Eructation is a medical term for belching or burping, which is the act of expelling air from the stomach through the mouth. It is usually a normal and harmless process that occurs when the stomach fills with swallowed air. However, sometimes eructation can be excessive, frequent, or bothersome, and may indicate an underlying problem with the digestive system.

Eructation can be caused by various factors, such as eating or drinking too quickly, drinking carbonated beverages, chewing gum, smoking, anxiety, or certain foods that cause gas. Some medical conditions that can cause eructation include gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), gastroparesis, gastritis, peptic ulcers, lactose intolerance, fructose or sorbitol malabsorption, and aerophagia (swallowing too much air).

Eructation can be treated by identifying and avoiding the triggers that cause it, such as certain foods, drinks, habits, or medications. Some self-care steps that may help reduce eructation include eating and drinking slowly, avoiding carbonated drinks and beer, avoiding chewing gum, sucking on hard candy, and smoking, checking dentures, avoiding drinking with a straw, treating heartburn, and eating fewer fatty foods. If eructation is caused by an underlying medical condition, such as GERD, gastroparesis, or peptic ulcers, it may require medications, surgery, or other treatments.

Eructation can have different implications depending on the frequency, severity, and associated symptoms. In most cases, eructation is a normal and harmless phenomenon that does not indicate any serious problem. However, in some cases, eructation can be a sign of a digestive disorder, such as GERD, gastritis, or peptic ulcers, that may require medical attention.

Eructation can also affect the quality of life and social interactions of some people, especially if it is excessive, loud, or foul-smelling.

Foods that can Cause Eructation

Some foods and drinks can cause eructation due to their properties and composition. They possess trigger for this excess air that gets into the gut. They include:

i). Carbonated beverages, such as soda, beer, or sparkling water, that release carbon dioxide gas in your stomach.

ii). Foods high in starch, sugar, or fiber, such as beans, lentils, broccoli, peas, onions, cabbage, cauliflower, bananas, raisins, and whole-wheat bread, that can cause gas production by the bacteria in your colon.

iii). Fatty foods, such as fried foods, cheese, butter, and cream, that can delay stomach emptying and increase pressure in your stomach.

iv). Alcohol, especially beer and wine, that can stimulate acid production and relax the lower esophageal sphincter, allowing air to escape from your stomach.

You can reduce eructation by avoiding or limiting these foods and drinks, and by following some self-care steps, such as eating and drinking slowly, avoiding chewing gum and smoking, and treating heartburn. However, if eructation is persistent, severe, or accompanied by other symptoms, such as abdominal pain, diarrhea, bloody stools, chest discomfort, or weight loss, you should see your doctor for diagnosis and treatment.

Foods that can Help Reduce Eructation

To ardently avoid eructation, prevention is always key. This can only be achieved by limiting or cutting off the intake of foods or drinks that contain properties that cause excess gas in the gut.

These low gas foods include:

i). Foods high in protein, such as lean meats, eggs, dairy products, beans, nuts, and seeds, that can help digest food faster and prevent gas buildup in the stomach.

ii). Foods rich in probiotics, such as yogurt, kefir, sauerkraut, kimchi, and kombucha, that can help balance the gut bacteria and reduce gas production by the colon.

iii). Foods low in fat, such as steamed or grilled fish, chicken, or vegetables, that can help avoid delayed stomach emptying and increased pressure in the stomach.

iv). Foods with anti-inflammatory and soothing properties, such as ginger, chamomile, peppermint, fennel, and turmeric, that can help reduce inflammation and relax the digestive muscles.

v). Water and herbal teas, such as ginger, chamomile, peppermint, or fennel tea, that can help hydrate the body and ease digestion.

You can reduce eructation by eating and drinking these foods and drinks, and by following some self-care steps, such as eating and drinking slowly, avoiding chewing gum and smoking, and treating heartburn.

💡FAQS

Can stress and anxiety cause eructation?

Stress and anxiety can cause eructation by affecting the nervous system, the digestive system, and the swallowing process. Some of the ways that stress and anxiety can cause eructation are:

• Stress and anxiety can trigger the fight-or-flight response, which prepares the body for danger by releasing hormones such as adrenaline and cortisol. These hormones can increase the heart rate, blood pressure, and breathing rate, and also affect the digestion and the muscles of the esophagus. This can cause the stomach to fill with air and the lower esophageal sphincter to relax, allowing air to escape from the stomach.

• Stress and anxiety can also cause aerophagia, which is the medical term for swallowing too much air. People who are stressed or anxious may swallow more air than usual, either consciously or unconsciously, as a way of coping or relieving tension. This can happen when they talk, eat, drink, smoke, chew gum, or suck on hard candy. The excess air can then accumulate in the stomach and cause eructation.

• Stress and anxiety can also worsen or trigger other medical conditions that can cause eructation, such as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), gastritis, peptic ulcers, or irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). These conditions can cause inflammation, acid production, or spasms in the digestive tract, which can interfere with the normal swallowing and digestion of food and air. This can result in more air being trapped or expelled from the stomach.

You can reduce eructation by managing your stress and anxiety levels, and by following some self-care steps, such as eating and drinking slowly, avoiding carbonated drinks and beer, avoiding chewing gum and smoking, and treating heartburn.

How can I tell if my eructation is caused by a medication or something else?

Some medications can cause eructation by affecting the swallowing, digestion, or acid production in the stomach. Some of these medications include:

• A type 2 diabetes medication called acarbose, which can interfere with the breakdown of carbohydrates and cause gas production in the colon.

