When Burping Becomes a Problem

Burping is a natural and common bodily function that starts right after birth and continues throughout our lives. While it can be comforting, especially after a meal or a soda, excessive burping might be a sign of an underlying issue.

Normal vs. Excessive Burping

According to Carlo M. Cornejo, MD, Section Chief of Gastroenterology at Makati Medical Center, the average person burps 3-6 times after eating or drinking. Drinking carbonated beverages can increase this number, but it’s generally within a healthy range. Simple excess burping can often be managed by eating and drinking more slowly and avoiding carbonated drinks and hard candy, which cause you to swallow more air.

When to Worry About Burping

However, if burping is accompanied by other symptoms, it may indicate a more serious problem. For instance, burping with a burning sensation in the chest could be a sign of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). GERD occurs when stomach acid moves up into the esophagus, causing reflux and the urge to burp. Managing GERD involves taking antacids and avoiding acidic foods and drinks.

Diarrhea combined with burping can suggest food poisoning, traveler’s diarrhea, or stomach flu, which are typically caused by consuming contaminated food or drinks. These conditions often resolve on their own but can become severe and require medical attention. Increasing fluid intake, along with antibiotics and probiotics, can help prevent dehydration and speed up recovery.

More alarmingly, burping with abdominal discomfort, unintentional weight loss, or vomiting could indicate gastrointestinal cancers like stomach, pancreatic, or esophageal cancer. In such cases, further diagnostic tests such as endoscopy and CT scans are necessary.

Listen to Your Body

Dr. Cornejo emphasizes the importance of paying attention to your body. Even seemingly mundane functions like burping can provide insights into your health. Excessive burping paired with alarming symptoms should prompt you to seek medical advice promptly.

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