What are the strategies for managing frequent belching?

Question

Hello doctor,

I am a 38-year-old male. 6 feet tall and weighs 230 pounds. I have had chronic belching for about a month. This is from the time I wake up until the time I go to bed. Symptoms decrease when lying flat or sitting still. I belch every time I stand up or sit down. It is almost like a hiccup burp. No other symptoms at all. I have been diagnosed with general anxiety, but no other medical issues. I have also been taking Nexium for a few weeks.

Kindly advise.

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I understand your concern.

I have gone through your query in detail. I would like a few more details about your belching. Do you have reflux symptoms (sour after taste, recently consumed food coming back to the throat on belching, or heartburn) or any vomiting? How are you opening your bowels? Have you had an endoscopy (EGD)? Is it usually that you have a feeling that you need to belch to ease the discomfort in your tummy? Belching is usually a behavioral issue and can be controlled by behavioral training. The above-mentioned details would help in guiding you about managing your symptoms.

I hope this helps.

Thank you.

Answer 2

Hello,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

I understand your concern.

The type of belch you have is more of a behavioral issue than an organic one. The best way to control your symptoms is to change your behavior, mainly by trying to resist the impulse to belch. It might not be easy in the beginning, but it is certainly an effective approach to control symptoms. The other approach to do simultaneously would be to continue your anti-anxiety medicines if you are on any, or discuss with your physician about managing your anxiety symptoms, to start you on anti-anxiety medicines for a short period. Usually, to control belching, no medicines are needed if you are motivated and attempt to desist the impulse to belch. You can get back to me anytime if you need to.

I hope this helps.

Thank you.