When To See A Gastroenterologist for Hiccups and Burping

Introduction

Burping is the release of gas from the stomach and intestines into the esophagus. This is also known as belching, and it’s a common occurrence for everyone to experience at some point in their lives.

After you eat, the food reacts with digestive juices such as gastric, pancreatic, bile juices. These food content further fermented by bacteria in your intestine. The digestive process will release oxygen, carbon dioxide and nitrogen. This gas travels through your digestive system either through your mouth as burping or rectum as flatus.

Excessive burping can a sign of a medical condition such as:

• Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), where acid from the stomach backs up into your esophagus causing heartburn and GERD symptoms like excessive belching, sometimes called “acid indigestion” or “heartburn”

•  Stomach Inflammation

• Intestinal Obstruction

• Air Swallowing (Aerophagia)

• Anxiety

• Functional Gastrointestinal Disorder

• Certain Medications such as diabetic and weight loss medication can also give rise to burping and hiccups

Your Gastroenterologist may take a detail medical history and examination to identify the risk and cause of the hiccups and burping. He may order blood tests and imaging to help him to achieve diagnosis. Your gastroenterologist may also propose gastroscopy evaluation to evaluate any potential inflammation in the food pipe and stomach which can give rise to this problem.

Conclusion

Excessive burping can be a symptom of many different health conditions and diseases, so it’s important to visit your gastroenterologist if you’re experiencing this problem.