What Do Upper And Lower Abdominal Pain Signify
If the pain is coming from higher up in your stomach, it could be caused by acid reflux or an ulcer. You might also have heartburn and belching and the pain may either be made worse or relieved by food.
If you feel pain right across your stomach area or low down, its probably coming from your bowel. You may also have bloating and wind. If your stomach cramps have started recently and you also have diarrhoea, the cause is probably gastroenteritis. If you are very ill for example, with chills or a fever you may have a more serious condition, such as food poisoning.
Other Tips To Release Gas From Stomach
There are several other things that may help naturally release built-up gas from your system, and they all involve moving your body. Taking a walk is a form of mild exercise that can help massage the gut, helping gas pass more quickly. Laying on your side and drawing your knees up to your chest puts a gentle pressure on your intestines and helps release trapped gas. Lastly, simply squatting down until your bottom is almost at the floor may also help relieve gas anatomically speaking, as this position perfectly aligns the digestive system, relaxing the puborectalis muscle and straightening the rectum.
When It’s Not An Emergency
If your stomach pain is not severe, persistent, or associated with concerning symptoms like those already discussed, it is likely to resolve on its own. Abdominal pain is usually caused by minor problems such as constipation, trapped gas, or eating something that didn’t agree with you, like a high dairy meal or a spice that you aren’t used to.
Waiting a few hours, having a bowel movement, or passing gas usually helps. There are a few things you can do so that you can be more comfortable and to help relieve your symptoms as your pain resolves:
- Limit yourself to clear liquids for a few hours.
- If you experience vomiting and/or diarrhea, stick with the BRAT diet and other mild foods until your symptoms start to subside.
- Avoid foods that are tough on the digestive system, such as food that is high in fat, fried foods, spicy foods, and drinks containing alcohol or caffeine.
- Try an over-the-counter antacid or gas-relieving product.
- Try to have a bowel movement. Often, eating raw fruit, vegetables, beans, or high-fiber cereal can help.
- Use a hot water bottle or heating pad. This may help to soothe your pain. Place the pad on your abdomen for half-hour intervals and be sure to use a towel under the pad to protect your skin.
Your symptoms may completely improve within one to two days. If they do not, call your doctor’s office for advice.
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Here Are 9 Ways To Relieve Gas Pain
Since youre probably extremely curious about how to relieve gas pain, we hate to break it to you: There isnt one magic pill that will immediately get rid of any painful gas you may be experiencing. Figuring out how to cure gas is the holy grail for us, Dr. Staller says. There are, however, a few tricks you can try to either make the gas go away or, at the very least, make yourself feel better.
Ginger Tea As A Stomach Pain Remedy
The anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties of ginger neutralize excess acids that cause stomach pain.
Drinking ginger tea may help to stimulate proper digestion by promoting the production of digestive juices while fighting harmful free radicals that cause disease.
Drink two to three cups of ginger tea daily.
- Cut one medium-sized ginger root into thin slices.
- Add the ginger to one cup of boiling water and boil for three minutes.
- Lower heat and simmer for five minutes.
- Strain and add honey for flavor.
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Symptoms Of Stomach Gas
Accumulation of excessive gas in the digestive system may present as:
- Increased frequency of passing gas
- Belching
- Jabbing pain felt in the chest
- Tightness felt in the abdomen
- Loss of appetite
It is not uncommon for flatulence to be confused with more serious abdominal pain conditions like gallstones and appendicitis. These ailments, however, tend to be more painful than the typical bloated feeling of holding in gas. Positions to release gas from the stomach may be a good first step when deciding whether its time to seek professional help.
Yoga Positions To Relieve Gas
Performing yoga can be a great way to stretch the stomach and help the body release unwanted gas. Excessive gas can be uncomfortable and embarrassing in the wrong setting. By doing some of the following yoga poses, you will compress and massage the digestive tract, helping release any trapped gas and reduce bloating. Positions to relieve gas and bloating include:
Wind-removing pose Designed specifically for releasing trapped gas from the digestive system
- Begin by lying on your back with your legs extended
- Bend your right knee and wrap your hands around your shin, just below the knee cap
- Pull the knee into your chest toward your right shoulder, keeping your elbows close to your sides and your shoulder blade on the floor
- Take several deep belly breaths
- Release and switch sides, repeating the same steps
- Lastly, pull both knees into your chest and wrap your arms around your shins and take several deep belly breaths
Supine twist Pose combining torso rotations and deep belly breathing
- Lie down on your back with your legs extended and arms out in a T shape
- Bend your right knee and bring it up toward the chest
- While keeping both shoulder blades on the ground, let your knee drop over toward your left side
- Turn your head to the right
- Take several deep belly breaths
- Switch and repeat on opposite side
Cat-cow pose A pose that is great for constipation relief
Happy baby
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Causes Of Stomach Gas
Gas can form in the body in two ways: either by swallowing air while we eat or from the breakdown and fermentation of food in the colon by gut bacteria.
