Children who suffer from gas pain are not happy. Many parents do not want to see their children suffer from the cramping and discomfort caused by the gas. There are a number of treatment options available to provide the child with relief from gas. It is best to opt for natural home remedies or over-the-counter medications for relief. In case the child experiences intense or frequent gas, it is best to schedule an appointment with a doctor to rule out food allergies or illness as the cause.
Warm beverages
You can provide the child experiencing gas with a hot drink to sip. A warm tea made out of peppermint can provide a soothing effect on a cramping stomach. In a study conducted, providing a hot beverage to drink can cause the gas in the stomach to expand. Take note that this expansion might trigger more discomfort at first, but the warm liquid will help the gas escape and provide relief.
In case the infant is suffering from gas pains and too young to drink hot beverages, you can place a hot water bottle that is wrapped in a clean cloth or towel on the abdomen for 10-15 minutes. Make sure that the bottle is not hot enough to cause burns on the child.
Exercise
A child experiencing excessive gas or gas pain should be encouraged to exercise. By moving the body, it can help eliminate the uncomfortable gas trapped in the stomach. The exercise does not have to be intense. A simple walk after a meal can help release and prevent formation. In case the child tends to lie on the couch after eating, you have to encourage him/her to get up and find an active after meal activity to help with the gas.
Enzymes
Oftentimes, it is an easier task to prevent gas from forming than relieving it. You can treat the food given to the child with natural food enzymes to prevent the development of gas when eating.
There are many over-the-counter food enzymes that are specifically designed to prevent the formation. All you have to do is add a few drops of these enzymes on the meal before the child eats. Pineapple and papaya contain large amounts of anti-gas enzymes. With this in mind, eating pineapple or papaya with a meal can help minimize the formation of gas.
Massage
It is also recommended to try stomach massage to help the child pass the discomfort. You can rub the stomach of the infant or child in a gentle manner to help get the gas moving. When rubbing the stomach, it should be done in counter-clockwise circles to release the gas.
Simethicone
Simethicone is an over-the-counter medication utilized to minimize the bloating and deal with the trapped gas. This medication can provide the child with relief from the gas by breaking up the large gas bubbles into smaller ones that are easier to pass out. Simethicone is available in infant and children formulations and can be given safely to children of all ages by following the instructions on the packaging.