If a person is burping a lot, it may be due to the food and drink they consume. It could also stem from gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) or a behavioral condition known as aerophagia.

A burp is a typical bodily function that occurs when the body releases excess air from the digestive tract through the mouth. The air typically enters the digestive tract when a person eats or drinks.

This article discusses some possible causes of excessive burping and when someone should consider speaking with a doctor.

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If a person feels as though they are burping excessively, their diet may be to blame. Some foods and beverages can make an individual burp more than others. These may includeTrusted Source:

Chewing gum and sucking on hard candy make it more likelyTrusted Source that a person will swallow air, while fizzy drinks release carbon dioxide in the form of bubbles, which they then burp out.

Additionally, quickly eating or drinking can cause individuals to swallow more air than they otherwise would. Smoking and wearing loose-fitting dentures can also increase the amount of air that people swallow.

Those who believe that they are burping more because of their diet or way of eating may find it helpful to keep a food diary detailing what and how they are eating and drinking.

They can then check to see if there is a link between their excessive burping and their dietary behaviors or choice of foods.

A person can also try eating and drinking more slowlyTrusted Source to avoid swallowing more air.

Aerophagia and supragastric belching are conditions in which a person moves air into their esophagus (food pipe), either consciously or unconsciously.

According to a 2022 systematic review and meta-analysis, aerophagia is when a person swallows excessive amounts of air. This air enters the individual’s stomach, which either releases it as a burp or moves it into the intestines, where it may cause abdominal bloating or increased flatulence.

Conversely, supragastric belching occurs when the esophagus immediately releases the air before a person swallows it, and it enters the stomach.

Both aerophagia and supragastric belching can result in burping frequently.

It is not clear exactly what causes aerophagia and supragastric belching. However, they may have links to underlying gastrointestinal conditions and mental health conditions, such as anxiety.

There is not much research on the best way to treat aerophagia and supragastric belching. However, some evidence suggests that speech or behavioral therapies may help a person stop the behavior that causes excess air to enter their esophagus.

Additionally, baclofen may be beneficial if a person’s symptoms do not improve with speech or behavioral therapies. However, research into using baclofen to treat excessive burping has had mixed results.

GERD may cause a person to burp more frequently.

When the sphincter at the top of the stomach becomes weakTrusted Source, this can allow stomach acid to pass into the esophagus, which may cause them to burp more often.

GERD might also have links with supragastric belching. There is some evidence that , one type of medication for treating GERD, may help reduce excessive burping.

Treating the symptoms of GERD may help a person burp less frequently. A doctor may adviseTrusted Source those with GERD to make changes to their lifestyle, such as maintaining a moderate weight or stopping smoking. They may also prescribe medications, such as antacids, PPIS, or H2 blockers.

If lifestyle changes and medications are ineffective, a healthcare professional may recommend surgical procedures to treat GERD. These often include fundoplication and weight loss surgeries.

A person who burps frequently but experiences no other symptoms and does not find that burping affects their quality of life does not need to consult a doctor.

If their excessive burping is bothersome, but they have no other symptoms, keeping a food diary to track what food or drink triggers the burping may be enough to reduce it.

If this does not make any difference and the excessive burping is still affecting their quality of life, individuals need to consult a doctor in case aerophagia or supragastric belching is responsible for this symptom. Different forms of therapy may help reduce both of these conditions.

If a person has other symptoms, such as pain in their abdomen, nausea, or pain when swallowing, they need to speak to a doctor, who can determine the underlying cause of these symptoms.

Possible causes of excessive burping include consuming certain foods and beverages, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), aerophagia, and supragastric belching.

Taking simple steps at home may be enough to reduce excessive burping. However, if this does not work, or a person has any other symptoms, they need to speak with a doctor.

Once a doctor has determined the underlying cause of excessive burping, they can determine the most effective treatment and management options.