas in the digestive tract
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Home Remedies That Help You Combat Stomach Gas:
Ginger: It is one of the well-known Ayurvedic solutions for gas problems. Sipping on ginger tea is beneficial, as ginger is known to be useful in the breaking up and expelling of intestinal gas.
Herbs: Many of the herbs help in the expulsion of gas and reduce bloating and distension. Some of the useful carminative herbs are ginger, cinnamon, fennel, basil and cumin.
Yogurt and Buttermilk: The use of probiotics like yogurt and buttermilk also helps in relieving gas and supports digestion. Probiotics are substances that contain good bacteria which are the natural inhabitants of our gut and are responsible for maintenance of its health.
Aloe Vera Juice: Aloe vera juice is a great home remedy for treating gas and associated pain significantly.
Papaya: Papaya is not only rich in anti-oxidants but also papain, an enzyme that aids the digestion of dietary proteins and prevents the formation of excessive gas in the stomach.
Take Some Deep Breaths
Deep breathing may help relieve gas. But this only tends to work if it’s something you practice regularly.
Since deep breathing from the diaphragm is so effective for reducing stress, it’s worth taking the time to learn how to do it. You can then use this breathing technique as needed for future gas attacks.
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Have Some Peppermint Oil Or Peppermint Tea
Its not just for your breathpeppermint can act as a spasmolytic, meaning it may help stop your intestines from spasming too much , says Dr. Staller. While this mechanism has mainly been studied in regard to irritable bowel syndrome, the muscle contractions in that disorder are the same ones that can make gas feel so terrible, he says.
Doctors arent totally sure whether its better to take peppermint in a capsule form or via something more standard like a mint or peppermint tea, so feel free to try whatever you have handy .
How To Get Rid Of Gas Pain
If youve 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.
Everyone gets gas on occasion. Its a natural byproduct of the bacteria in your intestines doing their job and breaking down the fibers, sugars and starches in the food you eat. Though gas pain is usually nothing serious, the discomfort can be intense.
Intestinal gas and its discomfort are likely to resolve on their own. Burping or passing gas through the rectum is usually enough to ease your physical discomfort.
Johns Hopkins gastroenterologist Hazel Marie Galon Veloso provides some perspective on bloating and gas cramps, including when to see a doctor.
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What Causes Gas To Get Trapped
Gas has both external and internal causes, according to Neil Gupta, MD, an associate professor of gastroenterology and regional director of digestive health at Loyola University Medical Center in Maywood, Illinois.
And when that gas gets stuck in your intestines, pain can ensue. “Trapped gas can cause cramping or bloating anywhere along your digestive system,” he says. “Gas pain can be felt in your upper back when is trapped in a part of your colon in the back of your abdomen called the retroperitoneum.”
Avoid Swallowing So Much Airseriously
Downing some water can be counterproductive if youre doing it in a way that will only lead to more gas. Until the pain abates, avoid habits that can lead to swallowing a ton of air, like taking big gulps of water at a time, using straws, drinking fizzy beverages, sucking your food down too quickly, talking a lot while eating, and chewing gum, Dr. Wakim-Fleming says.
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When You Can Manage Stomach Pain On Your Own
If your stomach pain is not severe or long-lasting, and if you’re not having symptoms like those mentioned above, the pain may go away on its own.
This pain is often caused by minor problems such as constipation, gas, or something you ate. Waiting a few hours, having a bowel movement, or passing gas may help.
Try taking these steps:
- Limit yourself to clear liquids for a few hours.
- If you have vomiting or diarrhea, stick with the BRAT diet. Eat mild foods until you feel better.
- Avoid foods that are hard to digest. Fatty, fried, or spicy foods can cause stomach pain. So can drinks containing alcohol or caffeine.
- Try an over-the-counter antacid or a product to relieve gas.
- Try to have a bowel movement. Eating raw fruit, vegetables, beans, or high-fiber cereal can help.
- Use a hot water bottle or heating pad. Place the pad on your abdomen for a half hour at a time, with a towel under the pad to protect your skin.
Your symptoms may improve within a day or two. If they do not, call your healthcare provider.
Severe Bloating And Ibd
Not to be mistaken for IBS, IBD stands for inflammatory bowel disease. The term is mainly used to describe two conditions: Crohns disease and ulcerative colitis.
Severe bloating and Crohns are often found together . If you have persistent bloating along with IBD symptoms like bloody stool, fever, dehydration and anaemia, take yourself to your GP right away.
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