What helps against constant belching?

Belching, called “ructus” by medical professionals, affects many people of all ages. It usually happens after eating a heavy meal. The common cause of harmless burping is greasy, sweet, or fizzy foods and drinks. In rare cases, however, a severe illness can also be the cause.

Burping – what’s behind it?

First of all, belching is a sign that there is air in the stomach. When swallowing, a little air often gets into the digestive tract with the chyme. The swallowed air and gases from carbonated drinks then work their way out as a burp.

Air is also created during the digestive process, especially when it comes to food that is difficult to digest, such as greasy roasts, creamy desserts or fibrous raw vegetable salads. This air then escapes either upwards or downwards, with the latter causing bloating.

 

Heartburn – acid reflux

Acid regurgitation, in which stomach acid enters the mouth (reflux) and is accompanied by burning chest pain ( heartburn ), is particularly unpleasant. This can happen to anyone once, without there having to be an immediate illness.

It is only when heartburn occurs very frequently, pain occurs regularly, or there are changes in the oesophagal mucosa that one speaks of a “reflux disease”. The symptoms are then typically aggravated by lying down, alcohol, smoking and stress.

Evidence of morbid belching

Frequent burping in itself is not dangerous. Accompanying symptoms such as foul breath, chest pain, or nausea are unpleasant. Nighttime heartburn can cause trouble sleeping. A constant feeling of fullness, in turn, can lead to weight loss.

Suppose the mucous membrane of the oesophagus comes into contact with the acidic gastric juice over a more extended period. In that case, pathological changes in the mucous membrane cells can occur – even cancer cells can develop.

In rare cases, belching, such as a tumour, can indicate a passage obstacle for the gastrointestinal tract’s chyme. If, in addition to belching, there is difficulty swallowing or weight loss, a doctor should be consulted to rule out a severe cause.

 

Change eating habits

To avoid increased air production, it can already be helpful to change your diet:

• Carbonated beverages like beer, soda, and cola bring potentially causative gases to the stomach.
• Foods that stimulate gas production should only be consumed in moderation or if you have symptoms. These include raw vegetable salads, cabbage, onions, whole grain products and legumes.
• In addition, eating consciously and slowly is recommended to swallow as little air as possible. Concentrate on eating and do not talk while chewing.

Aids and home remedies for constant belching

After eating, digestion can be stimulated through exercise to prevent unpleasant belching. In this case, a digestive walk is better than a nap for digestion. If you suffer from acid reflux and chest pain, it helps to keep your upper body elevated while sleeping – for example, with additional pillows.

In this case, you should avoid irritants such as alcohol, nicotine, fatty or sweet foods. Relief teas made from caraway or fennel can also provide relief. If none helps or you experience pain, you should see a doctor.

13 tips for prevention

The following tips can help you prevent belching:

1. still water instead of carbonated drinks
2. Eat slowly and consciously.
3. Speak or eat – but not both at the same time.
4. chew thoroughly
5. Only consume fatty foods in moderation.
6. Reduce food that is difficult to digest
7. Sleep with your upper body elevated.
8. Reduce stress
9. Avoid alcohol, Coffee and nicotine.
10. lots of small meals instead of a few big ones
11. Eat dinner three to four hours before bedtime.
12. A digestive walk is better than a nap.
13. no tight pants or tight belts