Consuming water and walking regularly can help reduce and eliminate stomach gas.
Gas attacks can sometimes be so severe, that they are mistaken for other serious ailments. Oscar-winning actress Jennifer Lawrence was recently hospitalised after complaining about severe stomach pains and cramps. The actress, who reportedly does not hide her love for fried and fatty foods, initially thought that she was suffering from ulcer. However, her endoscopy revealed otherwise and she later admitted that she was ‘gassy’. Here is more on the issue…
Can gas really cause so much pain? City doctors say it does. Here is more about the problem… Can gas be so painful?
Dr Amit Saraf, consultant internal medicine, says, “Gas can build up to an extent that it causes severe pain. The pain is mostly upper abdominal and is usually accompanied by nausea, vomiting and sometimes, heartburn.”
Bariatric surgeon Dr Muffazal Lakdawala adds, “Gas can be a common symptom related to many gastrointestinal problems. Stomach pain is commonly experienced after eating high fatty foods. It is also common among smokers and those who are stressed. It can be a symptom of stomach ulcers, gallbladder stones, acid reflux and irritable bowel syndrome. It can lead to severe pain at times.”
How to deal with it
The food we eat is a major deciding factor. Lakdawala says avoiding fatty foods can help. “Quit smoking and lead a less stressful life; these can reduce the symptoms. Mostly, an antacid with some rest will work,” he prescribes.
In case pain persists despite taking the usual remedial measures, see a gastroenterologist. “To rule out any other specific cause — ulcers, reflux disease, gallbladder stones, irritable bowel syndrome or in rare cases, cancer of the GI tract — one must consult a gastroenterologist,” suggests Dr Lakdawala. “Consuming around twoand-a-half litres of water daily and walking regularly can help reduce and eliminate stomach gas,” states Dr Saraf.
Exercising regularly and keeping your tummy trim helps as well.
How to avoid the ‘gassy’ feeling
Stay away from fatty and fried foods. Have fruits and salads daily. Ensure a timely diet. Don’t skip meals. Have low-carb, low-fat and high-fibre diet. Drink at least two-and-a-half litres of water daily. Walk everyday. Do regular abdominal crunches to keep your tummy trim and muscles firm. Catch up on sleep. Stay away from stress. Avoid smoking and drinking.
Image courtesy: © Thinkstock photos/ Getty Images
More On >> Health
