How do anti-gas remedies work?

Question

There are medicines for gas that you can give to children. How do they work? They are sold (in the US) over the counter indicating they are of low health risk, but are there any issues if to much is consumed? I was not aware that there may be multiple solutions. I am asking about the Simethicone types with Little Tummys being the brand name.

Answer 1

Simethicone changes the surface tension of gas bubbles. This causes the gas bubble to break thereby relieving some of the pressure in the belly that causes discomfort. It is relatively safe (always follow label directions) but not always effective.