Acid reflux happens when the stomach contents and acid flow back into the esophagus. This is the muscular tube that connects the throat to the stomach. The acid can irritate the esophagus lining and cause heartburn or gastroesophageal reflux (GER).
It’s known as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) if the condition becomes persistent or happens quite often.
Other symptoms you may see with acid reflux include:
- problems or pain with swallowing
- food coming back up into your throat or mouth
- nausea or vomiting
- a chronic cough
- chest pain
- an unusual change in your voice (hoarseness)
As many as 20 out of every 100 people in Western countries have GER or similar gastric problems. Although this condition can become uncomfortable, it doesn’t usually lead to more severe conditions. Belching or burping may occur along with acid reflux.
Why does acid reflux make you burp?
Burping or belching occurs when gas or air escapes the stomach or esophagus. It’s a natural physiological occurrence and may happen up to 30 times daily.
You may experience burping even more often when you have acid reflux.
With acid reflux, gas or pressure in your stomach causes the stomach contents to push up into your esophagus. If air or gas in your stomach pushes into your esophagus and upward, you’re likely to burp or belch.
Burping triggers
Several things, including acid reflux, can trigger burping. It’s not usually a sign of serious conditions like cancer. But if you notice it alongside other concerning symptoms, reach out to a healthcare professional.
Supragastric or gastric belching
Supragastric belching occurs when you suck excess air into your esophagus. This can often happen during times of stress, anxiety, or gastrointestinal distress.
Gastric belching occurs when you suck excess air into your stomach. Several things can cause you to suck extra air into your stomach, such as:
- smoking (if you smoke)
- chewing gum or sucking on candy
- drinking with a straw
- eating too fast or on the move
- talking while eating or drinking
- drinking fizzy drinks
Your diet
Some foods can increase your stomach’s acid and gas production, making you more prone to burping. The triggers vary from person to person. But some foods that frequently cause excess gas include:
- high fat foods
- carbonated or fizzy drinks
- large amounts of whole grains and legumes, like beans or peas
- dairy products, such as milk or ice cream
- certain fruits and vegetables, such as apples, pears, broccoli, or collared greens
- drinks with high fructose corn syrup, such as fruit juice, energy drinks, or sports drinks
- candy or gum with artificial sweeteners, such as anything ending in “-ol” (sorbitol, xylitol)
Certain medical conditions
Certain medical conditions can raise your chances of developing excess gas, including:
- pregnancy
- hiatal hernia
- celiac disease
- lactose intolerance
- functional dyspepsia
- overweight or obesity
- irritable bowel syndrome
When to contact a doctor
It’s important to talk with a healthcare professional if you have any of the following symptoms along with the reflux and burping:
- decreased appetite
- persistent vomiting
- unexplained weight loss
- chest discomfort or burning
- problems swallowing or pain with swallowing
- signs of blood in your esophagus or stomach, such as blood in vomit or vomit that looks like coffee grounds
Call 911 if you have chest pain or difficulty breathing.
Acid reflux treatments
The treatment for acid reflux depends on what’s causing the reflux. If your acid reflux is mild, a healthcare professional may recommend diet or lifestyle changes alone. If the reflux is more severe or causes discomfort, they may recommend or prescribe medication.
More research is needed to determine whether over-the-counter (OTC) antacids actually help lower acid reflux. However, people commonly use them to neutralize stomach acid and reduce gastrointestinal upset symptoms, including burping. OTC antacids include Mylanta, Rolaids, and Tums.
Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) reduce acid production in the stomach. Treating uncomfortable gastroesophageal symptoms may lower the behaviors that cause excess air in the stomach. With less air in the stomach, you may see a reduction in burping. A doctor may prescribe:
- omeprazole (Losec)
- rabeprazole (Aciphex)
- pantoprazole (Protonix)
- lansoprazole (Prevacid SoluTab)
- esomeprazole (Nexium)
- dexlansoprazole (Dexilant)
- omeprazole sodium bicarbonate (Zegerid)
H2 receptor blockers are medications that also prevent the production of excess stomach acid. They work by blocking histamine in the stomach and can lower reflux symptoms, including excessive burping. A doctor may prescribe:
- famotidine (Pepcid)
- cimetidine
- nizatidine (Axid)
Baclofen (Gablofen), a muscle relaxer, may be an option if other treatments don’t help.
Vonoprazan has been approved as a treatment for GERD and its associated symptoms, such as excessive burping. A 2020 review suggests that vonoprazan may be even more effective than PPIs in people with severe erosive esophagitis.
A doctor may recommend surgery to lower severe reflux symptoms in advanced cases.
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Get free cardNatural remedies
If you don’t want to take medication every day, or if you only have mild heartburn or reflux, natural remedies may be an option. A healthcare professional may recommend:
- keeping a food diary and finding the foods and drinks that cause excess gas, reflux, or heartburn, which you can then avoid
- avoiding large meals or eating smaller meals more frequently
- adding probiotics to your diet and eating enough fiber
- stopping smoking and avoiding alcohol (if applicable)
- keeping a weight that’s healthy for you
- sleeping with your head raised so your stomach is lower than your head
- not lying down or resting within 3 hours of a meal
Online care for acid reflux
If you have severe acid reflux symptoms that don’t go away or come back often, you may need medical management alongside lifestyle changes.
Online care services, including Optum Perks Online Care, may make getting treatment easier. With these services, you can submit an online form answering a few questions about your symptoms, and a US-licensed healthcare professional will respond soon after to prescribe a treatment plan.
Summary
Acid reflux can cause burping. Usually, acid reflux and burping are not signs of a more serious condition and do not lead to more severe medical conditions.
If acid reflux becomes persistent or very frequent, it’s known as GERD.
A healthcare professional may recommend suggestions for mild heartburn or reflux. If your condition worsens or you have symptoms like unexplained weight loss and signs of blood in the vomit, speak with a doctor.
It’s important to call 911 or your local emergency number if you have chest pain or difficulty breathing.
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