Burping, Belching, Flatulence and Bloating

Burping is the release of air from the stomach through the mouth; belching is another name for it. Flatulence is gas passed through the bowel. Bloating is a feeling of fullness, pressure or enlargement in the abdomen, and it can occur with or without extra gas.

Common triggers include eating quickly, talking while eating, chewing gum, drinking fizzy drinks and swallowing air. Gas can also build up when gut bacteria break down certain carbohydrates. Constipation, food intolerance and irritable bowel syndrome can contribute. Acid reflux, gastritis, a hiatus hernia or Helicobacter pylori infection may be relevant when symptoms persist or occur with upper-abdominal discomfort, reflux or nausea.

Keep a brief symptom and food diary, noting meal size, timing, bowel movements and any associated pain. Eat slowly, take smaller mouthfuls and avoid gulping drinks. Reduce fizzy drinks and chewing gum, and gentle movement after meals may help gas pass.

If constipation is present, increase fluids and fibre gradually rather than making a sudden large change. Do not remove several food groups without advice. A pharmacist or clinician can discuss whether an appropriate medicine, including treatment for reflux, fits your symptoms; avoid regularly self-treating without checking the cause.

Arrange a medical review if symptoms are new and ongoing, repeatedly disturb sleep or daily activities, or come with unexplained weight loss, persistent vomiting, difficulty swallowing, ongoing diarrhoea or constipation, or blood in vomit or stool.

Seek urgent care for severe or rapidly worsening abdominal pain, a swollen hard abdomen with inability to pass stool or gas, vomiting that will not settle, fainting, chest pain or trouble breathing. These signs can have causes unrelated to ordinary digestive gas and should not be assessed by symptom frequency alone.

Ask what pattern best explains your symptoms, whether constipation, reflux or a food intolerance could be contributing, and whether an examination or tests are needed. Bring your symptom diary and a list of medicines, supplements and recent dietary changes.