From the Guidelines
To treat gas pain, patients should be offered a comprehensive approach that includes lifestyle modifications, such as regular exercise and avoiding certain foods that may trigger symptoms, as well as medications like proton pump inhibitors or neuromodulators, if necessary, as recommended by the British Society of Gastroenterology guidelines on the management of functional dyspepsia 1.
When managing gas pain, it is essential to consider the underlying causes, which can include issues with the two-way communication between the upper gut and the brain, problems with the nerves supplying the stomach and duodenum, or psychological factors like stress 1.
- Key lifestyle changes include:
- Avoiding certain foods that may trigger symptoms
- Eating smaller, more frequent meals
- Chewing food thoroughly
- Engaging in regular physical activity, such as walking for 10-15 minutes after meals
- Medications may be necessary for some patients, and the choice of medication should be based on the individual patient's symptoms and medical history, with options including:
- Proton pump inhibitors to reduce stomach acid
- Neuromodulators to help reduce the abnormal sensitivity of the nerves in the upper gut
- Antibiotics to treat H. pylori infection, if present
- It is also important to note that some patients may benefit from psychological or behavioural therapies, which can help reduce symptoms by influencing the connection between the brain and the upper gut nerves 1.
In severe cases where symptoms do not respond to treatment, management by a multidisciplinary team of specialists, including GPs, dietitians, gastroenterologists, and psychologists, is recommended to ensure access to high-quality, expert advice and reduce harm from unnecessary investigations and procedures 1.
From the FDA Drug Label
Use for the relief of pressure and bloating commonly referred to as gas To treat gas pain, simethicone (PO) can be used for the relief of pressure and bloating commonly referred to as gas 2.
- The medication is indicated for gas pain relief.
- Simethicone is the key ingredient for this treatment.
From the Research
Treatment Options for Gas Pain
- Simethicone can be used to decrease bloating and improve bowel preparation effectiveness, as shown in a systematic review and meta-analysis 3.
- The use of simethicone has been found to improve colon cleanliness and adenoma detection rate (ADR) in patients receiving single dosing of polyethylene glycol (PEG) 3.
- Simethicone may also be useful in decreasing abdominal bloating, but it has no significant effect on nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain 3.
- Antacids can be used to neutralize stomach acid, but the choice of antacid preparation should be based on individual patient preferences, as different preparations have varying palatability, acid-neutralizing capacity, and ability to bind bile salts 4.
Considerations for Treatment
- The effectiveness of simethicone in improving colon cleanliness and ADR is not seen in patients receiving split-dose PEG 3.
- Simethicone may be a useful bowel preparation adjunct in patients unable to receive split-dose PEG 3.
- Patients requiring antacid therapy should be allowed to choose from among a range of preparations to maximize compliance 4.