Many people consider burping a social faux pas, but belching occasionally after a meal or soft drink is perfectly normal. That said, if you’re burping often throughout the day, it may be a sign of something more serious than a slight embarrassment. While everyone burps sometimes, reasons for burping a lot may include certain lifestyle habits or underlying conditions that require treatment. If you experience burping alongside symptoms like unintentional weight loss , difficulty swallowing , or changes in your bowel habits, such as inability to have a bowel movement or pass gas, see your doctor right away.
What’s Normal How Much Burping Is Normal? When air or gas escapes from your stomach or esophagus into your mouth, it causes a burp. Typically, this is due to a buildup of air in the esophagus or upper stomach, caused by eating or drinking too fast, talking while eating, or drinking carbonated drinks.e60dc2a1-f33c-4a05-9b50-8e3e8e597629b67b6095-dc84-41b8-8771-0460c070ec1f “There isn’t an agreed-upon normal frequency of burping, but I would estimate that three to four times after ingestion of a meal or carbonated beverage would be considered normal,” says Bryan Curtin, MD , the director of neurogastroenterology and GI motility at Mercy Medical Center in Baltimore. Burping is considered abnormal if it prevents you from interacting normally or eating, or if it occurs continuously throughout the day, Dr. Curtin adds. In these cases, speak to your doctor to identify the cause and potential treatment.
Causes What Can Cause Excessive Burping? You may also notice more burps after certain activities , like running, or if you have an underlying condition. Swallowing Air While swallowing some air is normal and helps digestion, swallowing too much air (as you may do when talking while eating) can cause it to collect in your gut. This, in turn, may cause burping and other symptoms like bloating , gas pain , or flatulence .e60dc2a1-f33c-4a05-9b50-8e3e8e597629260a8c8b-a51f-4c13-8a03-0c725377bc28 Habits that increase your likelihood of swallowing air include eating or drinking too fast, using straws or sports bottles, talking while eating, smoking or vaping, drinking carbonated drinks, and chewing gum, says Leybelis Padilla, MD , a board-certified gastroenterologist based in San Diego. Certain Foods and Drinks Chewing gum and carbonated beverages aren’t the only foods and drinks that may cause frequent belching, Curtin says. Gut bacteria ferment what your body can’t fully digest, including high-fiber foods like beans and lentils. These release gases during digestion such as hydrogen, carbon dioxide, and methane that can cause burping.e60dc2a1-f33c-4a05-9b50-8e3e8e597629afcbc409-c494-492b-8f4b-f70feadd3733 Other foods and beverages that may increase gas production in some people include dairy products (especially for those with lactose intolerance ) and eggs.e60dc2a1-f33c-4a05-9b50-8e3e8e597629050ca353-7c15-4487-9b76-e024d7def918 Additional examples include: Peas, lentils, and beans Vegetables like broccoli, brussels sprouts, cauliflower, onions, peas, and radishes Fruits like apricots, bananas, peaches, pears, and apples Wheat Fried and fatty foods Sugar and sugar substitutes Milk and other dairy products (in those with trouble digesting lactose) GERD Patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) who have a lax lower esophageal sphincter, a ring of muscle at the bottom of the esophagus, may be more likely to also have gastric belching, says Rena Yadlapati, MD , the medical director of the Center for Esophageal Diseases at UC San Diego Health.e60dc2a1-f33c-4a05-9b50-8e3e8e597629b73116e8-2fa8-4483-8bc8-e76317a55bdd “In these cases, patients may commonly experience regurgitation and belching,” Dr. Yadlapati says. GERD is a condition in which the