Belching or burping is a normal body response to get rid of excessive gaseous material in the upper digestive tract. This works somewhat similar to the pressure-relief-valve found on pressure cookers to let go of excessive pressure build-up.
In general, belching helps to reduce discomfort from gaseous distension. However, if this happens too frequently, it can result in disturbing symptoms such as heartburn, chest pain, painful or difficult swallowing, complications from acid burns might have developed in your oesophagus.
Acid burns can occur more frequently in cases with an incompetent gastro-oesophageal muscle sphincter where larger than the usual amount of acid returns and stay in the oesophagus. Such a problem may lead to problems such as ulcers, chest pain and narrowing of your distal oesophagus. To find out more on reflux-related problems do refer to Your Complete Guide to GERD in Singapore 2020 at the following site.
- Dr Quan
