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.
The Role Of Altered Abdominal And Diaphragmatic Muscle Function
CT and abdominal muscle electromyographic testing indicate that the reflex control of abdominal and diaphragmatic muscles is altered in patients who experience bloating, In response to an infusion of gas, healthy subjects exhibit diaphragmatic relaxation, costal expansion, and compensatory contraction of the upper rectus and external oblique abdominal muscles without changes in the lower abdominal muscle tone. In contrast, patients with bloating show a paradoxical contraction of the diaphragm and relaxation of the upper abdominal wall.,, The mechanism behind such disordered reflex function has not been fully elucidated. However, it has been postulated that abnormal behavioral responses occur as the result of subjective visceral hypersensitivity to gas distension.
Drink Lemon Water As A Quick Bloating Remedy
Lemon has a lot of health benefits. In the case of abdominal bloating, it can really do wonders to flatten your bloated stomach. Lemon water is very effective in curing bloating caused by Fluid retention. The main culprit behind the fluid retention can be account as excessive sodium. According to Mayo Clinic, Sodium attracts and holds a lot of water at molecular level which contributes to bloated stomach.
Drinking Lemon water hydrates your body. The adequate hydration will help in excreting out the excessive sodium from your body. It will further help relieving your stomach from bloating.
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Can Gas And Bloating Cause Headaches
It is possible that excessive gastrointestinal gas makes its way to your head and cause headaches.
Headaches provoked by abdominal bloating are mainly bought on by leguminous foods, such as beans, which are difficult to digest and are known to produce excessive gas that has nowhere to go. If your headache is set off by flatulence, it will automatically subside when the stomach bloating comes down.
How To Reduce Bloating
The best bloated stomach remedies depend on whats causing your bloating. Common causes include trapped wind, indigestion, food intolerances, irritable bowel syndrome , constipation and hormonal changes like the menopause. Read more about the causes of a bloated stomach.
Find below the many self-care measures you can try at home to relieve bloating.
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What Is A Bloated Stomach
A bloated stomach is first and foremost a feeling of tightness, pressure or fullness in your belly. It may or may not be accompanied by a visibly distended abdomen. The feeling can range from mildly uncomfortable to intensely painful. It usually goes away after a while, but for some people, its a recurring problem. Digestive issues and hormone fluctuations can cause cyclical bloating. If your bloated stomach doesnt go away, you should seek medical care to determine the cause.
When Should My Child See A Doctor
Many children recover from abdominal pain quickly and dont need to see a doctor.
Take your child to a doctor immediately or go to your nearest hospital emergency department if they:
- are in pain that goes on for longer than 24 hours or if youre worried about them
- have pain that is severe or debilitating even though they have taken pain medicine
- are hard to wake and are unwell
- vomit for more than 24 hours, or they are unable to keep any fluids down, refusing to drink any fluids and their vomit is green
- have blood in their poo or vomit
- are having trouble doing a wee
- have pain and lumps in the groin
- were recently injured for example, falling onto the handlebars of a bike
If your child is still a baby and they have fewer than 4 wet nappies per day, as well as their abdominal pain, you should take them to a doctor immediately or go to your nearest hospital emergency department.
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Stomach Bloating And Acid Reflux
Cells lining the stomach produce gastric acids and other compounds necessary to break down proteins and release nutrients for absorption. Under normal circumstances the production of stomach acids is controlled by bicarbonate which neutralizes excessive acids, also secreted by other cells in the stomach and mucus that protects the delicate lining from being damaged. At times those who consume high fat processed diets might experience acid reflux and other conditions caused by excessive production of gastric acids. High fat foods require copious amounts of acids to break down proteins to compensate for the lack of enzymes in the food itself. The unfortunate result is stomach bloating and acid reflux resulting from excessive gastric acids being pushed up the esophagus. Though acid reflux and bloating are entirely different conditions, they can occur at the same time. Patients suffering from acid reflux conditions may be prescribed acid neutralizing medications that unfortunately lead to too little gastric acids that are needed for proper digestion and stomach bloating symptoms. However, bad diet and lifestyle are not the only causes of acid reflux, among other conditions leading to that are hiatal hernia, pregnancy, smoking, alcoholism, being overweight and taking certain medications leading to gastric side effects. Today acid reflux is mostly managed by lifestyle modifications, diet restrictions, medications and even surgery in some cases.
Common Side Effects Of Fasting
Generally, fasting is harmless. The beneficial side of it weighs a lot more than the side effects. But a few side effects encircle around any kind of fasting.
According to your body type, they may differ from person to person. Some gain weight, some discover gastrointestinal problems, and a few can grow weak. Some of the side effects of fastings are as follows:
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Causes Of Bloating And Abdominal Pain
In some cases, abdominal pain and bloating are not a cause for concern and can often be relieved with simple dietary and lifestyle changes. Other times, abdominal bloating can be a sign of something more serious, and therefore further action is needed to treat the root of the problem.
Bloating is often a problem with digestion, and many things can affect gut health and the bodys ability to properly metabolize food and eliminate waste.