stomach’s contents move into the esophagus, commonly causing heartburn and sensation of regurgitation.e60dc2a1-f33c-4a05-9b50-8e3e8e597629244206ed-d2ea-4530-a31a-371398874240 While almost everyone experiences the occasional bout of heartburn, it doesn’t automatically mean you have GERD that needs treatment, which is chronic acid reflux (think at least twice per week for several weeks).e60dc2a1-f33c-4a05-9b50-8e3e8e59762944c74fa2-b5fa-4ab6-a3da-84c2758aae37 GERD can sometimes lead to extra burping due to increased air swallowing, though it is not considered a typical symptom.e60dc2a1-f33c-4a05-9b50-8e3e8e597629989078d8-69c4-4f01-b924-5b80273bb4bc This excess swallowing can be due to supragastric belching, a behavioral pattern in which people swallow air and expel it. GERD patients may do this in response to discomfort, Yadlapati says.e60dc2a1-f33c-4a05-9b50-8e3e8e597629c3810feb-6c6e-4a60-8536-2d7d2c40ae42 Hiatal Hernia Hiatal hernias , which occur when the upper stomach protrudes through the diaphragm that divides your abdomen and the chest, can also cause excessive burping. Although a small one usually goes unnoticed, a larger hiatal hernia can cause food and acid to back up in your esophagus, leading to heartburn and other symptoms, such as regurgitation, trouble swallowing, or acid reflux.e60dc2a1-f33c-4a05-9b50-8e3e8e5976293f93d803-d011-49cf-bb20-b36a06d75262 “Often heartburn-related symptoms can be caused by the presence of a hiatal hernia, which can lead to excessive burping by nature of the altered anatomy and impaired relaxation of the stomach,” Dr. Padilla says. Gastric Ulcers Stomach ulcers can cause the sensation of indigestion, which can rarely lead to burping as a behavioral response.e60dc2a1-f33c-4a05-9b50-8e3e8e5976293b485d19-22a6-4364-9830-bbca801ed445 Other more typical symptoms of stomach ulcers include pain or discomfort between your belly button and sternum, and discomfort with or without eating.e60dc2a1-f33c-4a05-9b50-8e3e8e5976293b485d19-22a6-4364-9830-bbca801ed445 Pylori (a bacterium spread fecal-orally) is another common cause of stomach ulcers. So, too, are nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as aspirin, naproxen, and ibuprofen, which weaken the stomach lining.e60dc2a1-f33c-4a05-9b50-8e3e8e5976293b485d19-22a6-4364-9830-bbca801ed445 Gastroparesis Gastroparesis , a chronic condition in which your stomach empties food too slowly or not at all, may be another potential cause of excessive burping, Padilla says. Additional, more typical symptoms can include nausea and vomiting after eating and feeling full even with smaller meals.e60dc2a1-f33c-4a05-9b50-8e3e8e5976297de6f52a-530f-48c5-aa51-9237fa511d36 There are many causes of gastroparesis. It’s sometimes linked to diabetes or occurs after a surgery or viral illness, because of damage to the vagus nerve (which controls the stomach muscles).e60dc2a1-f33c-4a05-9b50-8e3e8e5976297de6f52a-530f-48c5-aa51-9237fa511d36
Complications Side Effects and Complications of Excessive Burping The side effects and complications of belching too much depend on the underlying cause. Burping caused by consuming gas-producing foods or beverages is generally not a cause for concern.e60dc2a1-f33c-4a05-9b50-8e3e8e597629050ca353-7c15-4487-9b76-e024d7def918 But untreated GERD may lead to severe damage to the esophagus over time.e60dc2a1-f33c-4a05-9b50-8e3e8e5976290eef06c0-a94e-4647-88d4-3235c2a9568a Untreated stomach ulcers can lead to bleeding in the stomach, a hole in the stomach wall, blockages in the digestive tract, and even a raised risk of stomach cancer; but typically these are accompanied by other gastrointestinal symptoms.e60dc2a1-f33c-4a05-9b50-8e3e8e59762937b8fffa-2c47-4170-adba-4aee0f8ff5bc If you experience supragastric belching, the kind that’s a behavioral pattern rather than a digestive issue, it can also impact your quality of life by interfering with daily functions like work, school, and social activities.e60dc2a1-f33c-4a05-9b50-8e3e8e59762918b6a65d-c204-4b0f-b268-623795c691cb
