What causes burping and gas?

Eating quickly, chewing gum, drinking fizzy drinks, smoking, or talking while eating can increase swallowed air. Gas also forms when gut bacteria break down carbohydrates that were not fully absorbed. Lactose Intolerance, Food Intolerance, or Coeliac Disease may cause gas with cramps, loose stools, or bloating. Irritable Bowel Syndrome can link symptoms to bowel habit changes. Giardiasis or Helicobacter Pylori Infection may be considered when symptoms persist alongside diarrhoea, upper abdominal discomfort, nausea, or weight change.

The pattern matters more than one episode: note foods, timing, stool changes, pain, and whether symptoms improve after passing stool or gas. Bloating can occur alongside these complaints.

Keep a brief food and symptom diary, eat slowly, chew thoroughly, and reduce fizzy drinks while observing the effect. Gentle movement after meals may help gas move through the bowel. Avoid removing several food groups without guidance; Nutrition Counselling can help identify a balanced approach. A clinician may review medicines, examine your abdomen, and choose tests based on your symptoms rather than treating gas alone.

Arrange medical advice for persistent or worsening symptoms, repeated vomiting, ongoing diarrhoea, unexplained weight loss, blood or black stool, fever, difficulty swallowing, or pain that keeps returning. Seek urgent care for severe sudden abdominal pain, a swollen abdomen with inability to pass stool or gas, faintness, or trouble breathing.

Ask whether your symptom pattern suggests intolerance, reflux, infection, or a bowel disorder; which tests are appropriate; and whether any medicine or dietary change could be contributing.