Occasional burping, or belching, is normal nothing to worry about. However, when it becomes persistent, it could be an issue. Persistent or obstinate burping may be a sign of various digestive disorders. Hence, it is important to have enough knowledge about what could cause it. There are also various treatment you may want to know. Not only do these tackle the condition itself, they also help you feel better and live longer.
Belching or Burping?
Burping, or belching, is medically known as ructus or eructation. It is essentially the process of releasing gas from the digestive system through the mouth. While there is a typical sound or odor that accompanies this release, burping is a normal phenomenon – all of us may experience it, not just those with a specific illness. Everyone burps or belches to expel any excessive air they have swallowed. It helps in relieve the discomfort in the abdomen caused by excess air.
Burping may also form a habit in some, which means it may not be related to air accumulation in the stomach. Some people intuitively opt to burp to ease abdominal conditions and relieve the feeling of discomfort that accompanies gas.
Even though it may sound like a simple exercise, when you think about it technically, burping is a co-coordinated activity. Your larynx lifts to prevent any food particles in the air from getting into your lungs on its way out. Burping also helps relax the upper cardia so that the air may pass from the esophagus to the throat more easily. The lowermost part of the cardia must also open for the air to pass from the stomach to the esophagus. It is during these activities that the diaphragm falls away, increasing the abdominal pressure and reducing chest pressure. This change in pressure is what ensures that the air flows from the stomach to the esophagus.
Belching: Symptoms
Burping already a symptom in and of itself. Generally, it is associated with various digestive conditions like acidity, bloating or gas. Hence, there is no such thing as ‘belching’ symptoms. However, the following list may give you a better idea of the underlying causes of your burping, which can help you to better treat the condition:
- Dyspepsia – this is an aching or burning pain in the uppermost part of the abdomen, sometimes referred to as a stabbing sensation in the gut.
- Heartburn – this is characterized by a chest pain. It usually occurs after having meals and it is precipitated by an increase in intra-abdominal pressure.
- Loss of appetite
- Vomiting
- Bitter taste in the mouth
- Nausea
- Belching
- Constant pain in the upper abdomen
- Frequent feeling of hunger
- Stomach pain
Belching: Causes
There are a lot of factors that may affect the normal process of digestion. Furthermore, there also some things which may cause indigestion. Some of these are related to your lifestyle and consumption patterns. Here are some of the most common causes of belching that accompanies indigestion:
- Gastritis, or stomach inflammation
- Greasy, fatty and spicy foods
- Smoking
- Peptic ulcers
- Gallstones
- Eating while upset
- Rapid eating
- Eating excessively
- Chocolates
- Carbonated drinks
- Alcohol
Belching: Risk Factors
Here are some of the factors that may increase the risk of belching that accompanies indigestion:
- Eating a lot of food in one meal
- The use of tobacco
- Greasy, fatty and spicy foods
- Overconsumption of caffeine
- Overconsumption of alcohol
- High-fiber foods
- Eating while stressed
- Rapid eating
Treatments for Belching
Here are some of the best treatments for belching:
- Avoiding Canned Goods: canned goods usually have carbon dioxide – this is used to prevent the contents from spoiling. The same goes for soft drinks, which is why you should also avoid them
- Eating slowly: eating slowly help ensure food is properly digested. This helps you avoid indigestion and other digestive conditions. It also prevents excess air from going into the stomach.
- Water: regular consumption of water is beneficial in keeping the mouth wet. When your mouth is dry, there is a bigger chance of belching.
- Posture: upholding a certain posture is helps expel any undesirable gas in the stomach.
- Drinking cold milk: this helps reduce acidity and pacify any burning sensations felt by eating spicy food. What makes this one of the most amazing treatments for belching is that it can relieve belching in just one minute.
