HealthCareMagic is now Ask A Doctor - 24x7 | https://www.askadoctor24x7.com

What Causes Burping?

Posted on Sat, 19 Apr 2014

Question: Hi, On XXXXXXX 1 2014 the burping had started. I went to GP and he told that it is because of gas and told to avoid gas causing foods for 2 weeks. I have followed this but burping never stopped. I went to another GP and she has given nexium 200 mg tablets. I have taken this for 2.5 weeks. At this time also burping is there. when i stopped taking the nexium tablets i feel less burping. So after speaking to the doctor I discontinued nexium tablets. She suggested me a gastroenterlogist. I went to the gastroenterlogist but he told that I am swallowing air and told not to swallow air but to inhale air through nose. I have followed this but burping hasnt stopped. He also told if required go for gastroscopy but 99% it doesnt show anything. Now from few days I am experiencing burping and burning in throat. Last night for brief moments I felt burning in the chest to stomach area. I was unable to sleep for some time. Could you please let me know if this is related to GERD. I am planning to go for Gastroscopy. May i know how much it costs in india. I am increasingly becoming scared that something is going on and becoming worse. Is it possible that I be treated fully. May i know the best doctors to treat this. burning mostly is happening in the throat area. May i know what is this disease. Thanks and Regards, XXXXXXX

Answered by Dr. Ashish Verma (46 minutes later)

Brief Answer: it is indeed GERD Detailed Answer: Hi XXXXXXX Thanka for writing to HCM. First a little briefing about the anatomy. The junction of esophagus (food pipe) and stomach is guarded by the lower esophageal sphincter. This prevents back flow of gas and acids into the esophagus and throat. In GERD, this sphincter gets lax or non functional, leading to escape of gas ( burping) and acid ( burning in chest and throat) from stomach. Now, some people also have an associated hiatal hernia with this, which can make the condition a little more worse. This all can be easily diagnosed with endoscopy. So do get that done. Here in India it may cost from 1000-3000 rs. Now, the management. The sphincter can't be repaired by medicines. But there are medicines that can reduce acid production and empty the stomach fast, so as to reduce reflux. The first group is that of ppis (pantaprazole), the second group has prokinetics (levosulpride). There combination is easily available in India over the counter. But with these, there are also certain dietary changes that need to be follwed. Tea, coffee, soda drinks and spicy foods increase the acid production. Heavy and fatty meals relax the sphincter. So you need to avoid these. Also you need to reduce the quantity of intake per meal, to prevent excessive distension of your stomach, which in turn stretches the sphincter and makes it non functional, but you can increase the frequency of your meals, like you can take every fourth hourly. In this way your total intake remains same. Also you should avoid lying down within one hour of a meal, and while sleeping put two pillows under your head to give an elevation to prevent reflux. Usually by following the above dietary modification and the medicines this can be easily controlled. But if the problem still persists, the surgery is indicated where a part of your stomach us wrapped over the sphincter to reinforce it. You need to consult a gastroenterologist for this. Hope that i have answered to all your queries. If you have further queries, i will be glad to answer them. Get well soon. Dr. Ashish Verma

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Raju A.T

Follow up: Dr. Ashish Verma (21 minutes later)

Thank you very much doctor. I have one more question doctor 1. May I know if this condition treatable fully through medicines or surgery. In the above answer it was told that "sphincter can't be repaired by medicines", "Usually by following the above dietary modification and the medicines this can be easily controlled. But if the problem still persists, the surgery is indicated where a part of your stomach us wrapped over the sphincter to reinforce it." Could you please let me know if it can be treated fully. I am very worried about this. Thank you very much doctor. I have one more question doctor 1. May I know if this condition treatable fully through medicines or surgery. In the above answer it was told that "sphincter can't be repaired by medicines", "Usually by following the above dietary modification and the medicines this can be easily controlled. But if the problem still persists, the surgery is indicated where a part of your stomach us wrapped over the sphincter to reinforce it." Could you please let me know if it can be treated fully. I am very worried about this. Thanks and Regards, XXXXXXX

Answered by Dr. Ashish Verma (4 hours later)

Brief Answer: full cure is possible, as per the response to drug Detailed Answer: Hi XXXXXXX As i had said previously, medicines are for symptomatic relief only. About 90% of the patients can lead a normal symptom free life by following this. Surgery is reserved for the last 10% who are still symptomatic even on full dose. Also those showing premalignant changes in the lower esophagus due to action of the refluxing acid, are preferred for surgery. But even after surgery, support of drugs may be required depending upon the response. Regards Dr. Ashish Verma

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Yogesh D

Follow up: Dr. Ashish Verma (1 hour later)

Thank you very much Doctor. Regards, XXXXXXX

Answered by Dr. Ashish Verma (1 hour later)

Brief Answer: . Detailed Answer: Hi, I m glad that i have been of help to you. If you dont have further queries, you may close this discussion and rate the response. Regards Dr. Ashish Verma

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vaishalee Punj

Follow up: Dr. Ashish Verma (1 hour later)

Thank you very much Doctor for prompt responses. I am planning to undergo endoscopy in this week. Can i post the reports and after that can i close the discussion. Please let me know. Once again thanks for your time doctor.

Answered by Dr. Ashish Verma (12 hours later)

Brief Answer: sure Detailed Answer: Hi, Yes surely you can do that. I will be waiting for the report. Regards Dr. Ashish Verma

Note: For further follow up on digestive issues share your reports here and Click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Raju A.T