The intestinal gases They are a normal part of the digestive process that occurs both from swallowing too much air and from the breakdown of food by the bacteria present in the colon.
Gas is eliminated naturally through belching or through the rectum. However, sometimes they can accumulate and become very annoying, even painful. Although, in general, the gas accumulation is not seriousIn some cases the pain is so intense that it can interfere with daily life. On these occasions there are people who comment: «I can’t pass gas and it hurts.» What can they do in these cases? Actually there is very useful postures and natural remedies to help expel gases more easily.
Do you usually have gas? Discover in this video how to take care of the intestine to avoid them:
I can’t pass gas and it hurts: Why does it happen to me?
Gases can cause discomfort or pain in various parts of the abdomendepending on where they accumulate.
Many people notice a general feeling of bloating in the lower abdomen or more localized pain in the lower abdomen. Others experience pain in the upper abdomennear the stomach area, and have a feeling of fullness, like having a full stomach.
Gas can also cause severe, cramp-like pain in the sides of abdomenclose to the waist. In some cases, the pain may radiate to the lower back and may be accompanied by pressure or swelling.
On the other hand, in some cases the discomfort caused by the accumulation of gases can be confused with those caused by other diseases:
- When excess gas builds up in the stomach or intestines, the bloating can press against the diaphragm (the muscle that separates the chest cavity from the abdomen) and consequently cause stabbing pain in the chest, which can be confused with a heart attack or other heart disease.
- When gases accumulate in the right side of the colonthe pain can be confused with that caused by gallstones (gallstones) or appendicitis.
When to worry about gases
Although intestinal gas is very common and In the vast majority of cases they are completely harmlessthere are some situations (especially when accompanied by other symptoms) in which it may be necessary to consult a doctor, for example:
- If there is severe or persistent abdominal pain or cramps that they are not relieved by expelling gas.
- If a unexplained weight loss or a significant decrease in appetite, accompanied by excess gas and other gastrointestinal problems.
- If there is a sudden change in bowel movements (for example, persistent diarrhea, constipation, or changes in stool consistency), along with excess gas, may be a sign of a gastrointestinal problem.
- The presence of blood in the stool (either bright red or dark stools) may indicate intestinal bleeding or another health problem.
- A significant and persistent swelling of the abdomen may be a sign of an intestinal obstruction.
How to expel gas when lying down
Some postures can help expel gas and relieve the discomfort and pain associated with these:
Lying on a bed or on the flooryou can try the following:
- Turn to put on on your left sidetake the knees towards your chest and hold this position for a while.
- Get high face up, raise your knees towards your chesthugging them gently, and stay in this position for a few minutes.
sit in a chair or on the edge of the bed lean forward with the upper part of the body, so that you compress the abdomen, it can also help you expel gas.
In addition, perform light physical exercise (walking, cycling, doing yoga…) can help stimulate digestion and relieve gas-related discomfort.
how to expel gas with home remedies
In the floors you can find one effective solution to eliminate accumulated gases. Some of the most useful in this sense are:
- The peppermint is digestive and carminativethat is, it prevents the formation of gases in the digestive tract and facilitates its expulsion. you can take it in infusion after meals.
- He fennel stands out for its benefits for the digestive system: it combats stomach disorders after poor digestion, reduces bloating and avoid gases. try to take it in infusion mixed with other carminative plants such as green anise, caraway and coriander.
- He ginger It is an effective remedy for the relief of intestinal problems, such as gas and bloating. you can take it in infusion or season with the zest of fresh ginger for both savory and sweet dishes.