Excessive Burping

I am 28 years old and have Crohn's disease (eventhough I haven't had a flareup in over 10 years, since I had part of the lower intestine removed). But within the last 6 months or so, I have had the worst case of burping. Burping for no reason and can't stop. My family dr. and my gastroenterologist blame it on heartburn and have prescribed Prevacid (didn't work), Prilosec (a little better), then a combo of Prilosec and Propulsid. That combo has seemed to relieve the heartburn, but still no cure for the burping. I have been getting headaches too, but I will possibly blame that on anxiety/stress for not knowing what is actually wrong. I used to like going out and doing things, but now that I have this problem, I prefer to lay on the couch with the least amount of stress possible. My Gastroenterologist recommended possibly going on a mild anti-depressant, but I am looking for more than taking 3 pills a day. I want a cure and pills haven't worked. I have been reading this site and finding it extremely informative. I thought I may have been unique in my problem, but from reading other people's submissions, it seems others have the same symptoms as I do and its driving us up a wall. If anyone is suffering from the same symptoms as me, please feel free to let me know or if someone has an answer I would like to know (***@****)...Thanks for your time.

[HFHSm.D.-Gastro-rf]

Dear Jason,
Most people with excessive burping and bloating are air swallowers.  Air enters the gastrointestinal tract when mouth breathing or talking/drinking while eating.  A second frequent cause of gas is a change indiet such that gas forming foods are now eaten in greater amounts e.g. cabbage, beans, milk for many people.  A third explanation (and one that is unusual in those with an intact GI tract) is malabsorption.  Given that you have Crohn's disease, you may have an increased possibility of having malabsorption.

You should discuss with your doctor whether an evaluation for malabsorption is needed,  If after the apperopriate evaluation, a cause is still not found, then you should take anti gas medications e.g. simethicone, charcoal etc.  These over-the-counter preparations will control your symptoms.

[lisa]

I have the same problem. About two months ago, I had some form of
attack that landed me in hospital for a night. The doctors suspected gallstones. An ultrasound was booked for about a month and a half later, and since then, and prior to the attack, I've had these intense stages were I burp almost none stop. I even find breathing difficult at times. Sometimes I can't lie down, because it makes it worse, and other times they get worse when Im moving about. They are painful and become disgustingly smelly sometimes too. So bad that it makes me gag and I have to light incense for the sake of those around me. My spit seems thick at times too and i'm generally miserable.
The problem is, no one can tell me the problem. The results from the ultrasound are three weeks late, so im assuming they turned out normal. Anyway, if you receive any hope as to a proper diagnosis, please inform me. Thanks!
***@****

[Missy]

Well I was kinda gonna ask a question in regards to some of your problem. I am constantly burping. Most of the time they are long and very loud. I dont really have any other symptoms than that. Can anyone tell me what this may be??

[charly]

Ive been experiencing reflux problems for over a year now, ive been to the hospital for a gastroscopy, and they told me afterwards that the sphincter that closes of
my stomach doesnt function anymore. my GP told me it was because the hole in my midriff was to big. This i believe is called Hiatal hernia. They both advised me to
put the head-end of my bed up 15 centimeters, to stop smoking, to avoid bending over, to avoid eating fats, chocolade, alcohol, coffee, etc

Ive followed their advise in losing a lot of weight by using a very strick diet and drinking only water milk and fruit juice. The heart-burn has seiced since i stopped
smoking, drinking alcohol and started using Losec(omeprazol). but the belching still exist, i cant seem to drink even a glass of water without regurgitating air all the
time. This condition has left me totally unable to function in soceity because i cant combine being in public and eating. not to mention that constant belching is very
annoying.

Im 18 years old now and i dont feel like keeping this up for the rest of my life. I would like to know if anyone knows about surgery that can be preformed to atleast
let me be able to eat and drink something...

thanks

[Laura]

What is the secret to asking a question on this board.  No matter what time of day I try to post it says they are filled for the day.  Yet there are ones dated very recently.

What am I doing wrong?

