Aufstoßen

Aufstoßen, in English often translated as belching or eructation, is the audible expulsion of gas from the stomach through the mouth. It is a common physiological process that helps vent swallowed air and other gastric gas. Belching typically occurs after meals or while drinking and can be voluntary or spontaneous.

Gas accumulates in the stomach from swallowed air (aerophagia) or gas produced during digestion. The gas is released when the stomach relaxes and the esophageal sphincter opens to let it escape upward. Contributing factors include eating or drinking quickly, talking while eating, consuming carbonated beverages, chewing gum, smoking, and certain foods. Most belching is benign, but frequent belching can be associated with conditions such as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), gastritis, peptic ulcer disease, hiatal hernia, or gastroparesis.

Diagnosis is usually clinical and based on history. If belching is persistent or accompanied by alarm symptoms such as unexplained weight loss, persistent heartburn, chest pain, regurgitation of sour liquid, vomiting, or anemia, medical evaluation is warranted. Tests may include physical examination, endoscopy, or reflux monitoring to assess for underlying conditions.

Management focuses on the underlying cause and lifestyle factors. For routine belching, common strategies include eating slowly, avoiding carbonated drinks, reducing air swallowing (no straws, no chewing gum, minimal talking with food), and quitting smoking. If GERD or another disorder is present, treatment targets that condition (for example, acid suppression therapy, dietary adjustments, or prokinetics as appropriate). Behavioral or medical evaluation for aerophagia may be considered in persistent cases.