Substances that dont get absorbed in the intestines go into the colon, where they are acted upon by bacteria, releasing gas, says Douglas A. Drossman, a gastroenterologist and president at the center for education and practice of biopsychosocial care.
When the gut bacteria get a hold of partially digested food, such as plant fiber, sugar, and gluten, it begins the process of gas formation. Certain food tends to produce more gas than others, such as beans, cabbage, onions, and cauliflower. Fatty foodsdue to their slower digestionallow the bacteria more time to produce gas, and high fiber food also behaves similarly. Eating too quickly, carbonated beverages, and even smoking can all contribute to gas formation.
There are also certain medical conditions that cause bloating and increased flatulence. These include GI infections, IBS, celiac disease, and lactose intolerance.
Gas: Whats Normal And What Isnt
7 min Read Time
Everyone burps and passes gas. Some do these things more often than others. It can be loud and sometimes smelly, but gas is a normal part of the digestive process even if its uncomfortable or embarrassing.
Understanding what causes gas can help you feel less self-conscious and find some relief. Its also important to recognize when gas, bloating and belly pain are actually warning signs of a more serious health condition, according to Brian van der Linden, MD, an HCA Healthcare gastroenterologist.
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Home Remedies For Severe Gas Pain
Many people joke about intestinal gas and its noisy aftermath, but there’s nothing funny about severe gas pain. Sometimes this pain can be so severe, the related symptoms may feel like a heart attack or severe intestinal disorder. The pain related to excess gas, which is typically caused by swallowed air or intestinal gas production, will improve in time, but can be more quickly remedied using over-the-counter medications and other home remedies. There are also several steps you can take to avoid gas buildup.
If you are experiencing serious medical symptoms, seek emergency treatment immediately.
Consider If Dairy Is Actually The Culprit
If you’re currently in the fetal position dealing with gas pain, think back to how much cheese, milk, and ice cream you had recentlyeven if you don’t think you’re lactose intolerant. You can spend years having zero issues when you drink a venti latte in the A.M., followed by a grilled cheese sandwich at lunchuntil you suddenly do.
As most people age, they start making less lactase, an enzyme that breaks down lactose, the sugar in dairy products, Dr. Staller says. This is one cause of lactase deficiency and lactose intolerance. As your digestive systems bacteria try to break down lactose without enough lactase to do the job, you may experience annoying symptoms like more painful gas than usual.
Many people in their 20s and 30s have symptoms and dont suspect that its the dairy products, Dr. Staller says. If you think dairy is behind your painful gas, try cutting it out for a few weeks and see where that gets you.
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Give Volumetrics A Try
Volumetrics is a way to eat that focuses on filling up on low calorie, high fiber foods like non-starchy vegetables.
Consuming foods that are low in calories and high in fiber and water before meals can help you feel full, which might decrease overeating.
Examples of volumetrics-friendly foods include grapefruit, salad greens, broccoli, beans, tomatoes, and low-sodium broth.
Eating a large salad or bowl of low-sodium, broth-based soup before lunch and dinner may be an effective way to prevent overeating.
Summary Use the volumetrics method of eating fill up on healthy, low-calorie, high-fiber foods to help promote feeling full.
Gas Pain After Surgery: Why It Happens And How To Relieve It
I am a board-certified anesthesiologist in Lake Tahoe, California. I write from the perspective of both a doctor and a patient.
If youve had surgery before, you may have experienced gas pain as one of the post-operative side effects. Indeed, the number of questions about this topic I get as a board-certified anesthesiologist suggest that many people suffer fromand seek relief fromthis type of pain.
There are two common types of gas pain that may occur after surgery. They are quite different from one another, but they are both bothersome. The two types are:
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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.
Intraperitoneal Gas Pain Relief
Intraperitoneal gas pain results when gas becomes trapped in the abdominal cavity and is usually the result of laparoscopic surgery. While this kind of gas pain may be unpleasant, laparoscopic surgery is a minimally invasive surgical procedure that typically has a shorter recovery time with less overall pain.
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Bloating Belching And Intestinal Gas: How To Avoid Them
Bloating, belching, gas and gas pains can be embarrassing and uncomfortable. Here’s what causes these signs and symptoms and how you can prevent them.
Making lifestyle changes may help reduce or relieve excess gas and gas pain:
- Try smaller portions. Many of the foods that can cause gas are part of a healthy diet. So, try eating smaller portions of problem foods to see if your body can handle a smaller portion without creating excess gas.
