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How to remove gas from your stomach instantly: 7 remedies to get rid of gas pain fast

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7 remediesAbout trapped gasSummary
If you have trapped wind, it may cause great amounts of discomfort. Releasing the gas can provide instant relief. Burping, exercise, and massage are just some things that may help.
Medically reviewed by Cynthia Taylor Chavoustie, MPAS, PA-C
Written by Faye Stewart
Updated on

Everyone passes gas, often multiple times each day, but sometimes the gas won’t pass as easily or quickly as you’d like. When that happens, it can cause abdominal pain, which could be severe.

Gas pain rarely indicates a serious health condition and options are available to help relieve the discomfort.

7 ways to remove gas from your stomach instantly

Below, we look at some of the most effective ways to get rid of painful gas from your stomach.

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Nonprescription antigas remedies

Over-the-counter (OTC) medications like Gas-X and Mylanta both contain simethicone. Simethicone works by merging small bubbles from your gut into a larger bubble. This makes it easier to pass from the body.

Peppermint

Peppermint (Mentha x piperita) may help relax the muscles in your esophagus, which could help you to pass digestive gas.

For thousands of years, people have used peppermint to treat digestive and other health conditions. However, the evidence is mainly anecdotal, and there is not yet enough scientific research available to support any health benefit claims.

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Exercise

Muscles move food through your digestive system, and by engaging those muscles in movement, you can help your food through the digestive process.

A 2023 study found that walking for 20 minutes after eating can aid digestion. This may help to keep gases moving so they don’t become trapped and cause discomfort.

Additionally, yoga may be a good option for relieving trapped wind. A particular yoga pose, aptly named “wind-relieving pose,” or Pawanmuktasana in Sanskrit, can help relax your abdomen, buttocks, thighs, and hips, which may allow for any trapped gas to release. Although not a medical organization, The Yoga Institute offers some advice on how to do this pose.

Massage

A 2023 meta-analysis found abdominal massage may effectively relieve constipation by stimulating your digestive system. This may also help to dislodge trapped gas.

Diaphragmatic breathing

Diaphragmatic breathing means breathing from the abdomen. A 2020 review found that this type of breathing may positively affect the gastrointestinal system, which could help with chronic functional constipation. This may also help to free any trapped wind.

Additionally, you swallow less air when breathing deeply than when you take shallow breaths. This could help to prevent wind trapped in the upper gastrointestinal tract.

Prescription medications

In some cases, a doctor or healthcare professional may prescribe drugs for painful bloating, flatulence, or trapped gas.

Hyoscyamine (Symax Duotab, Anaspaz) and dicyclomine (Bentyl) are prescription medications that can help relax contracted muscles that can cause discomfort, pain, and bloating.

Doctors may also recommend products like lactulose (Kristalose) for constipation, and in turn, trapped gas.

If you need help covering the cost of medications, Optum Perks’ free Discount Card could help you get up to 80% off prescription medication. See how much you can save on your medication here.

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Heat

Applying heat to your stomach or abdomen may help relax muscles, which could help release trapped gas and soothe pain and discomfort.

You could try a hot water bottle, lying under a heated blanket, or using a heating pad.

Digestive enzymes

If you know you’re sensitive to foods that cause gas, like beans and some vegetables, you could try using products containing the enzyme alpha-galactosidase, an ingredient in supplements that can reduce gas and aid the digestion of complex foods.

If you experience gas due to lactose intolerance, you could try OTC products that include the enzyme lactase, like Lactaid or other alternatives that a pharmacist can recommend.

Why do we get trapped gas?

There are two main reasons people may experience trapped wind.

The first is digestion. When the bacteria in your digestive tract brakes down food, that process produces gas. Some foods, especially higher-fiber foods, produce more gas than others.

If you eat more whole grains and fiber-rich vegetables, you may experience more gas.

The second is swallowing air. You can swallow too much air if you eat or drink too quickly, use a straw, chew gum, or smoke. Also, foods like ice cream, bread, and apples contain more air than others.

The more air you swallow, the more gas ends up in your stomach.

Summary

Abdominal pain and discomfort from trapped gas and bloating are common.

OTC products, supplements, and prescription medications can help to relieve painful bloating and discomfort.

Also, breathing exercises, physical exercise, and self-massage can help to keep digestion working effectively, which could prevent gas buildup.

Download the free Optum Perks Discount Card to save up to 80% on some prescription medications. 

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