Bloating, burping and abdominal pain: what to know

Bloating, burping and abdominal pain may reflect trapped air, indigestion, reflux, infection or another digestive problem. The location, timing, severity and accompanying changes in bowel habits help guide the assessment.

Swallowed air, fizzy drinks, eating quickly and gas produced during digestion can cause pressure and repeated burping. Burning discomfort after meals can occur with Acid Reflux or Gastritis. Sudden pain with vomiting or diarrhoea may occur with Food Poisoning or Gastroenteritis. Coeliac Disease, Crohn's Disease, Diverticular Disease or Gallstones are other conditions a clinician may consider when symptoms persist, recur or have a distinctive pattern.

For mild symptoms, eat slowly, choose smaller meals, reduce fizzy drinks and notice whether particular foods trigger discomfort. Gentle movement may help gas pass. Keep a short record of meals, pain location, burping, stools and any vomiting. Do not start a restrictive diet or stop prescribed medicine without clinical advice.

Arrange medical advice if the symptoms keep returning, interfere with eating or sleep, or come with ongoing diarrhoea, constipation, weight loss, fever or trouble swallowing. Seek urgent care for severe or rapidly worsening pain, a hard swollen abdomen, repeated vomiting, blood in vomit or stool, black stool, fainting, or chest pain with sweating or breathlessness.

Ask whether the pattern suggests reflux, an ulcer-related problem, food sensitivity, infection or a bowel condition; which examination or tests are appropriate; and which warning signs should prompt urgent review.