Burping usually occurs after eating and it is normal. However, if you belch constantly, it could be a symptom of an illness or a side effect of certain medications that you should be aware of.
Burping is one way the body expels gas naturally. This condition is common and if not expelled, gas in the stomach can cause flatulence and abdominal pain.
Burping is also normal in babies. Babies burp to get rid of excess air in their stomach. Burping can also occur when she is breastfeeding because air is also swallowed, especially if using a bottle.
While it's normal, you should be aware that belching is persistent. Especially if accompanied by several symptoms, such as diarrhea, severe abdominal pain, or even bloody stools.
Various Causes of Burping
There are various things that can cause burping. The following are some of the most common causes of belching:
1. Swallowing air (aerophagia)
Swallowing air, whether intentionally or not, is called aerophagia. The air that enters the digestive tract contains nitrogen and oxygen gases. This gas will be pushed up by the stomach into the esophagus and out of the mouth in the form of belching.
Gas in the digestive tract is generally formed from the digestion of food or when air is swallowed through the mouth. Air can enter your body if you talk while eating, chew gum, suck on candy, eat too fast, or smoke.
2. Consuming certain foods or drinks
Burping can be caused by the consumption of certain foods or drinks, such as broccoli, cabbage, onions, beans, bananas, whole grains, raisins, and carbonated drinks or soda.
In addition, alcoholic beverages and foods high in sugar, flour, and fiber can also cause excessive belching.
3. Taking certain drugs
Apart from swallowing air and consuming certain foods or drinks, some medicines are also known to cause belching. These medications include type 2 diabetes medications, laxatives, and pain medications.
In fact, excessive consumption of painkillers can cause gastritis, a condition that triggers belching.
4. Feeling stressed and anxious
When you experience excessive stress or anxiety, you will unconsciously breathe faster so that more air enters your body. This condition is called hyperventilation and can trigger belching.
In addition, there are also several diseases that can cause sufferers to experience constant belching due to an uncomfortable stomach condition, including:
- Stomach acid disease or gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
- Gastritis
- Stomach pain (dyspepsia)
- stomach ulcer
- gastroparesis
- Lactose intolerance
- Impaired absorption of sorbitol or fructose carbohydrates
- Disorders of the pancreas (pancreatic insufficiency)
- celiac disease
- syndrome dumping, which is a symptom that occurs when gastric emptying occurs quickly before the contents are properly digested
How to Overcome Burping
Generally, burping is not dangerous and does not require special handling. Although burping is a natural process, there are times when we need to prevent burping, for example at formal dinners.
To prevent and relieve burping, you can try the following ways:
- Don't eat and drink in a hurry.
- Limit or stop smoking.
- Avoid eating candy and chewing gum, as chewing can make you swallow a lot of air.
- Avoid consumption of carbonated and alcoholic beverages that contain carbon dioxide gas.
- Avoid consuming foods that can produce gas, such as broccoli, cabbage, beans, and dairy products.
- Take supplements or probiotic drinks to improve digestion.
If belching is caused by heartburn, you can take stomach ulcer drugs, such as antacids, or consult a doctor if you experience severe symptoms.
In addition, walking or doing light exercise for a while after eating can also launch the digestive process, thereby reducing burping.
Although generally not a serious condition, consult your doctor if you experience excessive belching or persistent bloating and nausea in your stomach. The doctor will examine your symptoms to determine the cause and provide appropriate treatment.