Burping or belching can be a symptom of acid reflux, also called gastroesophageal reflux (GER). Excessive burping can also cause other reflux symptoms, such as heartburn.

Acid reflux, or GER, is a common condition causing symptoms such as heartburn and regurgitation. When the contents of the stomach travel up to the esophagus, acid reflux symptoms occur. If a person frequently experiences acid reflux, they may have a chronic condition called gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).

Burping or belching can be a symptom of acid reflux or GERD. A certain type of belching called supragastric belching can also trigger common acid reflux symptoms, such as heartburn, chest pain, and regurgitation.

In Western culture, 20% of adults have GERD, and it is the most common gastrointestinal condition that doctors diagnose in outpatient clinics.

This article whether there is a causal link between belching and acid reflux. It will also detail what may cause both belching and acid reflux.

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There are two types of belching a person may experience, and acid reflux or GERD may have links with either type.

  • Gastric belching: A standard physiological process where to get rid of swallowed air from the stomach.
  • Supragastric belching: A behavioral disorder where air frequently moves in and out of the esophagus.

According to a 2020 review, the proportion of individuals experiencing either type of belching as a symptom of GERD has a wide range from 4.1% to 75.6%.

Increased swallowing is a potential symptom of acid reflux and may cause an increase in air in the stomach. This is why gastric belching may occur when a person has acid reflux.

As well as being a possible symptom of GER, excessive supragastric belching can trigger acid reflux symptoms. This may be due to increased pressure in the abdomen or the relaxation of the upper esophageal sphincter due to supragastric belching, both of which may cause GER. This excessive belching happens for a range of reasons, including to ease physical discomfort or as a response to stress.

What is acid reflux?

Acid reflux, or GER, is a common condition affecting digestion that causes some of the contents of the stomach to return up to the esophagus. Stomach contents include stomach acids, fluids, and food. Symptoms may include heartburn, regurgitation, or trouble swallowing.

Occasional acid reflux is common. Factors such as certain foods and drinks and lifestyle behaviors can increase the likelihood of experiencing acid reflux, but symptoms are usually mild.

Frequent acid reflux may become a chronic condition known as GERD, which can cause more severe symptoms and potential complications.

According to a 2020 paper, on average, an individual can belch up to 30 times a day. However, it is important to recognize when belching is excessive or causing other symptoms affecting someone’s everyday life.

Belching may link with GER or GERD if it occurs with any of the following symptoms:

A 2015 study showed that 95 out of 100 participants who experienced excessive supragastric belching also had acid reflux symptoms. This study also found that it is unlikely for excessive supragastric belching to occur without other symptoms, such as acid reflux.

If acid reflux symptoms are severe or frequent enough to disrupt day-to-day activities, individuals may consider speaking with a doctor. Frequent acid reflux may indicate that a person has GERD, which can, in some cases, cause serious complications without treatment.

Excessive belching can cause a person to feel embarrassed around other people, even though they cannot control this symptom. It can also cause uncomfortable acid reflux symptoms that can disrupt daily life.

Excessive supragastric belching is a behavioral disorder and may require both psychological and conventional medical treatments.

There are various possible causes for both acid reflux and excessive belching, which may lead to acid reflux. These causes range from diet to the side effects of certain medications.

Diet

Certain foods and beverages may increase the likelihood of both excessive belching and acid reflux, such as:

Foods that are high in fiber may also cause burping.

Medications

Certain types of medication can weaken or relax the esophageal sphincter and increase the risk of experiencing acid reflux. These medications may include:

Conditions

Conditions that can increase the likelihood of experiencing acid reflux or GERD include:

Conditions that may cause excessive belching include constipation and GERD.

According to a 2020 review, doctors may treat acid reflux due to supragastric belching through psychological methods, as supragastric belching is a behavioral disorder. In cases where excessive supragastric belching is a symptom of acid reflux or GERD, a doctor may recommend a mix of psychological and traditional medical treatments.

Treatments and surgical therapies for acid reflux or GERD include:

Preventive lifestyle changes are an important factor in preventing acid reflux and GERD. These changes include:

  • maintaining a moderate weight
  • not eating less than 3 hours before bed
  • having good sleep hygiene
  • elevating the head of the bed around 6–8 inches for sleeping
  • avoiding smoking, if applicable
  • reducing alcohol use
  • eating small meals
  • limiting caffeine intake

Burping can be both a symptom and a cause of acid reflux, also called gastroesophageal reflux (GER). Excessive burping is likely to occur with other acid reflux symptoms, such as heartburn and regurgitation. Treating and preventing acid reflux can also help ease burping.

Many of the same preventive measures and lifestyle changes may help reduce both acid reflux and excessive belching. These methods include measures such as avoiding certain foods and drinks and eating more slowly.