Common Problems – Excessive Belching
Belching is pretty normal. We typically belch to rid the stomach of excess gas that is either swallowed when eating or produced during the process of digestion. When we belch excessively and persistently it can be socially embarrassing and physically discomforting. It is even worst if it is accompanied by other problems like an abdominal pain or flatulence. Some possible causes are:
- Swallowing excess air from eating too quickly.
- Acid reflux
- H. Pylori infection
- Stress
- Asthma
- Intestinal bacterial overgrowthÂ
- Pancreatic insufficiency
- Hypochlorhydria (insufficient stomach acid)
- Gastritis
- Peptic Ulcer Disease
- Gastroesophageal Disease
Two rare, chronic gas diseases that cause belching are:
Meganblase syndrome: a big gas bubble is produced in the stomach after eating big, heavy meals from the accompanying large amount of air that is swallowed. The distention makes one feel very full and make sit difficult to breath. It may feel like a heart attack.
Gas-bloat syndrome. This sometimes occurs after surgery for GERD because of the one-way valve, or flap, created between the esophagus and the stomach. This valve lets food and gas go into your stomach but prevents belching.
The bottomline is that we should get checked out rather than tolerate excessive belching.