belched

Belched is the simple past tense of the verb belch. Belch means to emit gas from the stomach through the mouth, usually with a characteristic sound. The act is also termed eructation. A belch can occur voluntarily or involuntarily and is commonly associated with meals or the consumption of carbonated drinks.

Physiology and common contexts. Belching typically results from swallowed air or gas produced during digestion. It is a normal bodily process in most people and may occur after eating, drinking, or when swallowing air while talking or chewing. Most belches are brief and harmless, though frequent belching can be uncomfortable and socially disruptive.

Medical considerations. While occasional belching is normal, excessive belching can signal underlying issues such as aerophagia, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), gastritis, or peptic ulcers. Contributing factors include rapid eating, gum chewing, smoking, or drinking carbonated beverages. Management focuses on reducing swallowed air and treating any underlying condition: eating slowly, avoiding gum and carbonated drinks, not talking with food in the mouth, and using medications like simethicone in some cases. Persistent or painful belching warrants evaluation by a healthcare professional.

Cultural and linguistic notes. Etiquette regarding belching varies by culture and setting; in many places loud belching is considered rude, while in some contexts it may be more tolerated. The term belched can also be used metaphorically to describe something that issued forth suddenly and voluminously, such as smoke from a volcano or exhaust from a chimney.