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Home remedies for gas pain

What is gas pain?
( 5 Dec 2007)

Intestinal gas pain
The reason for the intestinal gas pain should first be diagnosed and only then can you know how to relieve gas pains and bloating. The cause of intestinal gas could be plain and simple indigestion or because of something gassy which one has eaten. If one has consumed a lot of stuff which is difficult to digest, then this could end up in excess gas formation.


However, relieving the pain and the bloating would depend on what caused the problem. If the problem stems from something more serious then it is best to see a doctor instead of trying self help to treat the condition.

Relieving gas pain
Flatulence and bloating needs a very effective gas pain remedy and one should first try relieving gas pain with home remedies before resorting to harsh medications. Some of the home remedies which are known to give relief to intestinal gas pain are mentioned here.
  • A decoction of hot water and ground ginger with some honey could be blended together and be consumed as a tea
  • Carbonated water
  • Coriander seeds eaten raw will relieve both the pain as well as the gas
  • Chamomile or peppermint tea
  • Blanch either passion fruit or parsley and mix in water and drink 
  • Grated ginger and lime juice after a meal to relieve symptoms of gas

If none of these help then an antacid should do the trick and relieve the gas pain symptoms.

Gas pain symptoms
For severe gas pain relief or relief from gas pain symptoms certain foods should be avoided until the symptoms vanish completely. Symptoms of gas pain are distension and bloating of the abdomen, flatus and sharp cramps or pains in the abdominal region. The location of the pain changes as the gas moves around and there could be a “knotted” sensation in the stomach. If the symptoms are severe the pain could be accompanied with vomiting. Some of the foods which could be responsible for this problem are dairy products, red meat, sugary and oily foods, cabbage, broccoli and even greens. Going easy on these foods for a while would help relieve the symptoms.

Severe gas pain
Most mothers usually know how to relieve gas pains during pregnancy because severe gas pain is something which is common during this period and happens quite often. Hormonal changes in the body are partly responsible for excessive gas formation during pregnancy. The digestive process of the intestines slows down because of the increase in progesterone and this causes flatulence and burping. In later months the enlarged uterus puts pressure on the organs in the abdominal region and this increases the gas problem. This then also results in hyperacidity and constipation along with flatulence during pregnancy.

As a mother to be needs a higher amount of calories it is better that she eats frequent smaller meals throughout the day instead of trying to eat large meals. The meals should be had at regular timings and not delayed too long neither should there be any kind of compromise with the quantity or quality of food. It is better to avoid foods which will cause more of a gas problem. A short walk after dinner will also help the digestion rather than retiring to bed immediately after eating. If there is gas formation which is still troublesome then a mild massage on the stomach will relieve it. As gas problem is expected most often during pregnancy it causes no harm to the unborn fetus, however, if there is severe abdominal pain it is best to see your doctor.

Newborn gas pain: newborn gas pain symptoms
In a newborn gas pain is referred to as colic and for a new born gas pain symptoms are the worst that they can experience. Though it is normal for new born babies to cry incessantly and be irritable colic should be suspected if they keep crying vigorously and cannot be consoled. Usually these symptoms will happen at the same time during the day when the child begins to cry incessantly and then abruptly stops. If you check the stomach it will be distended and hard to the touch and the baby will howl more when mild pressure is put on the tummy. This problem keeps the child awake and with it the whole household. A colic pain in a baby is an acute pain in the abdomen with cramps. The child normally outgrows this problem as the digestive system matures and its gastro intestinal system becomes more capable of digesting its food which at this time is only milk.

If the baby is being nursed by the mother then the mother has to take care of what she eats as often lactating mothers could eat something which could bring on a colic attack in their infants. Foods which produce gas can be passed onto the child’s digestive system through the milk from the mother’s breast. Another cause for colic in infants is because of the air they swallow while they are either feeding or crying. It is essential to burp them after each feed to avoid this problem.

How to relieve gas pains: gas pain symptoms in children
Gas pain symptoms in children who are older show up in various ways and need different methods in how to relieve gas pains. Older children with a gas problem could have a medical problem which is bringing on this condition. This could be because of mal absorption of food, irritable bowel syndrome or even lactose intolerance. It is easier to identify the source of the problem in older children as they can describe their symptoms better and also what they ate before it started.

Dietary Modifications should not be made unless the pediatrician recommends it. However, you can call attention to the child’s eating habits like making him or her eat slowly so that too much of air is not swallowed while eating, avoid drinks that are carbonated, do not give them too much of gum and candy, excess of fruit juices and if possible if there is milk intolerance soy milk instead of regular milk. Children do not need a high fiber diet like adults.

Symptoms of gas pain
Sudden shooting pain in the chest could be one of the symptoms of gas pain but it is best to identify the cause when you feel gas pain symptoms in chest. Actually not all chest pains are serious and could be brought on by various other factors, most often gas. A stomach disorder which causes gas formation can put pressure on the diaphragm and this could be mistaken for an angina attack and even a heart attack at times. The gas moves upwards into the chest cavity and is the cause of this discomfort. However, if the pain is due to angina it will most often radiate to the arms, neck and shoulders. Something which relieves gas will relieve the pain but it is best to consult your physician if the symptoms do not disappear.

answered by G M on 22 Dec 2010, 11:58:16

 

Home remedies for gas pain 

Sometimes due to pressure in the abdominal area or because of certain gas forming foods that we eat or even just from swallowing too much air, we cause gas to be trapped in the intestinal tract. Although harmless, this can hurt quite a bit causing a sort of shooting pain in the stomach and lower abdomen. Some people are just more prone than others to developing gas and they should just be more careful than the rest. The remedies are simple, both of a preventive and curative variety.

Avoid wearing tight things around the stomach. Undergarments especially should not clutch at the stomach too hard. Avoid carbonated drinks and vegetables of the cabbage family. Do not eat anything at least two hours before you go to bed and avoid carbohydrates in the night. Rice won't cause gas so maybe you can eat grilled chicken or fish with some rice on the side.
Lying on your side will help release the gas. Lying on your back and making cycling movements or going for a brisk walk will also give relief. You can wrap a wet towel around your mid section and lie down for a while, but to your side or directly on your stomach. Another thing to try is to press your abdomen with your fingers until you find the exact location of the pain and slowly massage that area to release the trapped gas.

Ginger, asafoetida and prunes have anti-flatulent properties, so you can try either of these and see if they give you relief. Improving your lifestyle by getting plenty of exercise will definitely help, so all the best.

answered by S E on 25 Feb 2008, 5:56:21

 

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