If you suffer from gas, you may feel bloated and uncomfortable. When gas is trapped in the stomach, it can usually be released through the mouth, by burping or belching. Although burping may provide relief from the discomfort for a few minutes, it is not a permanent solution. Consult your doctor before trying home remedies or over-the-counter treatments for stomach gas.
Causes
Gas in the stomach may be caused by eating high-fiber foods, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. Eating foods that your body cannot digest may also cause gas. For instance, if you have lactose intolerance, eating dairy may give you gas. Irritable bowel syndrome, an intestinal disorder that is exacerbated by stress, may also be the cause of your gas. Drinking carbonated beverages may also create gas, as well as swallowing air while you're eating, talking or chewing gum. In some cases, gas in the stomach may be caused by an upper gastrointestinal disorder such as peptic ulcer disease, notes the National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse.
Home Remedies
Eat slowly and chew your food completely so you do not swallow air while you're eating. Eliminate gum and hard candy from your diet to keep you from swallowing additional air, suggests the National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse. Eat more smaller meals throughout the day rather than eating one or two meals and eliminate any foods that make you feel gassy. Trigger foods may vary -- avoid the foods that have caused you problems in the past.
Over-the-Counter Care
Peppermint tea, available at drugstores and grocery stores, may help soothe the stomach and reduce gas pain, according to MayoClinic.com. If you are lactose intolerant, taking lactase supplements may help you digest the lactose that is creating your gas problem. Charcoal tablets, available at health food stores, may help soothe gas pains in some individuals.
Doctor's Care
If you have altered your diet and home remedies are unsuccessful, consult your doctor. He may tap your abdomen and listen to it with a stethoscope to see if gas is what is causing your pain. If the stomach sounds hollow when the doctor taps it, gas is generally present, notes MayoClinic.com. Your doctor may also run tests to make sure a bowel obstruction is not the cause of your pain.
Expert Insight
Gas in the stomach may resolve on its own without any treatment. If you notice other symptoms along with gas, including constipation, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, weight loss, blood in the stool or a fever, contact your doctor immediately. These symptoms may signify another underlying condition.
