A loud belch after a meal can feel relieving, easing that uncomfortable sense of fullness. But what if you find yourself burping repeatedly throughout the day? Could it be linked to your eating habits, or is there some other cause that requires your attention?
Dr. Sandip Pal, senior consultant in interventional gastroenterology and hepatology at Narayana RN Tagore Hospital, Mukundapur, Kolkata, shared that frequent burping can sometimes be a clue to an underlying problem. But as a clinical practitioner, I see patients every week for whom frequent burping isn’t a quirk of eating too fast. It’s the first visible clue to something happening much deeper in the digestive tract. He also cautioned that persistent, bothersome belching should not be ignored. The expert simplified what can contribute to frequent burping, which warning signs to watch for, and why treatment depends on the cause. The gastroenterologist emphasised that burping is usually a normal bodily function. Can certain foods and drinks contribute to gas? The doctor listed carbonated beverages, alcohol, and gas-producing foods such as beans, onions, cabbage, and broccoli.
Most people burp roughly around 30 times a day. Because you swallow air while doing these activities, “This happens.
He said, “Most people think burping is swallowed air escaping, which it often is. “Drinking, eating too fast, or talking can cause burping,” he said.
Aside from food, stress and anxiety can also contribute to frequent burping. The doctor described a type of belching called supragastric belching (SGB): “Supragastric Belching (SGB) is when you swallow air unconsciously and push it back out before it reaches the stomach. This can lead to bloating, abdominal distension, and the subsequent release of gas. Burping is normally harmless, but if there are some accompanying symptoms, then you need to see a doctor. Dr Pal highlighted the following warning signs that should not be dismissed as ordinary gas or indigestion: Note to readers: This article is for informational purposes only and not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your doctor with any questions about a medical condition.
He also discussed aerophagia, which involves swallowing excessive amounts of air, sometimes unconsciously or as a result of nervous habits.
