Table of contents:
- Health problems that can cause you to burp frequently
- 1. Gastric acid reflux (GERD)
- 2. Bacterial infection Helicobacter pylori
- 3. Hiatal hernia
- 4. Excess gas production due to certain diseases
- How to get rid of constant burping
- 1. Limit consumption of gas-triggering foods
- 2. Taking drugs
- 3. Reducing the air that enters the stomach
- 4. Moderate exercise
Burping usually occurs after you eat too fast or while chatting so that air enters the stomach. This reaction is normal and can happen to anyone. Even so, belching too often may be a sign of certain digestive disorders.
Burping should only be a temporary bodily reaction. If belching keeps on appearing for no apparent reason, it's a good idea to look for the cause and how to get rid of this condition.
Health problems that can cause you to burp frequently
Bhavesh Shah, MD, medical director of gastroenterology at California's Long Beach Memorial Medical Center explains that if belching continues for a long time, it's a sign you need to see a doctor. Especially if this complaint gets worse.
There are a number of serious conditions that can cause you to burp frequently. Some of them are as follows.
1. Gastric acid reflux (GERD)
Gastric acid reflux or gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is the increase in stomach acid into the esophagus. Reflux of stomach acid can cause heartburn (heartburn) to irritation of the esophagus.
The stomach is responsible for breaking down incoming food so that it can be absorbed by the body. To facilitate this task, the cells of the stomach produce acids and digestive enzymes. So, acid is deliberately produced by the stomach.
However, excess stomach acid production can cause stomach acid backflow into the esophagus. If you have had acid reflux very often, stomach acid reflux has developed into GERD.
GERD is characterized by a burning sensation in the gut, flatulence and heartburn, and frequent belching. Certain foods, drugs, and other substances can aggravate GERD, including coffee, soda, alcohol, and ketchup.
2. Bacterial infection Helicobacter pylori
Bacteria Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) actually live naturally in your digestive tract. Digestive problems only arise when bacterial growth becomes out of control, resulting in infection.
Infection H. pylori is a major cause of gastric ulcers. These bacteria live in the mucus lining of the digestive tract, causing inflammation and irritation of the stomach and small intestine.
Infection causes symptoms in the form of nausea, stomach aches and pains, giddiness, weight loss drastically, loss of appetite, difficulty swallowing, and frequent belching. If left untreated, infection H. pylori can cause gastritis and stomach cancer.
Mild cases of infection can be diagnosed through a complete blood count, breath test, and stool examination. If the disease is proven to be caused by an infection H. pyloriThis condition can be treated by prescribing antibiotics to relieve symptoms.
3. Hiatal hernia
Hiatal hernia is a condition when the top of the stomach protrudes into the diaphragm area. The diaphragm is the muscular wall that separates the stomach from the chest cavity. This muscle wall helps prevent stomach acid from rising up into the esophagus.
When you have a hiatal hernia, it is easier for stomach acid to flow up into the esophagus. Symptoms of a hiatal hernia include heartburn, chest pain, and constant belching.
This disease is usually caused by intense pressure around the abdominal muscles. Causes include a strong cough, the habit of straining during bowel movements, vomiting reflex, and frequent lifting of heavy objects.
Hiatal hernias are more common in women, people who are overweight, and people aged 50 years and over. Hiatal hernias that cause other health problems may need to be treated with hernia surgery.
4. Excess gas production due to certain diseases
The food you eat can increase the amount of gas in your stomach. The excess gas production causes flatulence, so the body responds with burps to relieve it.
In certain cases, gas production can increase due to digestive system problems such as chronic pancreatitis or celiac disease. Both of these conditions cause disruption in the breakdown of carbohydrates so that excess gas is formed.
How to get rid of constant burping
Burping is a natural body reaction, but excessive burping can also interfere with daily activities. Launching the Cleveland Clinic page, here are a number of tips that can help you relieve belching.
1. Limit consumption of gas-triggering foods
Some types of food can cause the formation of excess gas in the digestive tract. So if you burp frequently, it's best to limit your consumption of the following foods.
- High-fiber vegetables such as cabbage, broccoli, asparagus, and brussels sprouts.
- High-fiber fruits like apples, pears and peaches.
- Beans that belong to the legume group.
- Onion.
- Whole grain like wheat.
- Milk and its products, including ice cream and cheese.
- Carbonated drink.
- Foods containing sorbitol.
2. Taking drugs
Constant belching caused by acid reflux-related disorders can be treated with medication. Treatment is of course tailored to the cause, such as antacids for GERD, antibiotics for infections H. pylori, etc.
3. Reducing the air that enters the stomach
People who often burp are advised to practice reducing the air that enters their stomach. Start eating slowly, not chatting while eating, and not chewing gum.
4. Moderate exercise
Moderate exercise can help remove trapped gas in the digestive tract. You can try activities as simple as walking or jogging to make your stomach feel more comfortable.
Burping too often is usually not a dangerous thing. You can even treat it at home and taking medications that can be purchased at a pharmacy.
If you continue to burp for no apparent reason, consult a doctor immediately to get a diagnosis and treatment steps. Early detection can also prevent complications that may lurk.
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