Gas is thought to be the most common cause of bloating, especially after eating a meal or drinking too fast. Gas builds up in the GI tract when you swallow air or when undigested food gets broken down.
Excessive gas is due to inadequate protein digestion, imbalances in gut bacteria, and the inability to fully break down carbohydrates and sugar.
This section will detail 32 potential causes of abdominal bloating and pain, which are often related to digestive disorders, food sensitivities, parasitic infections, bowel obstruction, hormonal changes like pregnancy, and a number of cancers like stomach cancer, ovarian cancer, or non-Hodgkins lymphoma.
Lets get started.
Coeliac Disease Food Intolerance & Ibs
Coeliac disease
Coeliac disease is a common autoimmune disorder where your small intestine cant absorb gluten found in wheat, barley or rye. Coeliac disease can trigger bloating, diarrhoea, abdominal pain and fatigue . If you think you may have coeliac disease, discuss it with your GP. They may recommend you have a blood test or a biopsy to check if you have it.
Food intolerance
The foods most commonly associated with intolerances are wheat, barley and rye products or dairy foods. If you think you might have a food intolerance, seek your GP’s advice. The best way to identify an intolerance is to keep track of how you feel when you cut certain foods out of your diet.
People with IBS generally experience bloating, especially in the evening. You can manage the condition by identifying and avoiding the foods that trigger symptoms, by managing everyday stress and taking regular exercise. Speak to your pharmacist or GP about treatment options suitable for you.
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Why Do Hemorrhoids Cause Gas
Since hemorrhoid and constipation itself is the worse version of the disease, it is necessary if the bloating and gas are also suffered by the patients.
Can hemorrhoids cause gas and bloating? Gas and bloating are produced by some types of foods for piles that particularly contain fat. Fat acid in those foods has a characteristic that stimulates the production of gas inside the stomach.
When the condition is continued, it causes hemorrhoids. Thats why some people may be suffered from hemorrhoids while having the gas problem as well. For this reason, also, fatty foods are considered one of the foods to avoid hemorrhoids. Some people afraid of hemorrhoids can cause cancer if left untreated.
Excess Gas Can Build Up
Gas is a normal part of digestion, but if it builds up in your intestines, it may cause bloating and pain. Gas happens when food that is not digested is broken down in your colon. This process produces methane and hydrogen, which you pass naturally as gas.
If you do experience bloating due to gas, modifying your food intake may help. Here are some common drinks and foods that can cause bloating:
- Foods high in fiber or fat
- Fried and spicy dishes
- Carbonated drinks, such as soda or beer
- Lactose found in milk, cheese and yogurts
Over-the-counter supplements can even trigger bloating.
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How Can I Prevent Abdominal Pain
- You can keep your gut healthy by eating lots of fruit and vegetables, as well as other foods high in fibre, such as whole grains and legumes. Find out more about healthy eating.
- You can reduce the chance of food poisoning and gut infections by following food safety practices and keeping your hands clean.
- Find out about preventing specific conditions by linking on the related topics and links in the list of causes above.
Cumin Seeds Relieve Gas
Cumin is considered to be a wholesome digestive aid that can stimulate a lax digestive system. The carminative properties of cumin find special use in the treatment of gastrointestinal disorders such as chronic flatulence, bloating, and other symptoms of IBS.
How to use:
This cheap and readily available spice can be used in a variety of culinary preparations, making it easier for you to include it in your daily diet.
Cumin exhibits gastroprotective, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties that can help provide digestive relief from increased flatulence, bloating, and other gas-related problems.
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Stomach Bloating And Ibs
Affecting up to 20% of population, Irritable Bowel Syndrome is defined as a condition accompanied by various symptoms affecting different organs of the gastrointestinal tract such as esophagus, stomach, intestines, colon and rectum. Stomach bloating, excessive gas, pain, nausea, diarrhea and constipation are just a short list of symptoms reported by the patients suffering from this condition. Stool consistency helps doctors categorize IBS by four main groups, namely, IBS C, IBS D, IBS M and IBS U. These letters stand for constipation, diarrhea, mixed and unsubtyped stools. Only about a third of patients see doctors to diagnose them with the condition, the rest may suffer for years without knowing the actual causes of their stomach bloating symptoms. Today IBS is not well understood but doctors were able to narrow down the main causes of IBS stomach bloating, such as bacterial or fungal overgrowth, sensitivity to certain foods , neurological and mental disorders, excessive motor function of the colon, heredity and other factors. To diagnose IBS doctors perform a series of stool tests, colonoscopies, blood work ups and x rays to determine the condition of the GI tract. Currently thereâs no one time fix for IBS spectrum disorders, however, many patients report less symptoms if managed by diet alterations, mental health therapy, physical exercises and medication.
Behavioral And Psychological Therapies
It is recognized that the interaction between the enteric nervous system and the psychological state is implicated in the pathogenesis of IBS. As such, behavioral and psychological therapies are viewed with optimism, but the literature is insufficient, particularly with regard to bloating. Two Cochrane reviews, one on hypnotherapy and the other on psychological therapies in IBS, both concluded that their findings were hampered by small sample size, validity, heterogeneity, and outcome definition.
