Frequent burping and acid reflux: what to know

Burping releases air from the stomach. Eating quickly, fizzy drinks, chewing gum and talking while eating can increase swallowed air. Reflux may add a sour taste, burning behind the breastbone, regurgitation or throat irritation. A hiatus hernia can make upward movement of stomach contents easier, while excess weight may increase pressure on the abdomen. These symptoms do not identify one cause by themselves.

Notice whether symptoms follow large meals, lying down, bending, alcohol, spicy foods or particular medicines. A cough or poor sleep may occur when reflux reaches the throat, but chest tightness should not automatically be attributed to reflux.

Eat slowly, take smaller mouthfuls and reduce fizzy drinks. Avoid lying down soon after eating; keeping the upper body raised during sleep may help night symptoms. A simple diary can record meals, timing, burping, burning and regurgitation. A clinician or pharmacist can advise whether an antacid or other acid-reducing medicine is suitable, especially if you take regular medicines or are pregnant.

Seek urgent help for chest pressure or tightness with breathlessness, sweating, faintness, or pain spreading to the arm, jaw or back. Arrange medical assessment for difficulty swallowing, repeated vomiting, black stools, vomiting blood, unexplained weight loss, severe abdominal pain, or symptoms that persist or keep returning despite sensible changes.

Could my pattern fit reflux, a hiatus hernia or another cause? Should I review any medicines? How long should I try a treatment, and which warning signs mean I should return sooner?