• Laxatives, such as lactulose and sorbitol, which can draw water into the colon and cause gas and bloating.

• Pain medications, such as naproxen, ibuprofen, and aspirin, which can irritate the stomach lining and increase acid production.

• Excess use of pain medications may also cause gastritis, a condition that can cause eructation.

You can tell if your eructation is caused by a medication or something else by checking the following factors:

i). The timing and frequency of your eructation. If your eructation occurs soon after taking a medication, or more often than usual, it may be related to the medication. However, if your eructation occurs randomly or sporadically, it may be due to other causes, such as eating or drinking habits, stress, or medical conditions.

ii). The type and dosage of your medication. If your eructation is caused by a medication, it may be more likely to occur with certain types or doses of medications, such as those that affect the digestion or acid production in the stomach. You can check the label or the package insert of your medication to see if eructation is a possible side effect, or consult your doctor or pharmacist for more information.

iii). The presence or absence of other symptoms. If your eructation is caused by a medication, it may be accompanied by other side effects, such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, or abdominal pain. However, if your eructation is caused by something else, it may be associated with other symptoms, such as heartburn, chest discomfort, weight loss, or bloody stools. These symptoms may indicate a more serious problem, such as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), peptic ulcers, or esophageal cancer.

– You can reduce eructation by avoiding or limiting the medications that cause it, and by following some self-care steps, such as eating and drinking slowly, avoiding carbonated drinks and beer, avoiding chewing gum and smoking, and treating heartburn. However, if eructation is persistent, severe, or accompanied by other symptoms, you should see your doctor for diagnosis and treatment.

Can I take antacids for my eructation?

Antacids are a type of medication that can reduce the amount of acid in your stomach and relieve symptoms of heartburn and indigestion. Various sources record that antacids can be used to treat occasional, mild cases of eructation that are caused by acid reflux or gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). They can work by neutralizing the acid in your stomach and prevent it from escaping into your esophagus and causing eructation. However, antacids may not be effective for eructation that is caused by other factors, such as swallowing too much air, eating or drinking too fast, or having certain medical conditions that affect the digestion or the muscles of the esophagus.

You can take antacids for your eructation if you have mild and occasional symptoms that are related to acid reflux or GERD. You should follow the dosage and directions on the label or the package insert of the antacid, and consult your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions or concerns.

You should also avoid or limit the use of antacids if you have any of the following conditions or situations:

• Allergy or sensitivity to any of the ingredients in the antacid.

• Kidney disease or kidney stones.

• Heart failure or high blood pressure.

• Liver disease or cirrhosis.

• Pregnancy or breastfeeding.

• Low levels of calcium, magnesium, or phosphate in your blood.

• Taking other medications that may interact with antacids, such as antibiotics, blood thinners, or iron supplements.

Antacids can also cause some side effects, such as constipation, diarrhea, gas, bloating, or stomach cramps. These side effects are usually mild and temporary, but you should stop taking antacids and see your doctor if they are severe or persistent, or if you experience any of the following symptoms:

• Nausea, vomiting, or loss of appetite.

• Headache, dizziness, or confusion.

• Muscle weakness, twitching, or spasms.

• Irregular heartbeat or chest pain.

• Difficulty breathing or swallowing.

• Blood in your stools or urine.

Antacids can be a helpful remedy for eructation that is caused by acid reflux or GERD, but they are not suitable for everyone and they do not treat the underlying causes of eructation. You should also try some self-care measures to reduce eructation, such as eating and drinking slowly, avoiding carbonated drinks and beer, avoiding chewing gum and smoking, and treating heartburn. However, if eructation is persistent, severe, or accompanied by other symptoms, such as abdominal pain, weight loss, or chest discomfort, you should see your doctor for diagnosis and treatment.

What are some other remedies for eructation?

Various findings have recorded it possible to have remedies for eructation. Amongst them are: using probiotics, herbal teas, baking soda et al.

1) Probiotics

These are beneficial bacteria that can help balance the gut flora and reduce gas production in the colon. You can take probiotic supplements or eat foods that contain probiotics, such as yogurt, kefir, sauerkraut, kimchi, and kombucha.

2) Herbal teas

These are natural drinks that can help soothe and relax the digestive system and ease eructation. Some of the herbs that can help with eructation are ginger, chamomile, peppermint, fennel, and turmeric. You can brew these herbs in hot water and drink them after meals or whenever you feel the need to burp.

3) Baking soda

This is a common household ingredient that can act as an antacid and neutralize the excess acid in your stomach. You can dissolve a teaspoon of baking soda in a glass of water and drink it slowly to relieve eructation. However, you should not use this remedy too often, as it can cause side effects such as nausea, diarrhea, or high blood pressure.

4) Activated charcoal

This is a substance that can absorb gas and toxins in your digestive tract and help reduce eructation. You can take activated charcoal capsules or tablets before or after meals, or as directed by your doctor. However, you should be careful not to take too much, as it can cause side effects such as constipation, black stools, or interference with other medications.

These are some of the common remedies for eructation, but there may be others that are more suitable for your specific condition and needs. You should always consult your doctor before trying any new remedy, as they may have side effects or interactions with other medications. You should also follow some self-care steps to reduce eructation, such as eating and drinking slowly, avoiding carbonated drinks and beer, avoiding chewing gum and smoking, and treating heartburn. However, if eructation is persistent, severe, or accompanied by other symptoms, such as abdominal pain, weight loss, or chest discomfort, you should see your doctor for diagnosis and treatment.