How to Reduce Intestinal Gas with Medication
Intestinal gas can lead to serious discomfort and even embarrassment if you're forced to pass gas in a public setting. There are some fairly simple methods for preventing and managing gas using over-the-counter medications. But effective intestinal gas management requires dosing consistency and a thorough analysis of your diet.
Things You'll Need
- Pen
- Notebook
- Gas prevention tablets (i.e. Beano)
- Anti-gas tablets (i.e. Gas-X)
Instructions
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1
Record what foods you eat in a small notebook that you'll keep with you at all times. Note the date, the time of the meal and foods you consumed.
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2
Record your symptoms in a second column beside the meal list. When you start experiencing symptoms, note the time and the severity of the symptoms on a scale of 1 to 10 (10 being the worst.) If you have no symptoms, write a "0."
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3
Maintain the log for two to four weeks, recording your meals and your symptoms.
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4
Analyze the log of your meals and symptoms to determine what foods are triggering intestinal gas symptoms. If there is no distinct pattern, this suggests you may be swallowing air while eating, or it may suggest that an underlying intestinal problem is to blame (and therefore, a visit to the doctor is in order.)
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5
Take a gas prevention medication like Beano before eating a meal that's likely to trigger intestinal upset--as determined in Step 3. The dosage varies by age, so check the product for the recommended dosage.
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6
Take an anti-gas tablet like Gas-X at the first sign of intestinal upset following a meal. The dosage varies by age, so check the product for the recommended dosage. Gas prevention pills are moderately effective, but some meals may still trigger intestinal upset, so taking an anti-gas tablet at the first sign of a problem will help eliminate the symptoms before they become severe.
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Tips & Warnings
Once you determine what foods are causing intestinal gas, you can make a concerted effort to avoid those foods.
Not all cases of intestinal upset are the result of the digestive process. Swallowing air can also cause gas, and gas prevention medication will not be very effective in treating this problem. This requires a change in habit, like slower eating, avoiding chewing gum and repairing loose dentures.
Intestinal upset can be a symptom of a more serious disease or disorder, so it's vital to consult a physician before attempting to manage symptoms at home.
