Gas pains — whether they're sharp, jabbing pains, cramps, or a general feeling of being bloated — are uncomfortable, unwanted, and totally natural. Everyone passes gas. Everyone gets gas pains sometimes. So what can a person do to fuel relief?
Definition
Gas and gas pains can strike at the worst possible moment —
during an important meeting or on a crowded elevator. And although passing
intestinal gas (flatus) usually isn't serious, it can be embarrassing.
Anything that causes intestinal gas or is associated with
constipation or diarrhea can lead to gas pains. These pains generally occur
when gas builds up in your intestines, and you're not able to expel it. On
average, most people pass gas at least 10 times a day.
The good news is that although you can't stop gas and gas
pains, a few simple measures can help reduce the amount of gas you produce and
relieve your discomfort and embarrassment.
Here are some of the closest things to a "cure"
that you can try when you're experiencing gas pains:
Antacids
containing simethicone, a foaming agent that joins gas bubbles in the stomach
so that gas is more easily burped away.
Activated charcoal
— this should be taken before and after meals; it may cause some harmless side
effects, including constipation and black stools.
Bismuth subsalicylate
(the active ingredient in Pepto-Bismol, Kaopectate, and Bismatrol) — this can
relieve inflammatory conditions of the stomach and intestines, which can
sometimes relieve gas.
Herbal remedies
like drinking a cup of water with a drop of peppermint extract; sipping teas
with ginger, peppermint, anise, or chamomile after a meal; or chewing fennel
seeds.
No comments:
Post a Comment