Laura ***@****

[JENNY]

I have just come from having an upper GI series performed on my 10 yr. old daughter.  She has been belching for 3 weeks now.  Initially we thought it was a stomach virus but it has gone on too long.  She was put on 20 mg. daily of Pepcid over-the-
counter and it seemed the belching increased.  Two days ago I cut her back to 10 mg. and then none yesterday or today.  The belching lessened during the past two days, however evenings are still her most difficult time.  She has to be elevated and it's almost midnight before she's exhausted enough and possibly her stomach is empty enough for her to fall asleep.  

The GI series taken showed everything anatomically correct and didn't give much indication of acid reflux disease.  Her pediatrician is suggesting we followup with a gastrointestinal doctor.  

She has hayfever and had been taking Claritin on an almost daily basis since September.  However, since this began her sinuses have been better and I've kept her off Claritin.

If there are any doctors out there with any suggestions, please feel free to comment.  Your help would be much appreciated.

Glad to know there are others out there with similar problems but hope you all get relief soon!

Thanks!
Jenny

[christine m]

Dear Laura,  Ihave no idea about how to post a question!!   I have tries at just about every hour except early in the morning like 9-12 o'clock, I can't during this time, because I am in school(college).  So have you tried during these times, if you find out let me know okay?  ***@****  If I find out I will let you know.

[Rena]

I have been suffering with heartburn and excessive burping for quite some time.  I first complained of chest pain and shortness of breath, my doctor would rule out heart attack and lung problems.  This went on for over 2 years then finally in the emergency room a doctor told me to discuss GIRD with my doctor.  I did and he prescribed prolosic and a GI series.  The GI series showed nothing wrong and no real indication of reflux disease.  My doctor told me everything is fine but yet I am still on prolosic.  I can't tell if I'm normal anymore.  I have anxiety and feelings of depression; I think it's because I don't know what is wrong with me, and my doctor don't seem to know for sure either.  But I can't take it anymore everyone in my family thinks I'm a hyperchondria because I run back and forth to the doctor with the same problem but this feeling is real.  My friends are wondering why I don't hang out with them anymore.  This condition is depressing me, I feel as though I can't breath at times and it makes me feel confused like I'm loosing control, my throat gets tight and I can't seem to swallow, sometimes I feel nauseas.   PLEASE HELP - I COULD REALLY USE SOME ADVICE.

[Rena]

I have been suffering with heartburn and excessive burping for quite some time.  I first complained of chest pain and shortness of breath, my doctor would rule out heart attack and lung problems.  This went on for over 2 years then finally in the emergency room a doctor told me to discuss GIRD with my doctor.  I did and he prescribed prolosic and a GI series.  The GI series showed nothing wrong and no real indication of reflux disease.  My doctor told me everything is fine but yet I am still on prolosic.  I can't tell if I'm normal anymore.  I have anxiety and feelings of depression; I think it's because I don't know what is wrong with me, and my doctor don't seem to know for sure either.  But I can't take it anymore everyone in my family thinks I'm a hyperchondria because I run back and forth to the doctor with the same problem but this feeling is real.  My friends are wondering why I don't hang out with them anymore.  This condition is depressing me, I feel as though I can't breath at times and it makes me feel confused like I'm loosing control, my throat gets tight and I can't seem to swallow, sometimes I feel nauseas.   PLEASE HELP - I COULD REALLY USE SOME ADVICE.

[Pam]

