Belching, burping and flatulence

Belching and burping help to expel excess air that has built up in the upper digestive tract, accumulating in the oesophagus. Some of the causes of this is eating too fast, carbonated drinks, chewing gum, or smoking and often addressing these issues can resolve the problem. Acid reflux or gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) however can sometimes cause excessive belching and may be related to the inflammation of the stomach lining (gastritis) or to an infection with Helicobacter pylori, which is a bacterium responsible for causing stomach ulcers. In these cases, the belching is accompanied by other symptoms, such as heartburn or abdominal pain. Helicobacter pylori can be contracted by ingesting infected food, water or contact with bodily fluids from an infected person. It can live dormant in the digestive tract for many years, causing bleeding and ulcers in the stomach lining or small intestine. If left untreated can be very painful and lead to stomach cancer. It is especially important to seek advice from your Doctor who can with a simplestool, blood or breath sample diagnose and treat the bacteria as it will not go away on its own.