Trapped Gas: 7 Home Remedies For Immediate Relief (2024)

“Gas can become trapped when it accumulates in the intestines or stomach, resulting in uncomfortable bloating, discomfort and even pain,” explains Laura Purdy, M.D., a board-certified family physician in Nashville.

Symptoms of trapped gas include belching, flatulence and gurgling in the stomach, says Dr. Purdy. Other symptoms include burping, bloating and distention (abdominal swelling).

According to experts, it may be possible to find relief from trapped gas on one’s own with home remedies, such as the following options.

Applying Heat

Heat can be soothing for gas pain, says Casey H. Mabry, M.D., a physician specializing in internal medicine at Ascension Saint Agnes in Ellicott City, Maryland. Dr. Mabry suggests applying a heating pad to the abdomen or soaking in a warm bath. This can be repeated as often as is needed with effects expected to take place within 10-to-15 minutes.

Peppermint Tea

“Consuming peppermint tea helps to relax the muscles of the digestive tract,” explains Dr. Purdy. This could potentially enable trapped gas to pass through the digestive system. However, research on these potential results is limited.

To prepare peppermint tea, simply soak one teaspoon (five grams) of dried peppermint leaves or a peppermint tea bag into one cup (eight ounces) of boiling water for 10 minutes.

Note: People with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) should avoid drinking peppermint tea since it can relax the sphincter between the stomach and esophagus, which may allow acid to flow into the esophagus and worsen heartburn and indigestion.

Apple Cider Vinegar

Apple cider vinegar (ACV) could potentially help relieve gas pain, says Dr. Purdy. However, ACV’s link to digestion lacks sufficient research.

Dr. Purdy suggests taking one tablespoon of ACV dissolved in a glass of water or choosing an ACV supplement, such as a pill or gummy. If taking a supplement, follow the instructions on the label for the dosage and frequency.

Activated Charcoal

Activated charcoal is a type of charcoal that’s heated to make it more porous. The extra spaces created in the charcoal may help trap gas molecules. However, recent research hasn’t established a definite connection between activated charcoal and bloating reduction.

There are a variety of activated charcoal supplements available for purchase online and in stores, but it’s best to consult a healthcare professional before trying an activated charcoal supplement for gas.

Exercise

Gentle exercise, like walking or yoga, may encourage the bowels to move regularly, says Dr. Mabry. A 2021 study published in the journal Gastroenterology and Hepatology from Bed to Bench indicated that a 10-to-15-minute walk after each meal could help reduce symptoms like gas incontinence, abdominal discomfort and bloating^[2]Hosseini-Asl MK, Taherifard E and Mousavi MR. The effect of a short-term physical activity after meals on gastrointestinal symptoms in individuals with functional abdominal bloating: a randomized clinical trial. Gastroenterol Hepatol Bed Bench. 2021 Winter;14(1):59–66. .

Abdominal Massage

Abdominal massage may encourage gas bubbles to move through the digestive tract, says Dr. Mabry. She suggests trying the “I Love U” (ILU) massage technique, which can be performed once daily. It involves the following steps.

• Stroke from the bottom left side of the rib cage down to the left hip bone, forming the letter “I.” Repeat 10 times.
• Stroke underneath the rib cage from left to right, then down to the left hip bone, forming the letter “L.” Repeat 10 times.
• Stroke from the right hip bone up to the right rib cage, then across to the left rib cage and down to the left hip bone, forming an upside-down “U.” Repeat 10 times.
• Finish with one-to-two minutes of clockwise massage around the belly button. According to Dr. Mabry, this step is optional.