- Eat slowly, chew your food thoroughly and don’t gulp. If you have a hard time slowing down, put down your fork between each bite.
- Avoid chewing gum, sucking on hard candies and drinking through a straw. These activities can cause you to swallow more air.
- Check your dentures. Poorly fitting dentures can cause you to swallow excess air when you eat and drink.
- Don’t smoke. Cigarette smoking can increase the amount of air you swallow.
- Exercise. Physical activity may help move gas through the digestive tract.
The Mayo Clinic Book of Home Remedies provides answers you need to take care of common health problems on your own. This reference covers 120 of todays common health problems in an easy-to-follow, A-to-Z format. Learn what you can do for yourself and when to seek medical attention.
Medicated Ways To Get Rid Of Gas Pains:
1.Antacid:
Take antacid after 30 minutes of eating helps in preventing the apparition of gas pains. If you already have the symptoms of gas pains, you can take two tablespoons of liquid antacid or chew an antacid tablet in order to relief yourself from the gas pain.
2.Antibiotics:
Antibiotics are only to be taken after seeing a doctor for your discomfort. In the case of acute gas pains, your doctor may prescribe suitable antibiotics for your stomach issues.
3.Other ways to get rid of gas pain:
1.Release the Air:
Once you feel gas pain, one of the first things you should do is find a private place such as a bathroom to release the gas. It is better that you shouldnt do it in public. This generally provides rapid relief.
2.Eat Slowly:
It is medically recommended that you eat slowly in order to prevent air from getting into your stomach. Doctors also recommend chewing food carefully and correctly, in order to prevent gas from forming in your intestine.
3.Exercise Daily:
Exercising helps your digestive system function correctly by making it work faster and more effectively. Even if you dont like or dont have time to exercise, walking for at least half an hour everyday willprovide great benefits for your digestive system.
4.Avoid Carbonated Beverages:
Carbonated drinks such as sodas are known to be one of the most common causes of gas pains.It is recommended that you avoid drinking such beverages in order to prevent such pains from appearing.
6.Use a Heating Pad:
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What Even Causes Gas Pain
Why does gas sometimes hurt so bad that you want to cry and check yourself into the ER? Good question. There are a few main causes of gas to keep in mind:
1. Youre swallowing a lot of air: We touched on this above, but its worth emphasizing as a gas pain cause. While its unlikely that youre actually trying to suck down a bunch of oxygen, certain habits like regularly using a straw, drinking a lot of carbonated beverages, eating too quickly, and chewing gum can cause you to take in more air than normal. When this causes gas, its typically via burping, since the air comes back up before it can go all the way to your stomach.
2. Youre eating foods youre sensitive to: Your stomach and small intestine dont entirely break down certain carbohydrates you eat, so they end up getting to your large intestine intact, according to NIDDK. There, bacteria make gas as they process these undigested sugars, fibers, and starches. Certain foods, like dairy products and cruciferous vegetables such as Brussels sprouts, are more likely to cause gas than others, but everyones triggers are different.
3. You have a health condition: Gas can happen if you have health conditions that affect your digestive system, like irritable bowel syndrome, ulcerative colitis, or Crohns disease, or bacterial overgrowth in the small intestine, according to the Mayo Clinic.
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
- Read labels
- Temporarily cut back on high-fiber foods
These 23 natural remedies can help you finally get relief from embarrassing gas and painful bloating.
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Emily Lunardo studied medical sociology at York University with a strong focus on the social determinants of health and mental illness. She is a registered Zumba instructor, as well as a Canfit Pro trainer, who teaches fitness classes on a weekly basis. Emily practices healthy habits in her own life as well as helps others with their own personal health goals. Emily joined Bel Marra Health as a health writer in 2013.
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What About The Symptoms Of Gas Pain In Particular
So, about that last symptom on the list up there. For the most part, your GI tract is efficient at getting rid of gas, Kyle Staller, M.D., M.P.H., a gastroenterologist at Massachusetts General Hospital, tells SELF. Sometimes you might not even notice it, or it might make its presence known with a harmless burp or fart. But other times, gas can cause spasms and distension in your GI tract during the digestive process, which can be pretty painful, Jamile Wakim-Fleming, M.D., a gastroenterologist at the Cleveland Clinic, tells SELF.
Pain can obviously come in a lot of different forms. Gas pain in particular, however, can include abdominal cramps and the feeling of knots in your stomach, the Mayo Clinic explains. Depending on the location, it can even be easy to mistake gas pain for other health conditions. For instance, Johns Hopkins Medicine says gas pain that shows up on your right side might feel similar to gallstones or appendicitis.