What Are the Causes of Increased Belching?

Belching, also known as burping, is the expulsion of air from the stomach through the mouth. Increased belching can be uncomfortable and sometimes embarrassing. An increase in belching can have many causes.

What It Is

• Belching is generally a process by which the body rids the stomach of excess air. Excess air in the stomach creates discomfort and belching offers relief.

Causes

• Excess air is taken into the stomach when eating or drinking too quickly, or when drinking carbonated beverages. Sensitivity to certain foods, anxiety or stomach disorders may also be factors.

Symptoms

• An individual is likely to experience distention and discomfort of the stomach. Belching can also cause heartburn or acid reflux, as it brings some stomach acid up into the esophagus.

Diet Modifications

• Depending on the cause, eliminating certain sugars or lactose from the diet could help ease the problem. If neither of these work, there are specific foods that can be reduced or eliminated. Some examples include beans, lentils, carrots, and prunes.

Treatments

• Depending on the cause of the condition, treatments include various medications. There are multiple over-the-counter remedies. If the problem is due to an infection in the intestine or stomach, antibiotics are prescribed.