Member Comments are provided by individuals and reflect their personal opinions only. Under NO circumstances should you act on any advice or opinion posted in this forum.  ALWAYS check with your personal physician before taking any action regarding your health! MedHelp International and our partners, sponsors and affiliates have no obligation to monitor any comments posted on this site, or the content and/or accuracy of such exchanges. MedHelp International does not endorse the views of any user.
Gastroenterology  (Expert Forum)
 | 
Excessive Burping
This forum is for questions regarding Gastroenterology issues such as Acid Reflux (GERD), Barretts Esophagus, Colitis, Colon/Bowel Disorders, Crohn's Disease, Diverticulitis/Diverticulosis, Digestive Disorders, IBS, Stomach Pain.

Excessive Burping

by Jason, Jan 20, 2000 12:00AM
Tags: digestive
I am 28 years old and have Crohn's disease (eventhough I haven't had a flareup in over 10 years, since I had part of the lower intestine removed). But within the last 6 months or so, I have had the worst case of burping. Burping for no reason and can't stop. My family dr. and my gastroenterologist blame it on heartburn and have prescribed Prevacid (didn't work), Prilosec (a little better), then a combo of Prilosec and Propulsid. That combo has seemed to relieve the heartburn, but still no cure for the burping. I have been getting headaches too, but I will possibly blame that on anxiety/stress for not knowing what is actually wrong. I used to like going out and doing things, but now that I have this problem, I prefer to lay on the couch with the least amount of stress possible. My Gastroenterologist recommended possibly going on a mild anti-depressant, but I am looking for more than taking 3 pills a day. I want a cure and pills haven't worked. I have been reading this site and finding it extremely informative. I thought I may have been unique in my problem, but from reading other people's submissions, it seems others have the same symptoms as I do and its driving us up a wall. If anyone is suffering from the same symptoms as me, please feel free to let me know or if someone has an answer I would like to know (***@****)...Thanks for your time.

by HFHSm.D.-Gastro-rf, Jan 23, 2000 12:00AM
Dear Jason,

Most people with excessive burping and bloating are air swallowers.  Air enters the gastrointestinal tract when mouth breathing or talking/drinking while eating.  A second frequent cause of gas is a change indiet such that gas forming foods are now eaten in greater amounts e.g. cabbage, beans, milk for many people.  A third explanation (and one that is unusual in those with an intact GI tract) is malabsorption.  Given that you have Crohn's disease, you may have an increased possibility of having malabsorption.



You should discuss with your doctor whether an evaluation for malabsorption is needed,  If after the apperopriate evaluation, a cause is still not found, then you should take anti gas medications e.g. simethicone, charcoal etc.  These over-the-counter preparations will control your symptoms.
Member Comments (28)

by lisa, Jan 20, 2000 12:00AM
I have the same problem. About two months ago, I had some form of

attack that landed me in hospital for a night. The doctors suspected gallstones. An ultrasound was booked for about a month and a half later, and since then, and prior to the attack, I've had these intense stages were I burp almost none stop. I even find breathing difficult at times. Sometimes I can't lie down, because it makes it worse, and other times they get worse when Im moving about. They are painful and become disgustingly smelly sometimes too. So bad that it makes me gag and I have to light incense for the sake of those around me. My spit seems thick at times too and i'm generally miserable.

The problem is, no one can tell me the problem. The results from the ultrasound are three weeks late, so im assuming they turned out normal. Anyway, if you receive any hope as to a proper diagnosis, please inform me. Thanks!

***@****

by Missy, Jan 20, 2000 12:00AM
Well I was kinda gonna ask a question in regards to some of your problem. I am constantly burping. Most of the time they are long and very loud. I dont really have any other symptoms than that. Can anyone tell me what this may be??

by charly, Jan 21, 2000 12:00AM
Ive been experiencing reflux problems for over a year now, ive been to the hospital for a gastroscopy, and they told me afterwards that the sphincter that closes of

my stomach doesnt function anymore. my GP told me it was because the hole in my midriff was to big. This i believe is called Hiatal hernia. They both advised me to

put the head-end of my bed up 15 centimeters, to stop smoking, to avoid bending over, to avoid eating fats, chocolade, alcohol, coffee, etc



Ive followed their advise in losing a lot of weight by using a very strick diet and drinking only water milk and fruit juice. The heart-burn has seiced since i stopped

smoking, drinking alcohol and started using Losec(omeprazol). but the belching still exist, i cant seem to drink even a glass of water without regurgitating air all the

time. This condition has left me totally unable to function in soceity because i cant combine being in public and eating. not to mention that constant belching is very

annoying.



