Why You Keep Getting Trapped Gas – 11 Remedies for Relief

Understanding Trapped Gas: Causes and Symptoms

Gas production occurs primarily through two natural processes in the digestive system. The first happens when people swallow air while eating or drinking, and the second occurs when the large intestinal bacteria break down undigested food.

The digestive system typically manages gas effectively; certain factors cause gas buildup. Eating too quickly, consuming gas-producing foods, or having specific digestive conditions can cause gas to accumulate. Additionally, bacterial overgrowth in the small intestine or chronic intestinal diseases can increase gas production. When this excess gas fails to pass through the GI tract, it can result in trapped gas conditions.

While trapped gas can cause discomfort, it generally dissipates naturally within a few hours. People experiencing trapped gas might notice several distinct symptoms:

• Sharp, stabbing pains or dull aches in the abdomen

• Visible swelling or distention of the stomach

• Pressure or discomfort in the upper or lower back

• Chest pain that might be mistaken for heart problems

• Tenderness or fullness in the belly

Medical conditions can significantly affect gas production and movement. Chronic intestinal diseases, including Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis, often lead to excess gas. Consequently, conditions like food intolerances, particularly to lactose or gluten, can cause increased gas production and discomfort. Small bowel bacterial overgrowth presents with excess gas, accompanied by diarrhoea and weight loss.

11 Home Remedies for Gas Relief 

Simple lifestyle changes and natural remedies offer quick relief from trapped gas. These proven solutions help ease discomfort and prevent future episodes.

Eating Habits

Mindful eating habits play a vital role in reducing gas formation. Eating slowly & chewing food thoroughly reduces the amount of air swallowed during meals. Taking smaller bites and avoiding talking while eating helps prevent excess gas buildup.

Drinking

Proper hydration through warm beverages helps ease trapped gas. Peppermint tea and ginger tea are notably effective in soothing the digestive system. Moreover, avoiding carbonated drinks and using a straw prevents additional air intake while drinking.

Herbs and spices

Natural herbs and spices provide powerful digestive support. Fennel seeds chewed after meals aid digestion and reduce bloating. Indeed, cumin and coriander work effectively to break down complex carbohydrates and prevent gas formation.

Exercise

Physical activity stimulates the digestive system & helps release trapped gas. Simple movements like:

• Walking for 10-15 minutes after meals

• Gentle yoga poses like child's pose and knee-to-chest

• Light stretching exercises targeting the abdomen

Massaging

Gentle abdominal massage helps move trapped gas through the digestive system. Using clockwise circular motions around the navel area stimulates bowel movement and provides quick relief from bloating.

Activated Charcoal

Activated charcoal tablets bind and absorb gas-causing substances in the digestive tract. Taking these supplements before meals or when experiencing discomfort helps reduce gas formation and bloating. Therefore, it serves as an effective remedy that relieves gas fast.

Aloe Vera Juice

Aloe vera juice soothes digestive tract inflammation and helps with gastrointestinal issues. The juice works best when decolourised and purified, as non-decolourised versions might cause diarrhoea. For optimal results, start with two tablespoons daily. Albeit beneficial, pregnant individuals should avoid aloe vera juice.

Basil

Basil stands out as a potent gas-relieving herb that calms upset stomachs. The herb contains volatile oils with terpenoids, primarily eugenol, thymol, and estragole, which demonstrate antibacterial and antifungal properties. Steep one teaspoon of basil leaves in a cup of water for ten minutes to prepare basil tea. This can be consumed up to three times daily.

Liquorice Root Tea

Liquorice root tea offers a natural approach to digestive comfort. The root contains glycyrrhizin, which possesses antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. A study stated that daily liquorice root intake proved more effective than common antacids over two years. Generally, one cup of liquorice tea provides benefits without side effects. The World Health Organisation recommends limiting glycyrrhizin intake to 100 mg per day.

• Helps settle upset stomachs

• Reduces inflammation in the digestive tract

• Provides antimicrobial benefits

Baking Soda

Baking soda (sodium bicarbonate) is a quick and effective remedy for gas and bloating. It works by neutralizing excess stomach acid and breaking up gas bubbles, providing instant relief from gas and indigestion. Mix a half teaspoon of baking soda in a glass of lukewarm water to prepare this concoction. 

Yogurt & Probiotics

Yoghurt and probiotics are rich in beneficial bacteria that aid digestion and improve gut health. When the undigested residual food starts fermenting in the intestines, it causes indigestion, gas, bloating, and harms gut bacteria. Consuming plain, unsweetened yoghurt with live cultures or taking a probiotic supplement can restore the balance of gut bacteria, preventing bloating and discomfort.

These remedies work best when used as part of a comprehensive approach to managing trapped gas. Always consult doctors before starting any new treatment regimen.

When to See a Doctor: Persistent Gas and Digestive Issues

Medical attention becomes necessary if gas symptoms interfere with daily activities or persist despite home remedies. Alongside gas discomfort, certain warning signs warrant immediate medical evaluation.

Watch for these symptoms that require medical attention:

• Fever and nausea

• Unexplained weight loss

• Bloody stools or rectal bleeding

• Chronic diarrhoea or constipation

• Severe abdominal pain

• Chest pain that might signal heart problems

Doctors typically start with a physical assessment and review of medical history. Subsequently, they might order specific tests based on symptoms. 

Conclusion

Trapped gas affects many people daily, ranging from mild discomfort to severe pain that mimics serious conditions. Simple lifestyle changes like mindful eating, proper hydration, and regular exercise can quickly relieve gas-related symptoms. Natural remedies such as herbs, massage, and specific teas provide additional support for digestive comfort.

While most cases resolve with home treatment, persistent symptoms need medical attention. People should watch for warning signs like fever, unexplained weight loss, or severe abdominal pain. Doctors can identify underlying conditions through various tests and recommend appropriate treatments.

Understanding personal triggers helps prevent future episodes. Keeping a food diary, eating slowly, and staying active remain essential steps for long-term gas management. These simple yet effective strategies help maintain digestive health and prevent uncomfortable gas buildup.

FAQs

1. How do you release trapped gas?

   The following are some natural home remedies to release trapped gas:

   • Gentle circular motions on the belly

   • Light movements or walking

   • Deep breathing exercises

   • Drinking warm herbal teas like peppermint, ginger, or chamomile tea

   • Over-the-counter medicines

2. What are the symptoms of trapped gas? 

   Trapped gas manifests as bloating, abdominal discomfort, and a feeling of fullness. The pain can affect any part of the abdomen - left, right, upper, or lower regions. Whilst uncomfortable, these symptoms rarely indicate serious conditions.

3. Does Eno help with gas?

   Eno helps relieve gas by neutralising stomach acid and promoting burping. Its effervescent formula works quickly, usually within minutes, to ease bloating, acidity, and indigestion symptoms. However, it provides temporary relief and does not treat underlying digestive issues.

4. What is the fastest relief for gas?

   The fastest ways to relieve trapped gas are walking, massaging the abdomen, coconut water, yoga, drinking warm herbal teas, and simethicone-based medications. The child's pose and knee-to-chest position stand out as beneficial stretches. 

5. How to stop stomach burning immediately?

   You can try:

   • Cold milk or coconut water to neutralize acid

   • Banana to soothe the stomach lining

   • Antacid containing calcium carbonate or magnesium hydroxide

   • Aloe vera juice to reduce inflammation

   • Baking soda in half a tsp in water