What can I do to reduce burping after meals?

Doctor's Answers 1

Photo of Dr Wai Leong Quan
Dr Wai Leong Quan

Gastroenterologist

Burping is generally considered as a normal body response, especially after a full and scrumptious meal. This is a process when the stomach expels redundant, mostly gaseous, material to reduce the pressure build-up during digestion. The result is usually satisfying for most people since the bloating sensation improves after burping.

However, excessive burping can be disturbing, both socially and physically. Some people experience heartburn due to reflux of acidic content into the oesophagus during burping. Others may find it socially embarrassing and unacceptable.

To reduce the frequency of burping, you can try eating at a slower pace with proper chewing to avoid swallowing too much air during mealtime. Eating smaller portions and limiting the amount of chocolate, oily food, peppermint or gassy drinks and sweet desserts can also help to reduce the frequency of burping. Finally, avoid tight clothing or bending forward as much as possible to prevent unnecessary pressure from building up in your abdomen.

Similar Questions

Could persistent burping and belching pose a serious health risk?

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.

Photo of Dr Wai Leong Quan

Answered By

Dr Wai Leong Quan

Gastroenterologist

When should I see a doctor regarding rectum bleeding if I’m worried about colon cancer?

If you truly have reasons to worry about having colon cancer, please do not delay any longer. It is a well-known fact that survival is best when colon cancers are detected early. If you are 50yr and above or having a significant family history of colon cancer or you have a past history of colon polyps, you automatically fall into a higher risk group for having colon cancer. So many have made the mistake of assuming a benign cause of bleeding just because one has a past history of haemorrhoids. Such assumptions may result in unnecessary delay in making the right diagnosis.

Photo of Dr Wai Leong Quan

Answered By

Dr Wai Leong Quan

Gastroenterologist

Ask any health question for free

I’m not so sure about a procedure...

Ask Icon Ask a Question

Join Human

Sign up now for a free Human account to get answers from specialists in Singapore.

Sign Up

Get The Pill

Be healthier with our Bite-sized health news straight in your inbox