Belching

Belching, also called eructation, is the act of expelling gas from the digestive tract through the mouth. Most belching is a normal response to swallowed air and gas produced during digestion. The gas is typically composed mainly of nitrogen and carbon dioxide.

Common causes of ordinary belching include swallowing air (aerophagia) from eating or drinking quickly, talking while eating, chewing gum, smoking, or carbonated beverages. These factors introduce air into the stomach that is released as a belch.

Some belching is due to underlying conditions, especially when frequent or bothersome: gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), gastritis, peptic ulcers, gastroparesis, or, less often, small intestinal bacterial overgrowth. In children, belching may arise from immature digestive function or behavioral factors.

Evaluation is generally guided by the frequency and associated symptoms. If belching is frequent and accompanied by heartburn, weight loss, vomiting, or difficulty swallowing, a clinician should be consulted. A doctor may review medications, perform a physical examination, and order tests such as endoscopy or imaging as needed. Treatment focuses on the underlying cause and may include lifestyle changes (eating slowly and in smaller portions, avoiding carbonated drinks, skipping chewing gum and straws, stopping smoking, managing weight), anti-gas agents such as simethicone, and acid-suppressing therapy for GERD. In some cases, therapy for functional dyspepsia or gastroparesis may be indicated.

Belching is usually harmless, but persistent belching can cause distress and may signal a health issue requiring evaluation.