A big, strong burp after eating a stomach full is surely relieving. It is also a natural part of the digestive process, which is usually harmless. However, excessive and constant burping can be bothersome and may signal an underlying issue, more so if it happens without eating or drinking.

In an interaction with the OnlyMyHealth team, Dr Pradeepta Kumar Sethy, Director-Gastroenterology, Medica Superspeciality Hospital, Kolkata, shared a few possible causes of excessive burping and ways to relieve it.

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What Does Excessive Burping Mean?

Dr Shetty defined excessive burping as burping more frequently than normal or to a degree that becomes bothersome or disruptive.

“While the exact frequency varies from person to person, burping more than a few times a day or persistent burping unrelated to meals may be considered excessive,” he added.

According to a study published in Current Treatment Options in Gastroenterology, burping, or belching, can occur up to 30 times a day but can become excessive and bothersome, affecting daily life and social interaction.

Researchers further noted that while studies on belching prevalence are limited, one showed that up to half of patients with indigestion experience excessive belching, and for 20% of this group, it disrupts their social life. Estimates suggest that around 3.4% of patients with upper digestive issues seen at specialised hospitals suffer from this excessive air release.

Causes Of Excessive Burping

When it comes to constant burping, there are two main factors that can cause it: excessive air swallowing during eating or drinking or medical conditions, such as Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD), ulcers, or other digestive problems that cause stomach acid to flow back into the oesophagus.

According to Dr Shetty, burping in the context of acid reflux often accompanies other symptoms, like heartburn and regurgitation of stomach acid.

“The burping may occur more frequently after meals or when lying down. Individuals with acid reflux may also experience a sour taste in the mouth and chest discomfort,” he added.

On the contrary, people suffering from Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) may experience burping as a result of gas in the digestive system, additionally contributing to abdominal bloating.

“Unlike acid reflux, IBS symptoms, including burping, may not have a clear association with meals or a specific position. The burping in IBS is often accompanied by abdominal pain and changes in bowel habits, such as diarrhoea, constipation, or alternating between the two,” the doctor further added.

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How To Relieve And Prevent Excessive Burping?

Some of the common lifestyle changes to prevent excessive burping include:

Eating smaller meals and avoiding carbonated drinks

Identifying trigger foods and avoiding them

For cases related to stomach acid issues like GERD, dietary adjustments and medications such as proton pump inhibitors or H2 blockers may provide relief. Elevating the head of the bed may also help.

In instances of peptic ulcers, a combination of antibiotics and acid-reducing medications could be prescribed. 

• Managing stress
• Staying hydrated
• Maintaining a healthy weight

Conclusion

Burping is a natural process of the digestive system that can occur a few times a day. However, constant or excessive burping can be problematic and may affect daily life. If that is the case, it is best to consult a doctor to understand the underlying causes and to receive proper treatment accordingly. In most cases, lifestyle modifications can help considerably, but some may require medications to regulate the burping.