I Have been trying to figure out my acid reflux problem with a hiatal hernea for over a year now. As well,I'm exhausted as it has taken over my life. I've had an upper GI and a barrium swallow showing a small hiatal hernia. I've been on all the drugs out there it seems. Recently taking Prilosec 20mg twice a day and Propulsid before each meal. Originally, when this started two years ago my symtoms (symptoms) where so mild then getting worse by the month to the point that my glands in my neck were always swelled up and having a very dead air space feeling in the middle of my throat,like something was stuck in there. Now I've fold out that this is normal for us constant belchers/burpers for some relief and the Dr. calls it 'Globus Phenomenoen" Ok. This means nothing nor does it help me get rid of it.I'm sick of all the medication and eating and drinking Mylanta! I'm always tierd very exhausted I'm losing a lot of hair each day my face used to have such a glow,now my skin looks like leather. I've had my thyroid checked and now I've also found those tests not be accurate.Last week I went to an "Iridologist"The study of the eye that tells what all your body weeknesses are."Wow" I really learned alot.He told me about my back problems and I found out that I do have Hypothyroidism, I also have a bad Gallbladder which is right next to my Hernia (all these are linked together) I've Stopped all medication and changing my diet with building up my food alkalines & Iodines & lowering acids & not combining cercain protein foods with carb.foods should help me get my intestinal flora back to normal and maybe be able to eat what a want again. (Mixing many types of food causes a lot of indigestion).I know all these drugs that all of us are taking is terrible,there's got to be more answers. I will keep trying before I go for any surgery as my last resort. I get much better when of course I'm not smoking at all or drinking any alcohol. My newest find was 30 to 60 minutes of exercise on an empy stomach in the mornings has really helped,possibly strengthening the "Les Sphichtor" that stays open with my hernia at the bottom of my esophagus.I was belching everything I ate(I was almost normal) till I fell off my restricted diet.Smoking and drinking was the killer!So anyway try some situps(crunches) I am doing 30 minutes a day on my stepper 50 crunches and elivated leg lift(holds) at 3 diff.levels counting to 50. which all of these help strengthen everything in the abdomin (abdomen). I strongly suggest researching Holistic Healing sounds corny to most I know yet there's a lot of truth to it. Flushing our systems of the bad and putting in all the good that we need and lack can help us to be the person we yern to be again! Stay away from greasy foods fast foods,start eating as much raw veggies as possible,that are high in Alkaline and don't eat things high in acid forming foods. Check out the book called "Healing for the Age of Enlightment" by Stanley Burrough's page 136.. Good luck too all!! Pam

[Audrey Johnson]

I just finished reading many comments on belching since I've had this problem for about two years now.  I have had several GI test performed (upper GI, Barium Enema, Ultrasound (2) a cat scan and the only benefit I've received is that the Dr. found an abdominal mass on my abdominal lining after the CT scan.  Interestingly enough I had surgery to remove the mass and there was nothing serious going on.  However, I'm still suffering with the belching although not as bad as previously.  On the day of my surgery, I mentioned to the x-ray tech. and a nurse about my belching problem.  I was advised that many persons had come to the hospital complaining about the same thing.  These persons had the same sympthoms (belching only) and their tests proved nothing was wrong.  I was advised to drink bottled or purified water and not to drink water from the sink.  I did try this and presto..the belching diminished but not entirely.  I also had visited my Dr. and a gastroenterologist complaining about the same thing.  I was told to drink and eat slowly and avoid getting air into my mouth. To date, I'm still belching, but not as much.  I eat slowly and watch my diet.  This seems to help.  I too am at a loss about this problem.  When all the tests are in and the Dr. cannot find anything, they assume it is Aerophagia or swallowing air.  Hope this helps someone else.

[Roger Hessel]

My wife Karen has had a burping problem for 3 years. She was put
on propulsid and last year prilosec was added to the program.
Starting last July her sypmtoms worsened greatly after a viral
infection. She could burp 100s and 100s of times in several minutes sometimes to the point of struggling to get enough oxygen. Sometimes she would get laryngeal spasms that would deprive her of oxygen.After many visits with pulmonary, ent,
internist and gatroenterolgists it was determined that the only
solution was surgery- fundoplication (stomach wrap). The gastroenteroligist and the surgeon were told very clearly that
never did she have heartburn- only severe burping sore throat and hoarseness. If the sore throat and burping came from
reflux than it was silent- with no heartburn sensations. The
Drs. told us that by far the most common problem with reflux was heartburn but that a variety of sympyom including hers could be
helped with fundoplication surgery. She had the surgery January
19th- 2 1/2 wks ago. She came home on the 2nd day and needed to be on a puree-only diet for 6 weeks-with lots of liquids.
Each time she attempted to drink or eat she would burp worse
than before the surgery.She paid such a price each time she ate
or drank that she lost 9 lbs in 5 days and became severely hydrated. Back to the hospital for 3 days and intravenous feeding
followed by two days of home health care IVs. After 2 weeks still
having severe burping problems, extreme fatigue and headaches
every day.She was also treated in the hospital with nitroglycerine therapy to help deal with the burping and esophogeal spasms. That did help immediately but aggravated the
headaches(known side-effect). The surgeon now tells us that he
never had a patient with burping symptoms! and that you can
only get gas by swallowing air. Why do the surgery then? Well
it solved your heartburn problem(never had !!!) and spasms.

