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Having gas sometimes is not a cause for concern. However, severe, frequent, or persistent gas may be a sign of an underlying condition. In some cases, a person may want to relieve gas with medication. This article outlines what gas is, medications for gas, and other treatments. It also answers some common questions about gas. What is gas Share on PinterestSnezhana Kudryavtseva/Getty ImagesMost people experience a buildup of gas in the stomach at some point in their lives. Swallowing air while eating and drinking usually causes this buildup. It can result in discomfort, bloating, and sometimes pain in the abdomen. Symptoms Symptoms of gas include:bloatingflatulencebelchingpain or discomfort in the abdomen Accompanying symptoms may include:heartburnindigestionconstipationdiarrhea Causes There are various potential causes of gas. These include: Swallowed air People typically swallow some air while eating or drinking. However, certain behaviors can cause a person to swallow too much air, such as: eating or drinking too fastsucking candychewing gumdrinking carbonated drinkssmoking Burping can release excess gas and relieve uncomfortable bloating. Food intolerances Frequent gas and bloating may be a sign of food intolerance. This occurs when the body is unable to digest and process certain foods properly. Common food intolerances include:gluten intolerancelactose intolerancefructose intolerance A person with food intolerance may also experience:abdominal paindiarrheabloatingskin rash and itching Gastroesophageal reflux disease GERD GERD is a condition in which acid and other stomach contents come back up into the esophagus. The esophagus is the tube that connects the mouth and stomach. A person with GERD may also experience:nauseachest painheartburnhiccupssore throatregurgitationdifficulty swallowing Irritable bowel syndrome IBS IBS refers to a group of symptoms that affect bowel movements and cause pain in the abdomen, without visible signs of disease or damage to the digestive tract. As well as gas, symptoms of IBS include:repeated abdominal painconstipationdiarrhea Fermentation in the gut The process of the intestines breaking down food can release gases, which can build up and cause burping and flatulence. Some foods may cause more gas than others, such as:dairy productshigh fiber foodsvegetablesbeanssugar substitutes Less common causes of gas Other causes of gas may include:bowel obstructionsceliac diseasecolon cancerpeptic ulcerschronic constipationhernia Medications for gas Below are some common medications a healthcare professional may recommend to relieve gas. Simethicone Simethicone is available over the counter (OTC) under a variety of brand names. Simethicone works by gathering smaller, trapped gas bubbles in the gut into larger bubbles, which helps them pass through the body more easily. The medication typically acts within half an hour. The medication is safe for pregnant and breastfeeding people and may have some mild side effects. Alpha-galactosidase This OTC supplement helps break down complex carbohydrates, such as those in:legumesvegetableswhole grainssugars Breaking down complex carbohydrates helps prevent or reduce gas by limiting fermentation. Alpha-galactosidase typically has no side effects. However, the medication may not relieve gas in all cases. A 2021 study found that alpha-galactosidase had no more effect than a placebo on pain, bloating, or concentrations of gas in people with IBS. Lactase supplements Lactase is an enzyme that helps people digest disaccharide lactose, a type of sugar in dairy. People who are lactose intolerant have low levels of this enzyme. Taking a lactase supplement may help the digestive system process lactose, which may reduce gas. Prescription medication It is not likely that a person will require prescription medication to treat general gas. However, a doctor may treat an underlying condition with prescribed medication. Medications to manage IBS may include:laxatives to relieve constipationantispasmodics to relieve abdominal pain and crampsantimotility medications to help stop diarrhea Medications to manage GERD may include:proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) to reduce stomach acid productionantacids to relieve heartburnH2 blockers to decrease stomach acid production Other treatments for gas Natural products and lifestyle strategies may have an impact on reducing and preventing gas. However, a person should speak with a doctor before using alternative methods to manage gas. Natural products Natural products that researchers have found to alleviate gas include:Cinnamon: Researchers have found that cinnamon inhibits the secretion of the enzyme pepsin as well as gastric acid. Over time, this may lead to a significant reduction in gas.Ginger: Ginger has a carminative effect. This means it may reduce bloating, flatulence, and cramping, and relieve pressure on the lower esophageal sphincter.Anise: Research suggests that extracts of anise may be helpful as a laxative, carminative, and antispasmodic treatment, which could help alleviate gas. Lifestyle strategies Overeating any food, or eating or drinking too fast, may cause gas. Eating smaller meals more frequently, and eating more slowly, may help reduce gas. Researchers have found that certain conditions may be linked to gas and bloating, such as: obesitydepressionanxiety Maintaining a moderate weight and seeking treatment for mental health conditions may have a positive impact on digestive functioning. Avoiding or limiting certain types of food may reduce or prevent gas and