Treatment How to Stop Burping So Much Burping isn’t usually anything to worry about, but excessive belching (regularly burping more than three to four times after a meal) can sometimes signal an underlying issue. If left untreated, symptoms may worsen, or new ones may appear.e60dc2a1-f33c-4a05-9b50-8e3e8e5976294467ed9f-d87c-49a4-9072-acfe211d51e7 If you’re burping from swallowing too much air , taking measures like eating more slowly, cutting back on carbonated beverages, and avoiding gum can reduce the amount of air that gets into the stomach, Yadlapati says.e60dc2a1-f33c-4a05-9b50-8e3e8e597629487303b7-aa3a-4d25-bc66-bfac65914b44 You can practice slow eating by setting aside at least 30 minutes for each meal, chewing each mouthful at least 15 to 30 times, and practicing mindful eating by focusing on your meal, not the TV or your phone.e60dc2a1-f33c-4a05-9b50-8e3e8e59762978027879-321e-4df5-b896-f5f568b46d76 If GERD is present, anti-secretory therapy like proton-pump inhibitors can reduce discomfort, Yadlapati adds.e60dc2a1-f33c-4a05-9b50-8e3e8e597629a1c77861-f049-44b9-a962-3f3772c10774 Meanwhile, the primary treatment for supragastric belching is undergoing behavioral therapy to avoid air swallowing, coupled with practicing controlled breathing methods, Yadlapati says.e60dc2a1-f33c-4a05-9b50-8e3e8e5976294c2bd555-62ad-4d4d-b870-63d60cffb649
When to See a Doctor When to See a Doctor Seek care as soon as possible if you have symptoms of indigestion like burping alongside:e60dc2a1-f33c-4a05-9b50-8e3e8e597629b4c70885-aa8c-42c9-83a0-565afd7de9cc Severe or prolonged belly pain Unintentional weight loss Repeated vomiting or vomiting with blood Dark, tarry stools Trouble swallowing Fatigue or weakness A yellowing of the skin or eyes Get emergency care if indigestion-like symptoms such as burping appear with these symptoms, which may be signs of a heart attack:e60dc2a1-f33c-4a05-9b50-8e3e8e597629b4c70885-aa8c-42c9-83a0-565afd7de9cc Chest pain Shortness of breath Sweating “Your doctor’s evaluation may include a thorough review of your medical history, plus imaging such as a CT scan of the abdomen or chest, H. pylori testing, laboratory testing, or even an upper endoscopy,” Padilla notes.
The Takeaway Swallowing too much air when drinking carbonated beverages, chewing gum, or eating too quickly is a common cause of excessive burping, and lifestyle changes to reduce burping may help. Underlying conditions like GERD and hiatal hernia can also cause symptoms like excessive belching. It’s important to see a doctor if frequent burping is interfering with your everyday life or occurs alongside symptoms like chest pain or unexplained weight loss.
What’s Normal How Much Burping Is Normal? When air or gas escapes from your stomach or esophagus into your mouth, it causes a burp. Typically, this is due to a buildup of air in the esophagus or upper stomach, caused by eating or drinking too fast, talking while eating, or drinking carbonated drinks.e60dc2a1-f33c-4a05-9b50-8e3e8e597629b67b6095-dc84-41b8-8771-0460c070ec1f “There isn’t an agreed-upon normal frequency of burping, but I would estimate that three to four times after ingestion of a meal or carbonated beverage would be considered normal,” says Bryan Curtin, MD , the director of neurogastroenterology and GI motility at Mercy Medical Center in Baltimore. Burping is considered abnormal if it prevents you from interacting normally or eating, or if it occurs continuously throughout the day, Dr. Curtin adds. In these cases, speak to your doctor to identify the cause and potential treatment.
