Excessive Burping
Causes Of Excessive Burping
Burping is almost always due to an accumulation of gas in the stomach, so it stands to reason that excessive burping must be tied to an excessive accumulation of gas in the stomach or a chronic gassy stomach condition.
While there is a grain of truth to this, there are numerous reasons why we burp, and numerous causes of excessive burping. One of the more common causes is that of swallowing air. Burping, or belching is usually an involuntary activity, although by purposefully swallowing small gulps of air we can force ourselves to burp, a talent some are very proud of. Mostly, a burp is a tiny bit embarrassing in certain situations, and excessive burping can be very embarrassing indeed.
We Swallow Air For Various Reasons - There are times we swallow air even though we don't mean to, and when we do so, burping, and even excessive burping can result. When we breathe in, it should always be through our nose. If you are in the habit of breathing in through your mouth, it can result in burping. At times, something like nasal congestion will give us no other option but to breathe through our mouths, and this can lead to an occasional burp. When we experience anxiety or become very excited we sometimes hyperventilate, which can lead to a burp, although hyperventilation is seldom is a cause of excessive burping. Eating or drinking too fast is yet another cause, making us burp at the diner table, usually not considered fashionable. Drinking carbonated beverages can do the same.
Food Allergies - Causes of excessive burping usually come from something else than simply swallowing air, and are often the result of a disease or disorder affecting the stomach or intestines. Food allergies can bring on burping. If one has an intolerance of a certain food element, lactose being rather common, that food element is not being properly digested. Bacteria will then consume it, releasing hydrogen gas in the process. An inability to effectively digest fructose is another contributor to the build up of hydrogen gas in the gut, leading to burping.
Diseases And Disorders Leading To Excessive Burping - There are several infections, diseases, or disorders than can bring on bouts of excessive burping. One of the more common is a bacterial infection in the stomach, with the Helicobacter pylori bacteria often being the culprit. These little monsters attack the lining of the stomach, causing an excess of gastric acid to be produced while at the same time the bacteria metabolize ammonia, releasing carbon dioxide. An excess of carbon dioxide, like an excess of any other gas in the stomach can result in excessive burping.
Burping can also be a symptom of gastroparesis, a temporary paralysis of the stomach muscles which delays the passage of food, and can result in an excessive build up of gases. In this case the gases may include hydrogen sulfide or other foul smelling gases which can definitely be noticed when one burps. Irritated bowel syndrome and acid reflux disease are two other disorders in which excessive burping may be one of the symptoms. In the case of acid reflux disease, antacid tablets usually provide near term relief.
Summary - Excessive burping therefore can either be the result of a lifestyle habit or manifests itself as a symptom of a disease or disorder. In some instances, like acid reflux disease, medication in the form of an antacid effectively treats the symptom, which is this case is burping, but does not cure the underlying disease. In other instances, like a food allergy, the only solution is avoidance of the offending food items.