Belching (Burping / Eructation)

Most belching is caused by swallowing excess air, which comes back up as a ‘burp’.

Common reasons for swallowing air include:

• Eating or drinking too fast: This often leads to unintentional gulping air along with food.

• Talking while eating

• Carbonated beverages: Fizzy drinks release carbon dioxide gas which can make bleching worse

• Lifestyle habits: Chewing gum, sucking on lollipops, or smoking.

• Poorly fitting dentures: You produce more saliva, which makes you swallow more, in turn causing swallowing of air

The goal of management is to reduce the amount of air swallowed and improve digestion.

• Take smaller bites and chew well before swallowing. Avoid conversations during chewing.

• Limit chewing gum and sucking candies.

• Avoid carbonated drinks and try not to drink through a straw, which pulls more air into the mouth.

• Quitting smoking reduces the amount of air inhaled and swallowed.

• Occasionally, we may refer you to a breathing physiotherapist, to try and reduce unintentional swallowing of air