Causes and risk factors
Bloating, belching, and passing gas are natural and are usually caused by swallowed air or the breakdown of food through digestion. The air buildup in stomach causes the muscles to stretch. Muscles at lower end of esophagus relax and air is allowed to escape through esophagus and mouth. The common reasons for swallowing large amounts of air [aerophagia] are gulping food or drink too rapidly, anxiety, carbonated beverages. “Burping” infants during bottle or breastfeeding is important in order to expel air in the stomach that has been swallowed with the formula or milk.
Clinical presentation
Belching may occur once or twice after meal or may last for long. Heartburn, dyspepsia, nausea may occur along with belching.
Investigation
Medical history by the patient and clinical examination by the doctor helps in diagnosis.
Treatment
Belching can be treated by following some measures such as to eat and drink slowly, avoid carbonated drinks and beer, limit gum and hard candy, quit smoking, regular dental checkup, dentures, treating heartburn and acidity.
Other Modes of treatment
The other modes of treatment can also be effective in treating belching. Homoeopathy is a science which deals with individualization and considers a person in a holistic way. This science can be helpful in combating the symptoms. Similarly, the Ayurvedic system of medicine which uses herbal medicines and synthetic derivates are also found to be effective in treating belching.
