Gas Pain Coping Skills: Ideas for Ulcerative Colitis Patients

Gas pain is something that many people have to deal with, and is frequently associated with those who suffer from inflammatory bowel disease. Fortunately, gas pain isn't a direct symptom of ulcerative colitis, the disease with which I was diagnosed in my early twenties, but the increase in loose stools and the decrease in gastrointestinal productivity can result in gas pain.

Essentially, gas pain is caused by "air pockets" that develop along the gastrointestinal tract. Either they are too large to move entirely through the colon, or a blockage stops them from moving out of the system. In both cases, severe cramping and sharp pains can result, and the discomfort can last for hours. If you suffer from ulcerative colitis, you might be looking for gas pain coping skills to get you through those excruciating experiences.

Body Position

One of the best ways to cope with gas pain is to get into a position that promotes the passage of gas. Sitting upright can inhibit the ability of the gasp pain to disperse while still in your stomach or bowels, meaning that you'll be suffering from gas pains for much longer than necessary. Often, any abdominal pain from ulcerative colitis can be eased by finding the right position, so experiment with several. Lying flat on your back might help ease the pain, or it could be helped by walking around.

Medications

There are several over-the-counter medications that can help you cope with gas pain from ulcerative colitis. For example, Gas-X costs only seven or eight dollars for a box, and taking two often eliminates any gas pain I experience. You can also try medication that is intended to stop diarrhea, such as Imodium, which may also help with any air pockets that might have developed as a result. Lactaid is another common OTC remedy.

Food

In many cases, sufferers of ulcerative colitis will experience gas pains because they have empty stomachs. The last thing you want to do during a flare-up is put anything else in your body that might eventually have to come out, but an empty stomach can lead to chronic gas. Putting something in your stomach-such as soda crackers or even just a slice of bread-can help eliminate that pain.

Additionally, you'll want to avoid any foods that might cause gas pains to develop. Sodas, for example, are frequent causes of air pockets in the stomach and bowels, and can make current gas pains worse.

Alternative Remedies

If you prefer to try alternative or holistic remedies for your gas pains, ginger is supposed to help relieve air pockets and bloating. Use fresh ginger rather than the ground product you can find at the grocery store, and take it as soon as you begin to feel gas pains. You can dissolve it in a cup of tea, but try not to drink any caffeinated beverages when you're suffering from this type of discomfort.

Acupuncture

If you experience chronic gas pains and you suffer from ulcerative colitis, you might also find relief in therapies like acupuncture. Several of my friends who also have ulcerative colitis have used this method with great success, and although I haven't tried it (I don't like needles), it seems just as viable as any other method. Just make sure you disclose your condition to any physician who treats you.