Burping in public or in front of others can already be unpleasant, but if it is accompanied by an unpleasant odor, it is even more annoying for others and yourself. But what if there is something more serious behind the constant burping?
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Unpleasant odor
Depending on your state of health and diet, the smell of burping can vary, as The Sun describes. According to the Mayo Clinic, burping is simply the expulsion of excess air from the upper digestive tract.
According to a 2020 study on Springer.com, a person burps up to 30 times a day. According to the study, this habit is nothing to worry about at first. But if the quality of life is affected, the symptoms should be taken into account.
Symptoms of regurgitation
However, the usual burping could also be a symptom of irritable bowel syndrome. Symptoms of this would be constant burping and a feeling of fullness. It also includes constant flatulence, constipation or diarrhea and abdominal pain, according to the source.
According to Praxisvita, women are more frequently affected by irritable bowel syndrome. Studies have shown a so-called 'risk gene' in women who suffer from IBS and constipation, particularly between the ages of 35 and 50. However, the exact cause still remains unexplained.
Irritable bowel syndrome
Those affected by irritable bowel syndrome have to adjust to a change in lifestyle. Their eating habits require routine, and the process can be debilitating and challenging. But it's not just irritable bowel syndrome that can be the cause of constant burping.
A stomach ulcer could also be the cause. Accompanying symptoms include flatulence, heartburn and nausea. To rule out anything worse, a visit to your GP is recommended. Above all, heartburn is a common symptom of reflux disease.
Heartburn
This causes stomach acid to rise into the throat, which can feel uncomfortable or even painful. If you suffer from frequent heartburn, you should take a closer look to rule out reflux disease, as this can damage the body over time, according to The Sun.
However, frequent burping can also be completely harmless and does not necessarily indicate an illness. Even if the burping smells bad or like 'rotten eggs', there is no need to worry.
Bacteria in the gut
However, an infection of the digestive system with Helicobacter pylori is common. These bacteria colonize the stomach lining and can lead to serious consequences such as cancer if left untreated, as Onmeda explains.
But if you have simply drunk carbonated cola or Sprite beforehand, the air just wants to get out. Vegetables such as cauliflower or asparagus contain fiber, which causes bloating.
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This article has been translated from Gentside DE.
Sources used:
The Sun: 'HOT AIR What different burps can reveal about the state of your health – and when it’s a medical emergency'
Springer.com: 'Chronic Burping and Belching'
Praxisvita: 'Reizdarm-Symptome bei der Frau: Das sind die häufigsten'
Onmeda: 'Helicobacter pylori: Symptome und Behandlung'
