Can
burping be caused by acid reflux?
Prior
to discussing the connection between the two,
let's briefly go
over the immediate physiological causes of acid
reflux.
Acid reflux is the backward flow of stomach acid
into the esophagus. The stomach is lined
with a layer of mucus to protect it from the
corrosive action of the acid, but the esophagus is
extremely sensitive and repeated events can
eventually corrode the esophageal lining. The main
symptom of acid reflux is heartburn but it may
also cause coughing and a feeling of something
stuck in the throat as well as burping.
Burping or
eructation with acid reflux is often accompanied
by a typical sound and often a bad odor and can
therefore be an annoying symptom and in social
situations downright embarrassing. However, in
some cultures, a loud belch shows appreciation for
the meal.
Babies
are particularly susceptible to accumulation of
gas in the stomach while feeding and need to be
burped to expel the gas to avoid discomfort.
Babies on formula are more prone to gas than those
who are breastfed.
It
is important to recognize burping as being
associated with acid reflux and know the treatment
options available. It is also important to
understand that burping is a common occurrence for
most individuals. The act of sipping,
gulping and sucking can introduce more air into
the stomach. The gas in the stomach can also be
caused during digestion of food in the stomach and
small intestines. Interestingly, since a burp
occurs when the pressure in the stomach exceeds
the pressure in the lower esophageal sphincter,
burping is actually more likely to cause acid
reflux rather than ease it. But a school of
thought believes that burping
actually relieves the pressure in the stomach that
is felt when experiencing heartburn. A fairly
simple way to bring up a burp is to drink some
ginger ale.
Obviously
then the treatment of burping would involve
treating the root cause viz. acid reflux.
Following steps will help control burping with
acid reflux:
1)
Eat smaller frequent meals rather than few large
ones. Overeating can bring about stomach
discomfort and often triggers
burping.
2)
Eat slowly with mouth closed to avoid swallowing a
lot of air.
3)
Avoid carbonated, alcoholic, and caffeinated
beverages.
4)
Avoid foods like onions, cabbages, mint, onions,
spicy and fatty foods, and
chocolates.
5)
Stress reduction and relaxation also help in
decreasing belching.
6)
Stop smoking.
7)
Reduce weight if necessary.
8)
Stay away from daily use of
antacids.
9)
Maintain a diary noting down the time when burping
occurs and the foods eaten.
Excessive
burping may be an indicator of acid reflux. Acid blockers and antacids are
only a short-term treat and usually cause serious
side effects when used for prolonged period of
time. A holistic approach to curing acid reflux is
the only permanent and safe solution. The above
suggestions incorporated as lifestyle changes will
not only help treat acid reflux but improve overall
health.