bloating. Foods that may contribute to gas include:beans and peassmoked foodssalty foodsfatty foodsfried foodsfruit with high moisture content, such as watermelon and cucumberstale foodcarbonated drinks Certain activities may also increase the risk of gas, including rigorous exercise soon after a meal. Frequently asked questions Below are some of the most common questions about gas. How can someone get rid of gas quickly Most OTC medications for gas work fairly quickly. A person may also try movement and massage to relieve gas. Learn more about poses to pass gas. What are the symptoms of trapped gas Symptoms of trapped gas include:bloatingburpingflatulencepain or discomfort in the abdomen What causes excessive gas The following may cause gas:swallowing too much airfood intolerancesGERDIBSfermentation in the gut Summary Most people experience gas at some point. It occurs as a natural byproduct of the digestive system. Gas may sometimes be uncomfortable or even painful. There are various medications available to relieve gas, including simethicone and alpha-galactosidase. There are also medications a doctor may prescribe for underlying conditions that cause gas, such as IBS. Some natural remedies may also help relieve gas, such as cinnamon, ginger, and anise. Avoiding certain foods that contribute to gas can help reduce or prevent gas. Gentle movement may also help alleviate gas. Last medically reviewed on August 30, 2022GastroIntestinal / Gastroenterology 17 sourcescollapsedMedical News Today has strict sourcing guidelines and draws only from peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical journals and associations. We avoid using tertiary references. We link primary sources — including studies, scientific references, and statistics — within each article and also list them in the resources section at the bottom of our articles. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our editorial policy.Acid reflux (GER & GERD) in adults. (n.d.).https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/digestive-diseases/acid-reflux-ger-gerd-adultsBodagh, M.N., et al. (2019). Ginger in gastrointestinal disorders: A systematic review of clinical trials.https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6341159/Böhn, L., et al. (2021). A randomized double-blind placebo-controlled crossover pilot study: Acute effects of the enzyme α-galactosidase on gastrointestinal symptoms in irritable bowel syndrome patients.https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1111/nmo.14094Definition & facts for GER & GERD. (2020).https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/digestive-diseases/acid-reflux-ger-gerd-adults/definition-factsEating, diet, & nutrition for gas in the digestive tract. (2021).https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/digestive-diseases/gas-digestive-tract/eating-diet-nutritionFood intolerance. (2019).https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/food-intolerance/Ingold, C. J., et al. (2022). Simethicone.https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK555997/Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). (n.d.).https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/digestive-diseases/irritable-bowel-syndromeMari, A., et al. (2019). Bloating and abdominal distension: Clinical approach and management.https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s12325-019-00924-7Naseri, M., et al. (2016). Bloating: Avicenna's perspective and modern medicine.https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/2156587215622915Ou, J.Z., et al. (2016). Potential of in vivo real-time gastric gas profiling: A pilot evaluation of heat-stress and modulating dietary cinnamon effect in an animal model.https://www.nature.com/articles/srep33387Shahrajabian, M.H., et al. (2019). Anise (Pimpinella anisum L.), a dominant spice and traditional medicinal herb for both food and medicinal purposes.https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/23312025.2019.1673688Simeticone. (2019).https://www.nhs.uk/medicines/simeticone/Stourman, N., et al. (2018). Analysis of lactase in lactose intolerance supplements.https://iubmb.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/bmb.21185Symptoms & causes of gas in the digestive tract. (2021).https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/digestive-diseases/gas-digestive-tract/symptoms-causesTreatment for gas in the digestive tract. (2021).https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/digestive-diseases/gas-digestive-tract/treatmentTreatment for irritable bowel syndrome. (2017).https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/digestive-diseases/irritable-bowel-syndrome/treatmentFEEDBACK:Medically reviewed by Alexandra Perez, PharmD, MBA, BCGP — By Caitlin Geng on August 30, 2022 Latest newsWhat sets 'SuperAgers' apart? Their unusually large neuronsOmega-3 may provide a brain boost for people in midlifeSeasonal affective disorder (SAD): How to beat it this fall and winterCDC: Monkeypox in the US 'unlikely to be eliminated in the near future'Why are more women prone to Alzheimer's? New clues arise Related CoverageWhich foods cause gas and bloating?Medically reviewed by Katherine Marengo LDN, R.D. Some foods and beverages, including beans, whole grains, and fizzy beverages, can lead to gas and bloating. In this article, we look at a range of…READ MOREWhat to know about gas in the stomachMedically reviewed by Saurabh Sethi, M.D., MPH Gas in the stomach is a common occurrence, often due to swallowing air when eating or drinking. 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