Belching: Getting rid of excess air

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Belching or burping is your body's way of expelling excess air from your stomach. You may swallow excess air if you eat or drink too fast, talk while you eat, drink carbonated beverages or drink through a straw.

Acid reflux or gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) can have the same effect. If stomach acid backs up into your esophagus, you may swallow repeatedly to clear the material. This can lead to swallowing more air and further belching.

Some people swallow air as a nervous habit — even when they're not eating or drinking. In other cases, chronic belching is related to inflammation of the stomach lining (gastritis), peptic ulcer disease or delayed stomach emptying (gastroparesis).

You can reduce belching if you:
Eat and drink slowly. Taking your time can help you swallow less air. Also, avoid drinking through a straw.

Avoid carbonated drinks and beer. They release carbon dioxide gas.

Skip the gum and hard candy. When you chew gum or suck on hard candy, you swallow more often than normal. Part of what you're swallowing is air.

Don't smoke. When you inhale smoke, you also inhale and swallow air.

Check your dentures. Poorly fitting dentures can cause you to swallow excess air when you eat and drink.

Treat heartburn. For occasional, mild heartburn, over-the-counter antacids or other remedies may be helpful. GERD may require prescription-strength medication or other treatments