Causes What Can Cause Excessive Burping? You may also notice more burps after certain activities , like running, or if you have an underlying condition. Swallowing Air While swallowing some air is normal and helps digestion, swallowing too much air (as you may do when talking while eating) can cause it to collect in your gut. This, in turn, may cause burping and other symptoms like bloating , gas pain , or flatulence .e60dc2a1-f33c-4a05-9b50-8e3e8e597629260a8c8b-a51f-4c13-8a03-0c725377bc28 Habits that increase your likelihood of swallowing air include eating or drinking too fast, using straws or sports bottles, talking while eating, smoking or vaping, drinking carbonated drinks, and chewing gum, says Leybelis Padilla, MD , a board-certified gastroenterologist based in San Diego. Certain Foods and Drinks Chewing gum and carbonated beverages aren’t the only foods and drinks that may cause frequent belching, Curtin says. Gut bacteria ferment what your body can’t fully digest, including high-fiber foods like beans and lentils. These release gases during digestion such as hydrogen, carbon dioxide, and methane that can cause burping.e60dc2a1-f33c-4a05-9b50-8e3e8e597629afcbc409-c494-492b-8f4b-f70feadd3733 Other foods and beverages that may increase gas production in some people include dairy products (especially for those with lactose intolerance ) and eggs.e60dc2a1-f33c-4a05-9b50-8e3e8e597629050ca353-7c15-4487-9b76-e024d7def918 Additional examples include: Peas, lentils, and beans Vegetables like broccoli, brussels sprouts, cauliflower, onions, peas, and radishes Fruits like apricots, bananas, peaches, pears, and apples Wheat Fried and fatty foods Sugar and sugar substitutes Milk and other dairy products (in those with trouble digesting lactose) GERD Patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) who have a lax lower esophageal sphincter, a ring of muscle at the bottom of the esophagus, may be more likely to also have gastric belching, says Rena Yadlapati, MD , the medical director of the Center for Esophageal Diseases at UC San Diego Health.e60dc2a1-f33c-4a05-9b50-8e3e8e597629b73116e8-2fa8-4483-8bc8-e76317a55bdd “In these cases, patients may commonly experience regurgitation and belching,” Dr. Yadlapati says. GERD is a condition in which the stomach’s contents move into the esophagus, commonly causing heartburn and sensation of regurgitation.e60dc2a1-f33c-4a05-9b50-8e3e8e597629244206ed-d2ea-4530-a31a-371398874240 While almost everyone experiences the occasional bout of heartburn, it doesn’t automatically mean you have GERD that needs treatment, which is chronic acid reflux (think at least twice per week for several weeks).e60dc2a1-f33c-4a05-9b50-8e3e8e59762944c74fa2-b5fa-4ab6-a3da-84c2758aae37 GERD can sometimes lead to extra burping due to increased air swallowing, though it is not considered a typical symptom.e60dc2a1-f33c-4a05-9b50-8e3e8e597629989078d8-69c4-4f01-b924-5b80273bb4bc This excess swallowing can be due to supragastric belching, a behavioral pattern in which people swallow air and expel it. GERD patients may do this in response to discomfort, Yadlapati says.e60dc2a1-f33c-4a05-9b50-8e3e8e597629c3810feb-6c6e-4a60-8536-2d7d2c40ae42 Hiatal Hernia Hiatal hernias , which occur when the upper stomach protrudes through the diaphragm that divides your abdomen and the chest, can also cause excessive burping. Although a small one usually goes unnoticed, a larger hiatal hernia can cause food and acid to back up in your esophagus, leading to heartburn and other symptoms, such as regurgitation, trouble swallowing, or acid reflux.e60dc2a1-f33c-4a05-9b50-8e3e8e5976293f93d803-d011-49cf-bb20-b36a06d75262 “Often heartburn-related symptoms can be caused by the presence of a hiatal hernia, which can lead to excessive burping by nature of the altered anatomy and impaired relaxation of the stomach,” Dr. Padilla says. Gastric Ulcers Stomach ulcers can cause the sensation of indigestion, which can rarely lead to burping as a behavioral response.e60dc2a1-f33c-4a05-9b50-8e3e8e5976293b485d19-22a6-4364-9830-bbca801ed445 Other more typical symptoms of stomach ulcers include pain or discomfort between your belly button and sternum, and discomfort with or without eating.e60dc2a1-f33c-4a05-9b50-8e3e8e5976293b485d19-22a6-4364-9830-bbca801ed445 Pylori (a bacterium spread fecal-orally) is another common cause of stomach ulcers. So, too, are nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as aspirin, naproxen, and ibuprofen, which