Health Encyclopedia

Belching

Definition

Belching is the act of bringing up air from the stomach. It produces a characteristic (typical) sound.

Alternative Names

Burping; Eructation; Gas - belching

Considerations

Belching is most often a normal process. The purpose of belching is to release air from the stomach. Every time you swallow, air, along with fluid or food, is also swallowed. As the air builds up in the upper stomach, it causes stretching of the stomach that triggers the lower esophageal sphincter muscle to relax. This lets air escape up the esophagus and out the mouth.

Complaints of excessive or repeated belching may be the result of unconsciously swallowed air (aerophagia).

Depending on the cause, belching may change in duration and intensity. Symptoms such as nausea, dyspepsia, and heartburn may be relieved by belching.

Common Causes

Pressure caused by the unconscious swallowing of air
Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)

Home Care

Relief may be obtained by lying on the side or in a knee-chest position until the gas passes.

Avoid chewing gum, eating quickly, and eating gas-producing foods and beverages.

Call your health care provider if

Belching is usually a minor symptom and often quite insignificant. However, call a health care provider if the belching is persistent and unexplained, or if it is accompanied by other symptoms.

What to expect at your health care provider's office

Your doctor will examine you and ask questions about your medical history and symptoms, including:

Is this the first time that this has occurred?
Is there a pattern to your belching? For example, does it happen when you are nervous or after you have been consuming certain foods or drinks?
What other symptoms do you have?

Diagnostic tests will be determined by the findings of physical examination and by what additional signs or symptoms, if any, accompany the belching.

Review Date:11/13/2007
Reviewed By:Christian Stone, M.D., Division of Gastroenterology, Washington University in St. Louis School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed medical professional should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. © 1997-A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.

The Agency for Health Care Administration (Agency) and this website do not claim the information on, or referred to by, this site is error free. This site may include links to websites of other government agencies or private groups. Our Agency and this website do not control such sites and are not responsible for their content. Reference to or links to any other group, product, service, or information does not mean our Agency or this website approves of that group, product, service, or information.

Additionally, while health information provided through this website may be a valuable resource for the public, it is not designed to offer medical advice. Talk with your doctor about medical care questions you may have.