The 9 reasons you can’t stop burping – and if it’s important, go to the doctor

NO MATTER WHETHER it’s a subtle little “ribbit” or a full-on burp, we all have burps coming out of our mouths from time to time.

This allows gases to be released from your digestive system – burping is basically when air from your stomach passes back through your esophagus and into your mouth.

Belching can be caused by drinking carbonated drinks - or it can be a sign of digestive problems such as irritable bowel syndrome

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Belching can be caused by drinking carbonated drinks – or it can be a sign of digestive problems such as irritable bowel syndromePhoto credit: Getty

It is completely normal to burp up to 30 times a day Study published in 2020.

But belching can become annoying if it happens more often. Accordingly Healthit is considered excessive if it:

  • affects your quality of life
  • affects your daily activities
  • happens again and again

There are only a few reasons for this – some are as simple as eating too quickly or chewing gum.

But in some cases, your frequent burping could be a sign of something more serious, such as irritable bowel syndrome or even stomach cancer.

Here are nine reasons why you are suffering from belching.

1. You have acid reflux

Acid reflux, also called heartburn, is caused by your stomach acid traveling toward your throat, causing a burning sensation in the center of your chest.

According to NHS guidance, you may also notice an unpleasant sour taste in your mouth, and people suffering from the condition may also experience frequent belching.

The NHS recommends speaking to your pharmacist, who may be able to recommend medications such as antacids or alginates that may help relieve your symptoms.

However, you should speak to a GP if you have heartburn most days for three weeks or more.

2. You drink carbonated drinks

Carbonated drinks, beers and other carbonated drinks are all filled with gas and can increase the amount of air in your stomach, the study says American College of Gastroenterology.

Unsurprisingly, the air in it can cause you to burp as it crawls back up your throat.

If you drink carbonated drinks and burp a lot, it could be a sign that you should drink less.

3. You eat gas-producing vegetables

Some foods, such as Some foods, such as cruciferous vegetables, can produce more gas when digested, causing you to burp more often than usual.

According to Health, these include:

  • asparagus
  • broccoli
  • Brussels sprouts
  • Cabbage
  • carrots
  • cauliflower
  • celery
  • Cucumber
  • Kale
  • Leek
  • Onions
  • Parsnips
  • potatoes
  • radish

4. You swallow too much air

This may sound silly, but some people simply swallow too much air.

It’s called aerophagia – which means “eating air” – and can occur when you eat too quickly, swallow drinks, chew gum, smoke and wear loose dentures Hopkins Medicine.

5. You have gastritis

Gastritis is a condition in which your stomach lining becomes red and swollen.

According to the NHS, it can cause all sorts of unpleasant symptoms, including belching and farting. You may also experience the following:

  • stomach pain
  • Indigestion
  • Feeling of fullness and flatulence
  • nausea
  • Vomit

You should see your GP if you have stomach pain or indigestion for more than a week, or if your stomach pain gets worse or keeps coming back.

6. You have irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)

Speaking of stomach problems, irritable bowel syndrome could also be the cause of your belching.

It causes symptoms such as stomach cramps, bloating, diarrhea, and constipation that come and go and can last for days, weeks, or months.

The best way to manage this lifelong condition is through dietary changes and medication – speak to a GP if you experience symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome.

7. Your meals are too big

We’ve all burped after enjoying a particularly large feast.

Eating meals that are too large is another activity that can increase gas in your digestive tract.

8. You have too many bacteria in your small intestine

Small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO) is thought to affect up to one in seven of us, but it is often confused with irritable bowel syndrome Patient.info.

This means that there is an overgrowth of bacteria in your small intestine that, when breaking down food, produces excess gas that can cause belching and farting, as well as stomach pain, diarrhea and nausea.

SIBO can also cause food intolerances to dairy, eggs, wheat, gluten, corn and soy.

It can also affect the skin. Studies show that people with acne are ten times more likely to develop SIBO, while people with rosacea are also more likely to develop bacterial overgrowth.

See a primary care doctor if you experience SIBO symptoms.

9. You have stomach cancer

In rare cases, your excessive belching may be caused by stomach cancer.

The symptoms can be hard to recognize, but according to the NHS they can affect your digestive system and cause:

  • Heartburn or acid reflux
  • have problems swallowing (dysphagia)
  • feeling sick or being sick
  • Symptoms of indigestion, such as: B. frequent belching
  • Feeling full very quickly when eating

Other symptoms could include:

  • Loss of appetite or weight loss without trying
  • a knot at the top of my stomach
  • Pain at the top of the abdomen
  • feeling tired or having no energy

These symptoms are similar to those caused by other gastrointestinal diseases, and their presence does not necessarily mean that you have cancer.

However, it is important to get checked out by a GP if the gastrointestinal symptoms you are used to change, worsen or feel abnormal to you.

If your symptoms are caused by cancer, early detection makes it easier to treat the disease.

John Verrall

John Verrall is a Nytimas U.S. News Reporter based in London. His focus is on U.S. politics and the environment. He has covered climate change extensively, as well as healthcare and crime. John Verrall joined Nytimas in 2023 from the Daily Express and previously worked for Chemist and Druggist and the Jewish Chronicle. He is a graduate of Cambridge University. Languages: English. You can get in touch with me by emailing: johnverrall@nytimas.com.

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