After followup visit- with physician assistant with whom all  current problems were reviewed the surgeon called and advised that he had consulted with gastroenterologist (who advised surgery) and that both of their records listed heartburn and
hiccups and burping as symptoms. They both concurred that her
burping was voluntary!!! and that they would arrange for biofeedback!!! My wife told him -"Why would a 57 year-old woman want to burp? Why would I have the voluntary problem immediately
upon eating or drinking? Why do I sometimes wake up in the middle of the night burping?Why is the burping worse now after the
surgery than before- particularly since you told me I would not be able to burp after the surgery?
We continue our oddysey this week to seek answers from these Drs, and copies of all records.

If anyone out there has any suggestions we would be most grateful..Fortunately in the past few days the fatigue and the
headaches have lessened in intensity- the burping also perhaps
to presurgery levels. By the way my wife has always been in outstanding physical health - working out in pool every day,
tennis 3x week power walking 3x week -all prior to surgery of course. Also bp-110/64 - pulse 62-64 - cholesterol 150

[kim]

After reading all of the comments, I was hoping that someone would have an answer.  I too have been burping since Nov. 99.  No matter what I eat or drink, within 20 minutes, I start getting this terrible pressure high in the back of my throat and feel like I have to push the burp out.  The only thing that I have found that helps is Mylanta.  I can't imagine having to take this for very long, and would like to get to the bottom as to why this is happening.  I went to a gastroenterologist, and had a small bowel x-ray, and also had the scope done.  Neither showed anything, and the only thing the Dr. could come up with is that I'm swallowing air.  I don't think so, especially when I can feel like a normal person again when I take the Mylanta before breakfast.  If anyone has found answers or a specialist to go to that has more info, I would appreciate it.

[chris]

Dr. Gabe Mirkin, who has a syndicated radio program and is in private practice in Silver Spring, Maryland, believes strongly that all burping and belching is abnormal and is due to overgrowth of bacteria in the intestines. The primary culprit, he has found, is helicobacter pylori, especially if the belching is associated with burning in the stomach. You can test for this bacteria with a simple blood or breath test. Even if this test is negative, however, he notes that research has documented that there are many other bacteria which could cause this problem. He has much success in treating this condition.

Find his radio program on the Net or call his office to get more info.

Good luck!

[peggy]

Hello, I have a burpy problem, I thought it could be acid reflux problem, I had the upper gi done and blood work everything came back normal. I get terrible heartburn-take lots of tums/like products, which seems to help for a very short time.I have terrible pain in the center area of the upper stomach(spincter muscle) the pain is also sometimes to the right as if I was wearing a underwire bra(gallbadder)? Sometimes I get horrible acid, sharp splinterlike in the back of my throat. also,intergestion goes from center of top of stomach up toward the throat. Any ideas of what  could have?
***@****

[beverly strain]

was delighted to find this web page.  Now realizing I'm not the only one with this prolonged "burping" problem (3 months now)- however mine never bothers me at night - only starting about l5 minutes after I arise in the morning - whether my stomach is full or empty - makes no difference - except for the past month my stomach always feels full - so I have to force myself to eat.  Anyway, I'll keep watching this website to see whatelse comes up among the populace.  I am going to try the suggestion of distilled or bottled water as I am on a well.  Thanks for the wonderful input - there is encouragement in numbers.