Im 18 years old now and i dont feel like keeping this up for the rest of my life. I would like to know if anyone knows about surgery that can be preformed to atleast

let me be able to eat and drink something...



thanks



by Laura, Jan 21, 2000 12:00AM
What is the secret to asking a question on this board.  No matter what time of day I try to post it says they are filled for the day.  Yet there are ones dated very recently.



What am I doing wrong?



Laura ***@****

by JENNY, Jan 21, 2000 12:00AM
I have just come from having an upper GI series performed on my 10 yr. old daughter.  She has been belching for 3 weeks now.  Initially we thought it was a stomach virus but it has gone on too long.  She was put on 20 mg. daily of Pepcid over-the-

counter and it seemed the belching increased.  Two days ago I cut her back to 10 mg. and then none yesterday or today.  The belching lessened during the past two days, however evenings are still her most difficult time.  She has to be elevated and it's almost midnight before she's exhausted enough and possibly her stomach is empty enough for her to fall asleep.  



The GI series taken showed everything anatomically correct and didn't give much indication of acid reflux disease.  Her pediatrician is suggesting we followup with a gastrointestinal doctor.  



She has hayfever and had been taking Claritin on an almost daily basis since September.  However, since this began her sinuses have been better and I've kept her off Claritin.



If there are any doctors out there with any suggestions, please feel free to comment.  Your help would be much appreciated.



Glad to know there are others out there with similar problems but hope you all get relief soon!



Thanks!

Jenny

by christine m, Jan 24, 2000 12:00AM
Dear Laura,  Ihave no idea about how to post a question!!   I have tries at just about every hour except early in the morning like 9-12 o'clock, I can't during this time, because I am in school(college).  So have you tried during these times, if you find out let me know okay?  ***@****  If I find out I will let you know.

by Rena, Jan 25, 2000 12:00AM
I have been suffering with heartburn and excessive burping for quite some time.  I first complained of chest pain and shortness of breath, my doctor would rule out heart attack and lung problems.  This went on for over 2 years then finally in the emergency room a doctor told me to discuss GIRD with my doctor.  I did and he prescribed prolosic and a GI series.  The GI series showed nothing wrong and no real indication of reflux disease.  My doctor told me everything is fine but yet I am still on prolosic.  I can't tell if I'm normal anymore.  I have anxiety and feelings of depression; I think it's because I don't know what is wrong with me, and my doctor don't seem to know for sure either.  But I can't take it anymore everyone in my family thinks I'm a hyperchondria because I run back and forth to the doctor with the same problem but this feeling is real.  My friends are wondering why I don't hang out with them anymore.  This condition is depressing me, I feel as though I can't breath at times and it makes me feel confused like I'm loosing control, my throat gets tight and I can't seem to swallow, sometimes I feel nauseas.   PLEASE HELP - I COULD REALLY USE SOME ADVICE.

by Rena, Jan 25, 2000 12:00AM
I have been suffering with heartburn and excessive burping for quite some time.  I first complained of chest pain and shortness of breath, my doctor would rule out heart attack and lung problems.  This went on for over 2 years then finally in the emergency room a doctor told me to discuss GIRD with my doctor.  I did and he prescribed prolosic and a GI series.  The GI series showed nothing wrong and no real indication of reflux disease.  My doctor told me everything is fine but yet I am still on prolosic.  I can't tell if I'm normal anymore.  I have anxiety and feelings of depression; I think it's because I don't know what is wrong with me, and my doctor don't seem to know for sure either.  But I can't take it anymore everyone in my family thinks I'm a hyperchondria because I run back and forth to the doctor with the same problem but this feeling is real.  My friends are wondering why I don't hang out with them anymore.  This condition is depressing me, I feel as though I can't breath at times and it makes me feel confused like I'm loosing control, my throat gets tight and I can't seem to swallow, sometimes I feel nauseas.   PLEASE HELP - I COULD REALLY USE SOME ADVICE.

by Pam, Feb 02, 2000 12:00AM
I Have been trying to figure out my acid reflux problem with a hiatal hernea for over a year now. As well,I'm exhausted as it has taken over my life. I've had an upper GI and a barrium swallow showing a small hiatal hernia. I've been on all the drugs out there it seems. Recently taking Prilosec 20mg twice a day and Propulsid before each meal. Originally, when this started two years ago my symtoms where so mild then getting worse by the month to the point that my glands in my neck were always swelled up and having a very dead air space feeling in the middle of my throat