How to Get Rid of Smelly Gas

While flatulence affects all people and is considered a normal part of life, it can be embarrassing to pass gas when it’s accompanied by an unpleasant, smelly odor. If you have frequent, smelly gas, there are ways to get rid of it. Adjust your eating habits to make gas less likely.[1] Stay away from foods that tend to cause smelly gas. If your gas does not go away with home treatment, talk to a doctor about ways to eliminate gas.

Method 1
Method 1 of 3:

Coping in the Moment

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    Contain your gas until you can pass it discreetly. Everyone produces gas, and some days your gas may be smelly. If you're gassy on a given day, try holding your gas in during moments where it may be embarrassing to pass gas. You can wait for a discreet moment, such as when you're alone in your office, to pass gas.
    • However, do not hold in gas to the point you experience pain. Holding in gas for too long can cause indigestion, bloating, and other medical issues.[2]
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    Run to the bathroom when you feel gas coming. It is okay to excuse yourself to run to the bathroom, even if it's just to pass gas. If you feel gas coming, quietly excuse yourself and make a trip to the bathroom. You can then pass gas discreetly and return to your day.
    • If possible, opt for a private bathroom so you don't have to pass gas in the presence of others.
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    Take preventative medications before meals. If you tend to get gassy after meals, take medications designed to reduce gas just before eating. Medications such as Beano and charcoal tablets are taken before a meal to prevent gas afterwards. Refer to the instructions on the bottle before using these medications. Most medications of this kind must be taken before a meal to be effective.[3]
    • Before taking a new medication, check with your doctor to make sure it is okay given your current health and existing medications.
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    Try medications with simethicone. If you're already experiencing gas, try taking some over-the-counter medications designed to minimize gas. Products that contain simethicone, such as Gas-X, Gelusil, Mylanta, and Mylicon, help break down gas bubbles. While their effectiveness has not been widely studied, some find such products minimize gas.[4]
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Method 2
Method 2 of 3:

Adjusting Your Eating Habits

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    Eat in smaller portions. Eating in larger portions can cause food to digest in greater amounts quickly. This can lead to excessive gas. To cut back on gas, try eating small meals throughout the day in tiny portions. Instead of having a heavy sit down breakfast, for example, eat something light in the morning, like a couple of hardboiled eggs, and then have light snacks throughout the day.[5]
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    Slow down your eating. Eating quickly can increase gas. Try to eat slowly. Set down your fork between bites and chew your food thoroughly before swallowing.[6]
    • It can help to set a timer for 20 to 30 minutes and try not to finish your food until your timer goes off.
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    Avoid activities that make you swallow more air. Swallowing air can lead to excessive gas. Chewing gum, drinking through a straw, and sucking on hard candies all cause you to swallow more air.[7] Limit how often you engage in these activities to cut back on gas.[8]
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    Stick to drinking water with meals.[9] Carbonated beverages, like sodas and seltzer waters, can increase gas.[10] To help prevent gas, stick to drinking water with meals. Not only will this prevent gas, it has no calories and will quench your thirst quicker than other beverages.
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    Avoid fruits and vegetables that contribute to gas. Fruits and vegetables that have soluble fiber are broken down in the body in a fashion that can cause gas.[12] To lessen your gas, avoid the following fruits and vegetables:[13]
    • Onions
    • Artichokes
    • Pears
    • Brussels sprouts
    • Broccoli
    • Asparagus
    • Beans
    • Dairy[14]
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    Avoid artificial additives. Artificial sweeteners found in sugar-free candies can cause gas.[15] Read labels of sweet products you buy and watch out for sweeteners such as sorbitol, mannitol and xylitol. These could be contributing to your overall gas.[16]
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    Keep a food diary. While certain foods in general cause gas for most people, everyone's body is different. You may process certain foods differently, leading to excessive or smelly gas. Keep a food diary and write down everything you eat, as well as when you experience smelly gas. This will help you identify foods that are causing you gas.
    • For example, say you had a salad for lunch that included artichokes and onions. If you notice gas later in the day, these vegetables may be the cause.
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Method 3
Method 3 of 3:

Seeking Medical Help

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    Try non-prescription medications. If your gas is not causing other health problems, you can treat it with over-the-counter medications. A variety of medications you can find at most drug stores can help eliminate or lessen gas.[17]
    • Taking two to four tablespoons of an antacids about half an hour after a meal can reduce gas.
    • Two to four charcoal tablets can help with gas.
    • If you are lactose intolerant, try the enzyme lactase.
    • To reduce the odor of your gas, try Bismuth subsalicylate ( such as Pepto-Bismol).
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    See a doctor if gas is associated with GI problems. Gas is not usually a major medical concern. However, when accompanies by other GI issues, gas warrants a doctor's visit. See a doctor if any of the following problems accompany your gas:[18]
    • Abdominal pain and bloating
    • Recurring diarrhea or constipation
    • Blood in your stools
    • Signs of an infection (fever, vomiting, chills, muscle pain)
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    Take prescription medication as recommended by your doctor. If your doctor finds out your gas is caused by an underlying medical condition, they may prescribe you medication. You may require medication for irritable bowel syndrome or antibiotics if you have a stomach infection. Take any medication exactly as instructed by your doctor and ask any questions you have in the office.[19]
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Expert Q&A