[english karen]

Hi everyone
Ive had very similar symptoms to you all  - upper - mid abdominal pain  --no connection with eating  - plus lots of belching, sore/'thick' throat with a lump like feeling in it -pain often going round ribs and through to back. Some days much more severe than others. Doctor has me on rabeprazole sodium but has done no tests yet. Usual antacids do not help either. Symptoms worsening (stress?). I also get a strange 'sweet' taste in my mouth - anyone else get this? Good luck everyone, hope one of you can give me a bit of light.

[Anne-Marie ([e-mail])]

To all who read and respond to this website, PLEASE include your email address (unless uncomfortable).

I have had excessive daily belching for the past 6 mos but not all the other acid  reflux symptoms which many of you describe.  Would appreciate any suggestions for further testing or enlightenment on this condition.

Here

[Mike]

I've had the same-souinding problem for about two years. Huge number of burps a day, sometimes in 'attacks', no other symptoms. Barium swallow, bloodwork, thyroid ultrsound - all negative.

It has to be diet related, but I haven't found exactly what it is yet. I know raw tomatoes and lettice are particularly bad and I'm wondering if there's some new pesticide out there that they just started using on produce in the last 3 years or so that clings to the veggies even if you try to wash it off, and the burping is a reaction to it.

Only help thus far has been slowly drinking a bottle of the stronger ginger ale (such as Reed's ginger brew) over a couple hours time, eating ginger a few times a day, and charcol pills once in a while (be carweful with the charcol, it tends to absorb other nutrients if you take them with your food or vitamins).

Hope that helps someone.

***@****

[Diana Stagg]

About 3-1/2 years ago I was getting extreme nausea with a lot of belching and I had a throbbing in my abdominal area.  I saw a gastroenterologist who did an endoscopy.  They found the H-pylori bacteria.  However, she said that was not the cause of the nausea and pain in my stomach area.  They treated me anyway.  It took several months for me to feel better. The dr. said all this was caused by anxiety.  My response was that I only got the anxiety from her bedside manner!

I was free of symptoms for a couple of years, then I took a lot of aspirin and ibuprofen for a back problem.  The syptoms (symptoms) of nausea and belching returned and I couldn't eat again.  I had previously purchased a Champion juicer so I juiced some carrots, spinach, beets and an apple (not as bad as it sounds!) and I immediately felt better.  The nausea disappeared. I kept this up for a while and then started again on solid food, like baked potatoes and anything else that wasn't greasy.  This worked well. On checking the web during that time I found that the carrot juice, spinach juice, etc. was recommended for anyone with gastritis (the dr. didn't tell me I had gastritis but I presume this is what I have).  The diet worked wonders and I wish I could stay on some of it.  I now have another bout with this problem and am on the diet again with the same good results.  I think I was reading somewhere that vitamin A is good for this type of problem. From now on I'm going to try to eat more raw food and juice.  Also, to keep of the coffee, especially on an empty stomach and keep away from aspirin.

[Rod Parsons]

I am trying to help a friend of mine. He is an extremely active and fit 74 yr old wildlife photographer who upon exertion burps and gets chest pains. This condition has gotten steadily worse over the last 6-7 years. He has had an angioplasty and takes Atenolol but has never had a heart attack. He has had an endoscopy which revealed nothing. He does not have gastric reflux and experiences no acidic taste. He has a slight hiatial hernia which doctors claim is not the problem. These are the symptoms; if he walks 500 feet he burps, if he walks up 5 flights of stairs he burps, if he doesn't eat every 3 hours he burps, if he gets hungry he burps, and when he tries to exercise he burps and all this is accompanied by chest pain across both lungs in the top of the diaphragm. He also complains that when he swallows it is often like swallowing wooden blocks. Can anyone help?

[[e-mail]]

Well, a month ago I had that burping and pain when I woke up
and it was horrible.  The smell was awful and I have never had
this before although I have been taking philosec for a year.  Now i have pain in my left side and burning in my whole stomach.
My doctor thinks I have diverticulitis so I am going for a barrium x-ray Monday.  I did start taking prevecid and my stomach ache has left now.  I am drinking about three quarts of water a day now too.