Hypnotherapy Hypnotherapy has been reported to reduce symptomatic bloating in patients with IBS, and the benefit is sustained over time.,, The decrease in bloating symptoms appears to be independent of the subtype of IBS. There is also evidence that hypnotherapy normalizes rectal sensory thresholds in patients with IBS,, and such normalization might be expected to confer an alteration in the perception of bloating. A Cochrane review concluded that hypnotherapy may be useful in patients with IBS who have failed conventional therapy in comparison with either waiting list controls or IBS patients receiving standard care, but the review advised caution in interpreting the results because of poor methodology.
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Getting The Right Diagnosis
Gastroenterology is a complex topic and one that covers many different conditions and disorders affecting gut health. Certain symptoms may be a result of an underlying medical condition that requires further treatment and diagnosis. To ensure you get the right treatment for your symptoms, speak to a healthcare professional about your gastrointestinal health.
Take A Warm Bath Soaking And Relaxing
The heat of the bath can provide relief for a sore abdomen. Relaxation can reduce stress levels, which may allow the GI tract to function more effectively and help reduce bloating.
Quick fixes are not always effective for some causes of bloating. However, people who have frequent bloating may find that certain lifestyle changes can tackle the causes and reduce bloating over time.
People can use these simple steps to try to prevent bloating in the long-term:
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When To See A Doctor About A Bloated Stomach
If self-care measures and medication arent helping to get rid of your bloated stomach, its best to see a doctor so they can work out if you have a more serious condition. You may need an endoscopy or a poo test .
You should see a doctor as soon as possible if youre bloated and you:
- are losing weight without meaning to
- are in pain or have a bloated tummy at night
- Answered by: Healthily’s medical teamAnswered: 09/09/2021
You usually get a bloated tummy because you have trapped wind, so once you get rid of the cause of this gas, the bloating will stop. Some common causes of bloating, like constipation, will only happen once and you may not have problems with bloating again. Other causes might come and go, for example, if you eat a certain food that triggers the bloating or you have IBS thats triggered by stress. And others may be more difficult to get rid of or you may have a more serious condition, so youll need to see a doctor to find out what the cause is.
Can Bloating Be Prevented Or Avoided
There are many ways to prevent and avoid bloating:
- Avoid the foods that are known to cause gas. These include cabbage, Brussels sprouts, turnips, beans, and lentils.
- Avoid chewing gum.
- Avoid using straws for drinking.
- Reduce or avoid drinking carbonated drinks .
- Reduce or avoid eating and drinking foods that include fructose or sorbitol. These artificial sweeteners are often found in sugar-free foods.
- Eat slowly.
- Eat more foods high in fiber to prevent constipation. If foods alone dont help, consider taking a fiber supplement.
- Avoid dairy products if you notice they cause gas and bloating.
- Quit smoking.
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How To Get Rid Of Trapped Wind Quickly
Trapped wind happens when gas has trouble moving through the digestive system and becomes stuck in the intestines. This can cause pain, bloating, and discomfort. Here are some ways you can help relieve trapped gas quickly:
- OTC medication, such as De-Gas or Gasbusters
- Gentle exercise
- Do some gentle yoga poses
Eating More Calories Than Usual
Lets face it. When youre off your schedule, sometimes the most interesting thing you can do is bake. But consuming excess calories especially those found in cookies, cakes and bread can pack on the pounds and cause your belly to bloat.
If cooking is your jam while sheltering in place, reserve high-calorie recipes for special occasions, or cut it back to one meal a week.
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Remedies And Treatments For Bloating
Once a cause of bloating is established, the symptom can be treated. Depending on your doctorâs findings, he or she may suggest one of the following remedies for bloating:
Eating Slowly
Eating too quickly causes you to swallow more air, which can lead to gas and bloating. Eating slowly can help reduce bloating. Additionally, slowing your eating can make you feel full, faster, helping you avoid overeating, which can lead to bloating.
Changing Your Diet
If you notice a trend in certain foods causing you to bloat, try reducing or eliminating those foods from your diet. Foods that commonly cause bloating are wheat, beans, lentils, garlic, onions, and asparagus. Milk and dairy foods can also cause bloating, as some people have a hard time digesting a sugar they contain called lactose.
Antacids
Antacids can reduce bloating by allowing gas to pass more easily through your digestive tract. Do note, however, that antacids are only effective for bloating caused by food.
Antidepressants
Researchers have found that certain antidepressants can affect the way your body reacts to gas, keeping it from overreacting to its presence.
Less Fiber
Eating too much fiber is one of the most common reasons for bloating. Fiber is an essential part of a healthy diet, but it can cause a lot of gas in your digestive system because your body cannot digest it. The key with fiber is to eat it in moderation. Foods high in fiber include beans, lentils, broccoli, whole wheat, apples, berries, and quinoa.