How to Get Gas Relief After a Colonoscopy

A colonoscopy is not something you are likely to look forward to, but if you know what to expect, it will be easier to get through. You prepare ahead of time by cleansing your colon and then comes the procedure itself. A small amount of air is pumped into the colon so you might suffer from uncomfortable bouts of gas for a few days. There are some measures you can take to get through it.

• Do not try to eat a large meal at first; eat a small meal instead and give your body time to adjust to food again. This may be hard since you have not had any solid food and will be hungry after your procedure however, it will help tremendously.


• Try to avoid swallowing air when you chew. Avoid chewing gum, hard candies or drinking through a straw.  Smoking or wearing poorly fitting dentures can also cause you to swallow air as well.   


• Get some exercise because this can help move gas through the digestive system faster; just taking a short walk can help get rid of the gas and alleviate some of the pain.    


• Avoid certain foods for a few days, such as cabbage and asparagus, whole grains, fruit beans and milk.  By avoiding these, you can give your digestive system a chance to calm down and get back to normal.


• Drink hot tea.  Some teas such as peppermint, cinnamon, chamomile, ginger and anise relive gas and are more effective if you drink it after a meal.


• Add 1 tsp of baking soda to a glass of water. Although it is rare, there have been cases where baking soda will explode in the stomach, according to the book "1,801 Home Remedies: Trustworthy Treatments for Everyday Health Problems." To avoid this possible outcome, add four or five drops of lemon juice.