1.9K Reviews | 4.7 Star Rating | 20+ years of experience | 72k+ Patients Treated
Eructation
Struggling with frequent burping? At GastroDoxs in Houston, Dr. Nghia Nguyen offers personalized evaluations and tailored treatments for eructation, helping patients uncover causes like GERD, hiatal hernia, or dietary triggers. Enjoy relief, better digestive health with expert care and guidance.
Dr. Nghia Nguyen, DO, is a board-certified gastroenterologist providing advanced digestive care in the Greater Houston area. He earned his medical degree from the Texas College of Osteopathic Medicine and completed both his Internal Medicine residency and Gastroenterology fellowship at the University of Texas at Rio Grande Valley. Dr. Nguyen specializes in treating conditions such as acid reflux, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), and liver disorders.
Common Causes and Risk Factors
Swallowing air when talking, eating quickly, or chewing gum
Drinking soda, beer, or other fizzy beverages
Acid reflux (GERD)
Hiatal hernia or stomach ulcers
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
Anxiety or stress
Smoking or chewing tobacco
Being overweight or pregnant
Signs and Symptoms
Frequent burping, especially after meals
A feeling of bloating or fullness in the abdomen
Belly pain or discomfort
Sour or bitter taste in the mouth
Burping that interferes with daily activities
How Dr. Nghia Nguyen Diagnoses Eructation?
Dr. Nguyen uses a step-by-step approach:
Medical History and Physical Exam
She reviews your burping frequency, diet, stress, and any heartburn or bloating. Then he palpates your abdomen to locate tenderness or swelling.
Upper Endoscopy
A thin scope examines your esophagus, stomach, and the first part of your small intestine to spot inflammation, ulcers, or a hiatal hernia.
24-Hour pH Monitoring
A small probe measures acid levels in your esophagus over a day to confirm reflux as the source of your belching and pain.
Breath Tests
H. pylori breath test rules out bacterial infection linked to ulcers.
Lactose or fructose breath tests identify sugar malabsorption that can cause gas.
Imaging Studies (If Needed)
An upper GI series (barium swallow) or abdominal ultrasound checks for hiatal hernia, gallstones, or other structural issues.
Esophageal Manometry (Advanced Testing)
This measures muscle contractions and coordination in your esophagus to detect motility disorders.
Treatment
Our Team offers a full range of care for eructation (frequent belching).
1. Lifestyle and Diet Changes
Eat small meals slowly to reduce swallowed air
Avoid soda, beer, and chewing gum
Quit smoking and limit alcohol intake
Keep a food diary to identify your personal triggers
Practice stress-relief techniques such as deep breathing or yoga
2. Medications
Antacids to neutralize excess stomach acid
H2 blockers or proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) to lower acid production
Prokinetic agents to help your stomach empty more quickly
3. Procedures
Endoscopic repair of hiatal hernia
Nissen fundoplication surgery for severe acid reflux
Dr. Nghia Nguyen, DO, is a board-certified gastroenterologist providing advanced digestive care in the Greater Houston area. He earned his medical degree from the Texas College of Osteopathic Medicine and completed both his Internal Medicine residency and Gastroenterology fellowship at the University of Texas at Rio Grande Valley. Dr. Nguyen specializes in treating conditions such as acid reflux, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), and liver disorders.
Frequently Asked Questions
What causes frequent burping?
Swallowed air from talking or eating quickly, fizzy drinks, acid reflux, hiatal hernia, and certain foods can all lead to frequent belching.
When should I see a doctor for burping?
Schedule an evaluation if burping is constant, painful, impacts daily life, or is accompanied by heartburn, weight loss, nausea, or vomiting.
Can foods cause excessive burping?
Yes. Foods like beans, onions, broccoli, and carbonated beverages often produce excess gas and increased belching.
Is frequent burping serious?
Occasional burping is normal, but frequent belching can signal conditions like GERD or a hiatal hernia that need treatment.
How is eructation treated?
Treatment may include lifestyle and diet changes, over-the-counter or prescription medications, and in some cases endoscopic or surgical procedures.
Can lifestyle changes reduce burping?
Absolutely. Eating smaller meals slowly, avoiding gum and carbonated drinks, quitting smoking, and managing stress can all help.
Does acid reflux always cause belching?
Not always, but burping frequently occurs alongside acid reflux. Dr. Nguyen will evaluate you to find the exact cause.