  • Question
    What food intolerances cause excess gas?
    Peter Gardner, MD
    Peter Gardner, MD
    Board Certified Gastroenterologist
    Peter W. Gardner, MD is a board certified physician who has practiced Gastroenterology and Hepatology for over 30 years. He specializes in diseases of the digestive system and liver. Dr. Gardner earned his Bachelor’s degree from the University of North Carolina and attended Georgetown Medical School. He completed his residency in Internal Medicine and then his fellowship in Gastroenterology at the University of Connecticut. He is a previous Chief of Gastroenterology at Stamford Hospital and remains on the staff. He is also on the staff of Greenwich Hospital and New York (Columbia) Presbyterian Hospital. Dr. Gardner is an Approved Consultant in Internal Medicine and Gastroenterology with the American Board of Internal Medicine.
    Peter Gardner, MD
    Peter Gardner, MD
    Board Certified Gastroenterologist
    Expert Answer
    Lactose intolerance can cause tremendous gas. If you can't digest milk, the sugar lactose will get broken down and fermented in the colon. This can cause gas, bloating and ultimately, diarrhea. People with celiac disease are very sensitive to one of the constituents of gluten, gliadin. Since they can't digest it, gases form.
  • Question
    What causes excess flatulence and how can I stop it?
    Peter Gardner, MD
    Peter Gardner, MD
    Board Certified Gastroenterologist
    Peter W. Gardner, MD is a board certified physician who has practiced Gastroenterology and Hepatology for over 30 years. He specializes in diseases of the digestive system and liver. Dr. Gardner earned his Bachelor’s degree from the University of North Carolina and attended Georgetown Medical School. He completed his residency in Internal Medicine and then his fellowship in Gastroenterology at the University of Connecticut. He is a previous Chief of Gastroenterology at Stamford Hospital and remains on the staff. He is also on the staff of Greenwich Hospital and New York (Columbia) Presbyterian Hospital. Dr. Gardner is an Approved Consultant in Internal Medicine and Gastroenterology with the American Board of Internal Medicine.
    Peter Gardner, MD
    Peter Gardner, MD
    Board Certified Gastroenterologist
    Expert Answer
    Gas is usually caused by something you've eaten or swallowing air. People with celiac disease cannot digest gluten, which causes gases to form. If you have celiac, you'll need to stay away from gluten products. If you are lactose intolerant and cannot digest dairy, the sugar lactose will get broken down and fermented in the colon. This causes tremendous gas and bloating.
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References

  1. ↑ Muhammad Khan, MD, MPH. Board Certified Gastroenterologist. Expert Interview. 24 August 2021.
  2. ↑ http://www.berkeleywellness.com/self-care/over-counter-products/article/holding-intestinal-gas
  3. ↑ http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/gas-and-gas-pains/basics/treatment/con-20019271
  4. ↑ https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK555997/
  5. ↑ http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/gas-and-gas-pains/basics/lifestyle-home-remedies/con-20019271
  6. ↑ http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/gas-and-gas-pains/basics/lifestyle-home-remedies/con-20019271
  7. ↑ Muhammad Khan, MD, MPH. Board Certified Gastroenterologist. Expert Interview. 24 August 2021.
  8. ↑ http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/gas-and-gas-pains/basics/lifestyle-home-remedies/con-20019271
  9. ↑ Muhammad Khan, MD, MPH. Board Certified Gastroenterologist. Expert Interview. 24 August 2021.
  1. ↑ https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/gas
  2. ↑ Muhammad Khan, MD, MPH. Board Certified Gastroenterologist. Expert Interview. 24 August 2021.
  3. ↑ Muhammad Khan, MD, MPH. Board Certified Gastroenterologist. Expert Interview. 24 August 2021.
  4. ↑ https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/gas
  5. ↑ https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/gas
  6. ↑ Muhammad Khan, MD, MPH. Board Certified Gastroenterologist. Expert Interview. 24 August 2021.
  7. ↑ http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/gas-and-gas-pains/basics/causes/con-20019271
  8. ↑ https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/gas
  9. ↑ http://www.nhs.uk/conditions/flatulence/Pages/Introduction.aspx
  10. ↑ https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/gas
  11. ↑ http://www.nhs.uk/conditions/flatulence/Pages/Introduction.aspx

About This Article

Muhammad Khan, MD, MPH
Co-authored by:
Muhammad Khan, MD, MPH
Board Certified Gastroenterologist
This article was co-authored by Muhammad Khan, MD, MPH. Dr. Muhammad Khan is a Gastroenterologist, with over 10 years of experience. Dr. Khan specializes in Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition, and has a special focus in Therapeutic Endoscopy. He received his Bachelor’s, Master’s, and Doctorate of Medicine degrees from The University of Utah. Dr. Khan completed his residency training at Eastern Virginia Medical School, where he was inducted into the prestigious Alpha Omega Alpha honor society. He then completed his fellowship training at Lucile Packard Children’s Hospital at Stanford University. He is a Fellow of both the American Society of Gastrointestinal Endoscopy (ASGE) and the North American Society for Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition (NASPGHAN). This article has been viewed 93,546 times.
2 votes - 50%
Co-authors: 8
Updated: December 15, 2022
Views: 93,546
Categories: Flatulence

Medical Disclaimer

The content of this article is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, examination, diagnosis, or treatment. You should always contact your doctor or other qualified healthcare professional before starting, changing, or stopping any kind of health treatment.

Article SummaryX

To get rid of smelly gas, try eating your food more slowly, since digesting food in a hurry produces more gas. In addition, you'll be better off eating smaller meals more regularly than larger meals because digesting larger amounts of food quickly can cause gas. Try to avoid eating fruits and vegetables that produce gas, like pears, broccoli, or onions. You could also try sticking to water rather than drinking carbonated beverages, which produce gas. Additionally, avoid artificial sweeteners such as those in sugar-free candy. To find out which medication you can take to combat gas, read on!

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