Burping is a normal bodily function that occurs when your body needs to release excess air from your digestive system. While there is no specific definition of what constitutes excessive burping, if you feel like you are burping more than normal, you may want to seek relief.
Below are the major causes of excessive burping.
Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease
Gastroesophageal reflux disease, known more commonly as GERD, is a digestive disorder. It occurs when stomach acid flows back up into the esophagus.
In normal digestion, the muscle that connects the stomach and esophagus (lower esophageal sphincter) opens for food to pass into the stomach and immediately closes to prevent anything from flowing back up. When that muscle is weak or flexes incorrectly, you may experience GERD, and with that, burping.
Treatment for GERD involves lifestyle changes and prescription antacids.
Aerophagia or Supragastric Belching
These two conditions occur when someone moves air into their esophagus.
Aerophagia is characterized by repetitive air swallowing. The air enters the stomach and is released as a burp when it moves into the intestines.
Supragastric belching occurs when the esophagus releases air before you have time to swallow it and enters the stomach. This can lead to excessive burping.
The causes of these conditions are not clear, but experts suspect they are a method for your body to relieve a bloated stomach. Some suspect there is a psychological factor as well.
Behavioral therapies to help you stop the action causing excess air to enter the esophagus is the most common treatment of supragastric belching and aerophagia.
Consuming Food & Drinks
A common cause of excessive burping is your diet. According to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, the most common foods that cause burping include:
- Chewing gum
- Hard candy
- Fizzy beverages
You are more likely to swallow air when chewing gum or sucking on a hard candy. Fizzy drinks release carbon dioxide, which you then need to burp out.
Changing your diet and how quickly you consume food can help you treat your excessive burping. If you are unsure what is causing your symptoms, try keeping a food journal detailing what you consume and any symptoms you experience. Chances are you will eventually notice a pattern.
For more information on why you are burping excessively, contact the experts at North Alabama ENT.