Burping too much with acid reflux

Swallowed air increases pressure in the stomach, while a weakened or relaxed valve can allow contents to travel upwards. Large meals, eating close to bedtime, fizzy drinks, alcohol and individual trigger foods can make symptoms more noticeable. A hiatus hernia can alter the position of the stomach and contribute to reflux. Obesity can increase pressure around the abdomen. Reflux may also be linked with cough, abdominal pain, chest tightness or difficulty sleeping, but chest symptoms must not automatically be attributed to reflux.

Try smaller meals, eat slowly and remain upright after eating. Avoid lying down soon after meals and identify foods or drinks that trigger your symptoms. Limit fizzy drinks, alcohol and smoking if they worsen burping. Raising the head end of the bed may help night symptoms; do this safely rather than stacking loose pillows. A pharmacist can advise whether an over-the-counter treatment is suitable, especially if you take other medicines or are pregnant.

Get emergency help for chest pressure or tightness with sweating, breathlessness, faintness, or pain spreading to the arm, jaw or back. Seek prompt assessment for vomiting blood, black stools, food sticking, painful swallowing, repeated vomiting or unexplained weight loss. Arrange a medical review if reflux occurs frequently, disrupts sleep, needs regular self-treatment or does not improve with simple measures.

Do my symptoms fit reflux, and could a hiatus hernia or medicine be contributing? Should I be checked for another cause of chest or abdominal symptoms? Which treatment is appropriate and how long should I try it? What signs mean I need urgent help?