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Your Symptoms

Belching

Belching or burping is your body’s way of expelling excess air from your stomach.

What causes Belching?

Some belching is normal but excessive belching may be caused by;

  • Swallowing excess air.  If you eat or drink too fast, talk while you eat, or drink through a straw.  Some people swallow air as a nervous habit — even when they’re not eating or drinking.
  • Acid Reflux or Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GORD) can also cause the same effect.  If stomach acid backs up into your oesophagus, you may swallow repeatedly to clear the material.  This can lead to swallowing more air and further belching.
  • Inflammation of the stomach lining (gastritis).
  • Peptic ulcer disease.
  • Delayed stomach emptying (gastroparesis).
  • Belching can also be caused by certain food and drinks (e.g. carbonated beverages).

How can I reduce my Belching?

  • Eat and drink slowly. Taking your time can help you swallow less air.  Also, avoid drinking through a straw.
  • Avoid carbonated drinks and beer.  They release carbon dioxide gas.
  • Skip the gum and hard candy.  When you chew gum or suck on hard candy, you swallow more often than normal. Part of what you’re swallowing is air.
  • Don’t smoke. When you inhale smoke, you also inhale and swallow air.
  • Check your dentures.  Poorly fitting dentures can cause you to swallow excess air when you eat and drink.
  • Treat heartburn.  For occasional, mild heartburn, over-the-counter antacids or other remedies may be helpful. For more severe heartburn see your MacMurray Specialist.

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