Have you ever experienced frequent burping when dealing with acid reflux? This condition which affects your digestive health manifests when stomach acid reverses its path into the oesophagus, often accompanied by distinctive burping. We spoke to our expert Dr Aditya Shah, MBBS, MD, DM – Medical Gastroenterology, Apollo Spectra, Chennai, who explained acid reflux burping, its causes, remedies, and treatment.
Causes Of Acid Reflux Burping
According to a review conducted by Neurogastroenterology and GI Motility, a healthy individual may burp up to 30 times a day on average. However, you might burp more frequently if you have acid reflux.
- Emotional stress and anxiety can affect the digestive system, leading to changes in stomach function and potentially causing acid reflux.
- Wearing tight belts or clothing around the waist can increase pressure on the stomach, facilitating the escape of stomach acid into the oesophagus.
- Going to bed or reclining too soon after eating allows gravity to work against the natural flow of digestion, making it easier for stomach acid to travel into the oesophagus.
- Smoking weakens the lower oesophagal sphincter, a muscular ring that separates the stomach from the oesophagus. This can result in acid reflux and burping.
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Remedies To Manage Acid Reflux Burping
Dr Shah listed simple remedies that you can follow to manage acid reflux burping:
- Adopting a habit of consuming smaller and more frequent meals can alleviate the burden on the digestive system.
- Some people may have specific food intolerances, such as lactose or gluten intolerance, which can lead to gas. Hence, identify and avoid trigger foods to manage the issue.
- Maintaining a healthy weight, adopting a slower eating pace, and refraining from lying down immediately after meals can significantly reduce the occurrence of acid reflux burping.
- After a meal, light physical activity like walking may help to move food through your digestive tract.
- Drinking plenty of water helps prevent constipation, aim for at least eight glasses of water per day.
- For nighttime relief, elevating the head of the bed can prevent stomach acid from flowing back into the oesophagus.
Also Read: Mastering GERD Management: Expert Lists Tips for Dietary and Lifestyle Changes
Treatment for Persistent Cases
Over-The-Counter Medicines
For milder instances of acid reflux burping, over-the-counter, antacids offer temporary relief by neutralising excess stomach acid.
Medications
“In more persistent cases, healthcare providers may recommend prescription medications, such as Proton Pump Inhibitors (PPIs) and H2 blockers”, said Dr Shah. These medications work to efficiently reduce stomach acid production, providing more sustained relief.
Surgical Procedure
Surgical procedures, reserved for severe and resistant cases, may be considered to address underlying issues contributing to acid reflux burping. “This option is typically explored after other treatments have proven ineffective or when a structural problem, like a hiatal hernia, requires correction”, said Dr Shah. Always consult with a medical expert to determine the most suitable treatment plan based on individual circumstances.
Bottomline
Dr Shah concluded, “While incorporating dietary adjustments and lifestyle changes can often manage the symptoms of acid reflux burping, persistent cases may necessitate medical intervention. Hence, seek guidance from a medical expert to ensure a tailored approach to treatment.”
[Disclaimer: This article contains information provided by a registered healthcare expert and is for informational purposes only. We advise you to not substitute this information with medical treatment and consult your expert for medical advice.]