Burping is defined as a way of removing excessive air that collects in the body through the mouth.

Burping also known as belching occurs when the stomach expands due to swallowing more air than required, as a result, we experience a bloated feeling, swollen stomach and stomach ache.

Why do we burp?

Burping is a normal process that happens to all of us, every time you eat or drink something, you breathe in a little air with it and some of the air goes down the food pipe and reaches the stomach.

The air containing oxygen, nitrogen and carbon dioxide, that gets collected in the stomach, gets pushed back up the food pipe, causing you to burp.

Is Burping Normal?

Burping is natural and normal, it is said that an average person burps around three to six times after eating or drinking something.

It is normal to swallow air, while eating or drinking in a hurry, drinking carbonated beverages, breathing rapidly or laughing.

Can burping become a problem?

Burping can be a problem, if you are belching more than usual and suffer from bloating and constant discomfort.

Excessive burping is an indicator of some of the serious health conditions that you may be suffering from such as:

1. Intolerance to certain foods that include mushrooms, onions, peas, lentils and cabbage to name a few.
2. Chronic inflammation of the stomach lining, also called gastritis which occurs due to eating or drinking something that affects the stomach lining.
3. Acid reflux which causes burping due to swallowing more air too fast and in larger quantities.
4. Excessive burping is a symptom of an infection from a bacteria called heliobacter pylori.
5. When you get a burning pain in the stomach after meals and belch excessively, this shows that you have peptic ulcer which becomes worse, if not treated in time.

Ways to prevent excessive burping

a) It helps to eat and drink slowly, it is difficult to go slow especially when you are working and are on a lunch break but if you want to stay healthy, then slow down your pace and bite and chew your food properly instead of gulping it down and swallowing air that leads to burping.

b)We need to take a closer look at what we eat and follow a healthy diet by avoiding aerated drinks and cut down on foods that contain sugar, fiber and starch, as these are known to cause bloating.

c) Avoid sitting for long periods of time and get on your feet, it helps to keep away burping when you take a short walk or do some light exercises after a meal.

d) Cigarette smoking can also cause burping, because you swallow air while smoking.

e) Burping can occur, if you have nasal or sinus congestion, it makes you swallow more air when you breathe through your mouth.

f) When we are worried about meeting deadlines and are under stress, this can cause burping, as we swallow more air in a high pressure environment.

Finally, it is important to note that, a few burps after a meal is natural, but there are certain habits that we need to avoid in order to prevent excessive burping and if the problem still persists, then it is better to consult an expert and find a solution that works for you.