Constant belching is not just a passing annoyance or an involuntary movement that can be ignored; it may be an alarm bell your body is ringing to alert you to an underlying health problem, which in rare cases may even be stomach cancer.
In fact, we all burp from time to time, as a natural way to expel gas from the digestive system, with air moving from the stomach to the top of the esophagus and then out of the mouth.
Research indicates that we burp about 30 times a day on average, but it is considered excessive if it affects quality of life, disrupts daily activities, or occurs frequently.
There are several reasons for this, some simple and others serious, which we will review below:
The first reason: Gastroesophageal reflux (heartburn)
This occurs when stomach acid refluxes into the esophagus, causing heartburn and chest pain, and may be accompanied by a sour taste in the mouth and frequent belching.
Health experts advise consulting a pharmacist for antacids, but a doctor should be seen if heartburn persists most days of the week for more than three weeks.
The second reason: excessive consumption of soft drinks
Carbonated drinks and beer contain dissolved gas. When consumed, the liquid heats up in the stomach, causing the gas to be released as bubbles, which are then expelled through the mouth as a burp to relieve pressure.
If you burp a lot after eating it, this is a sign that you need to reduce your intake.
The third reason: Eating gas-producing vegetables
Some vegetables, especially cruciferous ones, are rich in fiber that the body does not fully digest, so it passes to the intestines where bacteria break it down, producing excess gas.
These include broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower, kale, onions, garlic, and radishes. They also include asparagus, Brussels sprouts, carrots, celery, cucumbers, kale, leeks, parsnips, and potatoes.
This may sound strange, but some people unintentionally swallow excess air, especially when eating or drinking too quickly, chewing gum, smoking, or wearing ill-fitting dentures. This causes air to accumulate in the stomach, which is then expelled as a burp.
It is an inflammation of the stomach lining that causes redness and swelling, and is accompanied by symptoms such as belching, gas, abdominal pain, indigestion, bloating, nausea, and vomiting.
A doctor should be consulted if symptoms persist for more than a week or worsen.
The sixth reason: Irritable bowel syndrome
It is a common condition that affects the nervous system of the intestines, making the sufferer more sensitive to natural gases, so he swallows extra air to relieve the pressure.
Irregular contractions also slow down stomach emptying, causing food to remain in the stomach longer, producing gas and belching.
Symptoms include abdominal cramps, bloating, diarrhea, and constipation, and last for days or weeks.
In this case, it is advisable to change your diet and consult a doctor.
Eating fatty meals stretches the stomach and increases acid production, which slows its emptying and causes pressure that pushes the contents upwards, along with unconsciously swallowing extra air, which comes out as a burp.
Experts advise avoiding eating three to four hours before bedtime, staying away from fatty and spicy foods, and not lying down immediately after eating
The eighth cause: Small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO)
This occurs when bacteria multiply excessively in the small intestine and release gases when breaking down food, causing belching, gas, abdominal pain, diarrhea, and nausea.
It may also cause intolerance to certain foods such as dairy, wheat, and gluten, and is linked to acne and rosacea. A doctor should be consulted if these symptoms appear.
The ninth cause: Stomach cancer (in rare cases)
Although rare, excessive belching may be a sign of stomach cancer.
Other symptoms include heartburn, difficulty swallowing, nausea, feeling full quickly, unexplained weight loss, a lump or pain in the upper abdomen, and persistent fatigue. Although these symptoms are similar to those of other digestive conditions, you should see a doctor immediately if your usual symptoms change or worsen,
as early detection increases the chances of successful treatment.
