Excessive Belching
Information on excessive burping and constant or chronic belching.
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What is Belching?
Belching, also known as burping (medical term is called aerophagia) is quite natural and happens in all of us. It can be uncomfortable but most of all, very embarrassing! It is considered socially unacceptable but in some cultures, belching after eating is a sign of appreciation for the meal.
When too much air is swallowed into the body and the body tries to get rid of this excess air, gas can build in the stomach and digestive system and work its way up through the throat – and thus belching occurs.
What causes Excessive Belching?
Excessive Belching can be caused by eating food, drinking carbonated beverages or talking too fast as well as taking certain medications such as diabetes drugs. Stress, anxiety and nervousness can also contribute to people swallowing more air. People with digestive problems such as gastritis or acid reflux may often experience excessive belching.
If excessive belching is accompanied by dyspepsia, heartburn, nausea, bloating, constipation, diarrhea, abdominal pain or weight loss, you should consult your health practitioner immediately as your symptoms have now become severe.
More Information on Excessive Belching
Tips to prevent belching
- There are several things that you can do to prevent belching and these include:
- Eat and chew slowly with your mouth closed to ensure that you are not swallowing air when you swallow your food
- Food allergies or a milk intolerance can also increase burping – avoid foods such as eggs, milk, wheat, peanuts, soy, corn, chocolate, cola or citrus fruit
- Avoid eating foods that have a high air content such as whipped cream, milk shakes or souffles
- Monitor what foods are causing the belching and eliminate them from your diet. If medications are causing belching, either change them or discontinue use of them
- Stop smoking, chewing tobacco or gum as it causes one to swallow quite a bit of air and this produces belching
- Avoid drinking carbonated drinks such as fizzy, soft drinks, cider, beer or champagne
- Sip from a glass rather than drink from a straw
- Make sure that your dentures fit properly to avoid swallowing air
- Learn to relax and stay calm by practicing relaxation techniques such as meditation, yoga or listening to music – stress, tension and anxiety causes you to swallow air
