Answers
Why do I burp so much, and when are hiccups a concern?
Short answer
Burping is usually swallowed air coming back up, from eating fast, talking while eating, fizzy drinks or a habit of gulping air. Hiccups are sudden spasms of the diaphragm that usually stop on their own within minutes. Burping with weight loss or difficulty swallowing, or hiccups lasting more than two days, should be checked.
Common causes of burping
- Eating fast, talking while eating, chewing gum and fizzy drinks
- A habit of swallowing air just below the throat, often without noticing, especially when anxious
- Acidity, reflux and indigestion
- Sometimes H. pylori infection or slow stomach emptying
What helps
Burping by itself is rarely serious. Excessive burping that seems like a habit improves well with breathing exercises.
- Eat slowly with the mouth closed, and avoid fizzy drinks, gum and straws
- If burping is constant, try slow belly breathing when the urge comes
- Treat reflux if present
Hiccups
Most hiccups follow a big meal, fizzy drinks, alcohol, spicy food or excitement, and stop within minutes. Holding your breath briefly, sipping cold water slowly or swallowing a spoon of sugar may help. Hiccups that keep returning can be linked to reflux or some medicines.
See a doctor if
- Hiccups last more than 48 hours, or keep you from eating or sleeping
- Burping comes with weight loss, vomiting, difficulty swallowing or black stools
- New burping or indigestion starts after age 45 to 50
Eating habits that reduce burping
Eat more
- Slow meals with the mouth closed
- Still water instead of fizzy drinks
- A short walk after meals
Cut down
- Fizzy drinks, beer, chewing gum and drinking through straws
- Talking while eating, and gulping food
- Very large or very spicy meals that bring on hiccups
Good to know
- Adding ajwain or soda to food does not reduce swallowed air.
- Frequent burping often improves with slow belly breathing.
Common questions
Is frequent burping a sign of a serious disease?
Rarely. It is usually from swallowed air or reflux. It needs a check if it comes with weight loss, vomiting or difficulty swallowing.
Why do I hiccup after eating?
A full stomach presses on the diaphragm. Eating smaller amounts slowly and avoiding fizzy drinks usually helps.
Can medicines cause hiccups?
Yes. Steroids and some other medicines can. Tell your doctor if hiccups started with a new medicine.