A 2021 clinical trial in the Journal of Complementary Integrative Medicine found ILU massage could potentially alleviate gastrointestinal issues in preterm infants (those born before the completion of a 37-week pregnancy term)^[3]Moghadam A, Nematollahi M, OstadEbrahimi H et al. The effect of abdominal massage (I Love You method) on the gastric function of preterm infants hospitalized in the neonatal intensive care units: a randomized clinical trial. J Complement Integr Med. 2021 May 25;19(1):139-143. , and a 2018 clinical trial in Complementary Therapies in Clinical Practice found abdominal massage could improve gastrointestinal functions in intensive care patients being fed through an endotracheal tube. That said, more research is needed to confirm beneficial results in a healthy adult population^[4]Dehghan M, Fatehi Poor A, Mehdipoor R, Ahmadinejad M. Does abdominal massage improve gastrointestinal functions of intensive care patients with an endotracheal tube?: A randomized clinical trial. Complement Ther Clin Pract. 2018;30:122-128. .

Over-The-Counter Medicine

Some over-the-counter (OTC) medications may provide gas symptom relief, such as simethicone, a silicone compound used to manage flatulence and bloating. Brand name medications that feature simethicone as an ingredient include:

• Gas-X
• Alka-Seltzer Anti-Gas
• Mylanta Gas
• Phazyme

Follow the dosage instructions on the label when choosing an OTC medication.

“Usually, trapped gas results in an abdominal pain that is dull and achy,” explains Dr. Purdy. “You can have bloating and a sharp pressure in your chest or belly,” she notes, adding that severe aches may present in the chest as well.

If a person experiences a sudden, particularly sharp or strong pain, or if symptoms last more than a few hours, Dr. Purdy recommends seeking medical help, as these symptoms could indicate a more serious condition.

Gas in the digestive tract is often brought on by one of the following factors:

• Digestive issues and concerns. Certain carbohydrates—like sugar, starch and fiber—aren’t digested or absorbed in the small intestine. Instead, they pass into the large intestine, where gut bacteria break them down. This process usually creates hydrogen and carbon dioxide, but in about one-third of the population, it creates methane gas^[1]Gas in the Digestive Tract. Johns Hopkins University. Assessed 09/04/23. . In some individuals, methane can cause digestive symptoms like bloating, abdominal pain and constipation. Some people may also have dietary intolerances that could lead to digestive issues after consuming certain foods or beverages. For example, individuals who are lactose intolerant can experience bloating, gas or diarrhea after consuming foods with lactose, such as milk.
• Swallowing air. Aerophagia, or air swallowing, can occur from chewing gum, smoking, or eating and drinking too quickly. It can also affect people who wear loose-fitting dentures. Most air trapped through swallowing is usually expelled through belching, while some may travel into the digestive tract, which is also released during flatulence.

While trapped gas cannot be prevented altogether, making certain changes to one’s diet or practicing other habits may help reduce potential gas buildup in an individual’s system. The following prevention methods may prove useful.

• Dietary changes: Avoid or limit foods that can be difficult to digest, such as cruciferous vegetables (broccoli, cauliflower, kale etc.) and legumes (beans, peas and lentils) and beverages linked to gas, like fizzy drinks or alcohol.
• Preventing air swallowing Eating or drinking at a slower pace can help prevent air swallowing. Avoiding chewing gum or hard candy may also help. Additionally, if you wear dentures, consult a dentist to ensure they fit well and won’t lead to air-swallowing.
• Take a digestive enzyme: Some OTC digestive enzymes may help aid the digestion of certain foods when taken before meals or snacks. For example, the enzyme lactase can promote the digestion of foods with lactose, like milk or ice cream. However, OTC digestive enzymes aren’t FDA regulated, so they may contain varying enzyme concentrations, and there is limited evidence to suggest significant benefits for healthy individuals.”

Trapped gas can lead to bloating, belching, flatulence and other uncomfortable symptoms. If gas comes on suddenly or brings particularly sharp or strong pain, Dr. Purdy suggests seeking medical help to ensure that a potentially more dangerous health issue isn’t to blame.

It may take some trial and error to find an option that works for you. While research is limited, home remedies such as apple cider vinegar, warm tea or abdominal massage, may offer symptom relief for some people.