What Is Eructation?
Eructation (commonly called burping or belching) is the release of excess gas from the stomach through the mouth. It is a normal digestive process, but when it occurs frequently it can indicate an underlying issue.
Common Causes and Triggers
- Eating too quickly or overeating, which increases swallowed air
- Drinking carbonated beverages (soda, beer, sparkling water)
- Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) or acid reflux
- Hiatal hernia, where part of the stomach pushes into the chest
- Food intolerances (e.g., lactose, fructose) and certain high-fiber foods
- Anxiety or stress leading to air swallowing (aerophagia)
- Certain medications that slow digestion or relax the esophageal valve
- Smoking or chewing gum, which increases air intake
- Spicy or greasy foods and, in Houston, hot weather that can worsen reflux
Signs and Symptoms
- Frequent, loud burping throughout the day
- Sensation of gas trapped in the chest or throat
- Bloating or feeling overly full after meals
- Mild to moderate abdominal discomfort or pain
- Sour or bitter taste in the mouth from refluxed acid
How Dr. Rishi Diagnoses Eructation?
Dr. Rishi uses a step-by-step approach:
Medical History and Physical Exam
He reviews your digestive symptoms, eating habits, stress levels, and lifestyle factors (e.g., smoking, medications, carbonated drinks).
Upper Endoscopy
A thin, flexible scope examines your esophagus, stomach, and duodenum to look for inflammation, hiatal hernia, or other abnormalities.
pH Monitoring
A small probe measures acid exposure in your esophagus over 24 hours to confirm or rule out GERD.
Imaging Studies
- Abdominal ultrasound evaluates the gallbladder, liver, and biliary tract for contributing issues.
- Hiatal hernia assessment if structural concerns are suspected.
Breath Tests
We test for H. pylori infection or small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO), both of which can increase gas production.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is eructation?
Eructation is the medical term for burping when gas leaves your stomach through your mouth.
Can stress cause burping?
Yes. Anxiety and stress can lead to excessive air swallowing, which increases burping.
When is burping a concern?
If it's very frequent or comes with pain, nausea, heartburn or reflux, you should seek evaluation.
What causes constant burping?
Common triggers include GERD, carbonated beverages, overeating, food intolerances, or a hiatal hernia.
Can I fix it with diet changes?
Often yes eating slowly, avoiding soda and spicy or greasy foods, and managing stress can help.
What if diet and lifestyle changes don't work?
Medications like antacids, H2 blockers or PPIs, and in some cases endoscopic or surgical procedures may be needed.
Are there serious causes of excessive burping?
Yes. Conditions such as GERD, gallbladder disease or hiatal hernias can lead to persistent burping.
What is the ICD-10 code for burping?
R14.0 is used for eructation (burping) and R14.1 for gas pain and flatulence.
Do you treat children with burping issues?
Yes. Kids can experience similar symptoms and benefit from tailored evaluation and treatment plans.
How quickly will I feel better?
Many patients notice improvement within days to weeks after starting lifestyle changes or medications.