Burping (also called belching) is a natural bodily function. It allows you to get rid of excess air from your stomach or esophagus (food pipe). This air leaves through your mouth sometimes with a sound and slight sensation in your throat.
Burping may be temporary and occur when chewing gum or eating too quickly. Excessive burping may refer to persistent belching at random times of the day. This may have links to underlying medical conditions, like gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).
Gastric vs. supragastric belching
Most burps release air that has built up in the stomach. This is called gastric belching, and it is a natural mechanism to release pressure in the stomach.
Other burps release air that has built up in your food pipe and has not reached the stomach. These types of burps are called supragastric belching.
Some experts think supragastric belching is a learned habit or a voluntary action. Others consider it a possible symptom of a behavioral disorder or associate it with mental health conditions like anxiety.
Common causes of excessive burping
Factors that may cause excessive burping that becomes persistent over time include:
Swallowing too much air
Aerophagia is the medical term that healthcare professionals use to describe swallowing too much air. Some experts suggest aerophagia may cause bloating, abdominal stretching, and passing gas.
You may swallow too much air if you are:
- eating or drinking too quickly
- chewing gum or sucking on hard candy
- talking while eating
- smoking tobacco
- drinking fizzy drinks like sodas and beer
- wearing loose-fitting dentures
Excessive burping for any of these reasons is likely to be temporary or occur only while you are doing these things.
The treatment of aerophagia may include:
- speech therapy to help you to swallow less air when talking
- medication, like simethicone (Infacol), to reduce pain related to the amount of gas you are producing
GERD and acid reflux
Excessive burping may have associations with acid reflux and GERD.
Experts suggest excessive supragastric and gastric belching may result from acid traveling up the food pipe.
Other symptoms of acid reflux may include:
- a burning feeling in your chest (heartburn)
- a sour taste in your mouth
- a persistent cough, particularly when lying down
- hiccups that keep coming back
- halitosis
- bloating
- nausea, diarrhea, and vomiting
- hoarse voice
To reduce supragastric belching, and depending on the cause, a healthcare professional may suggest behavioral therapy, such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) or speech therapy.
Eating slowly and avoiding carbonated drinks may help reduce GERD-related gastric belching. Managing GERD and acid reflux may also reduce belching.
Your healthcare professional may recommend proton pump inhibitors to lower stomach acid levels. For example, lansoprazole (Prevacid) and omeprazole (Prilosec).
Antacids, such as Maalox and Tums, may also help to reduce burping associated with acid reflux.
However, healthcare professionals do not recommend long-term use of over-the-counter (OTC) medications for GERD and acid reflux. To tailor your management strategies, a healthcare professional may want to explore the underlying cause of belching and acid reflux.
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Get free cardH. pylori infection
Excessive burping may result from an H. pylori infection. H. Pylori bacteria may attack the stomach lining and cause digestive issues.
You could have an H. pylori infection without experiencing any other symptoms. Testing for the bacteria is usually the only way to confirm the infection.
If you do have symptoms, these may include:
- stomach or abdominal pain
- nausea and vomiting
- unexplained weight loss
- bloating
- belching
If you receive a positive result for H. pylori, your doctor may recommend treating it with a combination of a proton-pump inhibitor and antibiotics, like clarithromycin (Biaxin), metronidazole (Flagyl), or amoxicillin (Amoxil).
Other causes of excessive burping
Other common causes of persistent burping may include:
- irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
- peptic ulcers
- stress and anxiety
- lactose intolerance and other food triggers, depending on personal sensitivities
- medications containing bicarbonate
When to see a doctor about excessive burping
If your persistent belching affects your quality of life, speaking with a doctor may help. They can help you explore possible causes and address them effectively.
If belching causes you pain, involves regurgitating food, or you experience unexplained nausea, vomiting, or fever, consider seeking medical support.
Summary
Excessive gastric and supragastric belching may be due to a behavioral habit, eating too quickly, smoking tobacco, eating preferences, or anxiety.
Excessive burping may also be due to chronic conditions like GERD or an H. pylori infection.
A healthcare professional can help you explore the underlying cause of persistent belching and provide a treatment and management plan to reduce your symptoms.
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