weaken the stomach lining.e60dc2a1-f33c-4a05-9b50-8e3e8e5976293b485d19-22a6-4364-9830-bbca801ed445 Gastroparesis Gastroparesis , a chronic condition in which your stomach empties food too slowly or not at all, may be another potential cause of excessive burping, Padilla says. Additional, more typical symptoms can include nausea and vomiting after eating and feeling full even with smaller meals.e60dc2a1-f33c-4a05-9b50-8e3e8e5976297de6f52a-530f-48c5-aa51-9237fa511d36 There are many causes of gastroparesis. It’s sometimes linked to diabetes or occurs after a surgery or viral illness, because of damage to the vagus nerve (which controls the stomach muscles).e60dc2a1-f33c-4a05-9b50-8e3e8e5976297de6f52a-530f-48c5-aa51-9237fa511d36
Complications Side Effects and Complications of Excessive Burping The side effects and complications of belching too much depend on the underlying cause. Burping caused by consuming gas-producing foods or beverages is generally not a cause for concern.e60dc2a1-f33c-4a05-9b50-8e3e8e597629050ca353-7c15-4487-9b76-e024d7def918 But untreated GERD may lead to severe damage to the esophagus over time.e60dc2a1-f33c-4a05-9b50-8e3e8e5976290eef06c0-a94e-4647-88d4-3235c2a9568a Untreated stomach ulcers can lead to bleeding in the stomach, a hole in the stomach wall, blockages in the digestive tract, and even a raised risk of stomach cancer; but typically these are accompanied by other gastrointestinal symptoms.e60dc2a1-f33c-4a05-9b50-8e3e8e59762937b8fffa-2c47-4170-adba-4aee0f8ff5bc If you experience supragastric belching, the kind that’s a behavioral pattern rather than a digestive issue, it can also impact your quality of life by interfering with daily functions like work, school, and social activities.e60dc2a1-f33c-4a05-9b50-8e3e8e59762918b6a65d-c204-4b0f-b268-623795c691cb
Treatment How to Stop Burping So Much Burping isn’t usually anything to worry about, but excessive belching (regularly burping more than three to four times after a meal) can sometimes signal an underlying issue. If left untreated, symptoms may worsen, or new ones may appear.e60dc2a1-f33c-4a05-9b50-8e3e8e5976294467ed9f-d87c-49a4-9072-acfe211d51e7 If you’re burping from swallowing too much air , taking measures like eating more slowly, cutting back on carbonated beverages, and avoiding gum can reduce the amount of air that gets into the stomach, Yadlapati says.e60dc2a1-f33c-4a05-9b50-8e3e8e597629487303b7-aa3a-4d25-bc66-bfac65914b44 You can practice slow eating by setting aside at least 30 minutes for each meal, chewing each mouthful at least 15 to 30 times, and practicing mindful eating by focusing on your meal, not the TV or your phone.e60dc2a1-f33c-4a05-9b50-8e3e8e59762978027879-321e-4df5-b896-f5f568b46d76 If GERD is present, anti-secretory therapy like proton-pump inhibitors can reduce discomfort, Yadlapati adds.e60dc2a1-f33c-4a05-9b50-8e3e8e597629a1c77861-f049-44b9-a962-3f3772c10774 Meanwhile, the primary treatment for supragastric belching is undergoing behavioral therapy to avoid air swallowing, coupled with practicing controlled breathing methods, Yadlapati says.e60dc2a1-f33c-4a05-9b50-8e3e8e5976294c2bd555-62ad-4d4d-b870-63d60cffb649
When to See a Doctor When to See a Doctor Seek care as soon as possible if you have symptoms of indigestion like burping alongside:e60dc2a1-f33c-4a05-9b50-8e3e8e597629b4c70885-aa8c-42c9-83a0-565afd7de9cc Severe or prolonged belly pain Unintentional weight loss Repeated vomiting or vomiting with blood Dark, tarry stools Trouble swallowing Fatigue or weakness A yellowing of the skin or eyes Get emergency care if indigestion-like symptoms such as burping appear with these symptoms, which may be signs of a heart attack:e60dc2a1-f33c-4a05-9b50-8e3e8e597629b4c70885-aa8c-42c9-83a0-565afd7de9cc Chest pain Shortness of breath Sweating “Your doctor’s evaluation may include a thorough review of your medical history, plus imaging such as a CT scan of the abdomen or chest, H. pylori testing, laboratory testing, or even an upper endoscopy,” Padilla notes.
The Takeaway Swallowing too much air when drinking carbonated beverages, chewing gum, or eating too quickly is a common cause of excessive burping, and lifestyle changes to reduce burping may help. Underlying conditions like GERD and hiatal hernia can also cause symptoms like excessive belching. It’s important to see a doctor if frequent burping is interfering with your everyday life or occurs alongside symptoms like chest pain or unexplained weight loss.