[Susan]

WOW! I'm 28 and having alot of the same problems it has been 6 weeks and the doctors keep putting me on all kinds of meds. I get these episodes where i burp excessivily my chest gets tight I get lightheaded and numb around the throat area. I have had test for galstones and reflux whicth came back ok. Any one got a idea. The doctors are telling me i'm having panic attacks but the paxil i'm on now for 5 weeks has not helped.***@****

[cs]

Recently I was looking for causes for my burping when I ran across this forum. I was surprised to see the number of people complaining of this burping problem without getting any help from their doctors.

I think I may have come to a conclusion as to what is causing mine. Perhaps this relates to you, too.

My burping started a little over a year ago when I came down with Hepatitis A, contracted from a local restaurant. At that time my health had been "perfect." Three weeks later I came down with an ear infection and had to go on antibiotics. The burping has continued. Eleven doctors (GPs, hematologist, and GIs) I've seen haven't been able to explain it or the other symptoms I've continued to experience related to the Hepatitis.

A month ago I had a colonoscopy done. The solution I took beforehand was a laxative which illiminated everything from my gi track. Since then the burping has been gone. However, I just got another ear infection and am on antibiotics. The burping has started again.

My conclusion is the burping is related to an upset in the balance of good/bad bacteria in my intestines. (Could this possibly be related to a malabsorption problem, too??) I'm not sure what to do to fix the upset in the bacteria besides eating lots of yogurt and taking acidophilus.

I'm no doctor, but I think I may be on to something here, for my own problem of burping anyway. Maybe it will help you, too.

[Vivian]

I have the same problem both Jason and Lisa have.  I start burping non-stop with difficulty breathing to the point I have had to go twice to the emergency room.  My doctor diagnosed acid reflex disorder and prescribed Prilosec and Propulsid.  Neither of them worked and at times made it worst.  Have any of you found a solution to this problem?  I feel miserable.  Your help will be appreciated.  Thanks!
***@****

[ed]

I doubt that my information will be of help, but let me say that I did a lot of belching during the day and at night, sometimes lasting thirty minutes to an hour or better, I labored with this nuisance for about 20, maybe 25 years.  I could get by with this being a bachelor.  Doctors during this period offered little guidance, other than telling me not to retire for at least an hour after eating, and other general suggestions.  A few years ago a doctor prescribed Zantac (I believe it is spelled that way,) but it was of no benefit.  Now Zantac is over the counter with reduced power.  I tried many over the counter digestive aids they all seemed to aggravate the situation rather than help.  By accident, I tried Pepcid AC chewable tablets a few months ago and after all those years my belching came to an abrupt halt, beginning with the first tablet.  I am now 'cured' although every few days or so I let out four or five belches.  My 'cure' may have been accidental, but I now consider myself cured.

[ed]

I doubt that my information will be of help, but let me say that I did a lot of belching during the day and at night, sometimes lasting thirty minutes to an hour or better, I labored with this nuisance for about 20, maybe 25 years.  I could get by with this being a bachelor.  Doctors during this period offered little guidance, other than telling me not to retire for at least an hour after eating, and other general suggestions.  A few years ago a doctor prescribed Zantac (I believe it is spelled that way,) but it was of no benefit.  Now Zantac is over the counter with reduced power.  I tried many over the counter digestive aids they all seemed to aggravate the situation rather than help.  By accident, I tried Pepcid AC chewable tablets a few months ago and after all those years my belching came to an abrupt halt, beginning with the first tablet.  I am now 'cured' although every few days or so I let out four or five belches.  My 'cure' may have been accidental, but I now consider myself cured.

[sue]

SEE A STOMACH SPECIALIST, HAVE A BLOOD TEST FOR H PYLORI
BACTERIA WHICH CAN BE TREATED WITH A COMBINATION OF DRUGS FOR
14 DAYS AND SELDOM RETURNS,(THAT IS ..IF YOU ARE POSITIVE),
THEN HAVE A 'BREATH TEST' ONE MONTH LATER TO MAKE SURE YOU ARE
HEALED.  GOOD LUCK....IT WORKS.....

[aimmie]

hello everybody, i guess, exercise would help too to get rid about this problem..

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