Belching occurs as a natural response to swallowed air or the breakdown of food during digestion. It helps expel excess air from the stomach after eating quickly, drinking too fast or talking while eating, MayoClinic.com explains. When gas in the stomach does not pass through belching, it builds up in the stomach to cause bloating. Bloating creates a feeling of fullness in the stomach and may result in mild or dull abdominal pain.
Food
Fatty foods slow down the digestive process and delay the emptying of the stomach, which brings on bloating. Certain foods, such as carbohydrates, produce more gas than other foods, which increases the chance of bloating. Many vegetables play a role in gas and bloating, including broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, lettuce, cauliflower and baked beans. Apples, peaches and pears are among the gas-producing foods. Carbonated drinks, beer, chewing gum and hard candy cause bloating and belching. Peppermint and chocolate may cause belching. Belching often occurs when certain foods relax a muscle valve in the lower part of the esophagus that connects to the stomach, UpToDate says.
Swallowing Air
Swallowing too much air leads to belching, bloating and flatulence, according to the American College of Gastroenterology. People who gulp down food and beverages too quickly or drink though a straw take in too much air. Smokers swallow excess air as they inhale the smoke. Belching also occurs when swallowing air while sitting up because the air passes back up from the stomach and out of the mouth. Swallowed air when lying down leads to bloating or flatulence, UpToDate, explains. Some people swallow too much air because of a nervous habit. Poorly fitted dentures may bring in excess air when eating or drinking.
Disorders
Heartburn and gastroesophageal reflux disease or GERD causes people to swallow air when they repeatedly clear their throats to get rid of acid backup. This leads to belching or bloating. Chronic belching may be the result of gastritis or peptic ulcers that cause excess acid in the stomach. Infection, blockage or disease can cause bloating, MayoClinic.com notes. Celiac disease makes it difficult for the digestive system to handle fat and leads to bloating. Lactose intolerance results in bloating because the intestines cannot digest and absorb sugars contained in dairy products. Irritable bowel syndrome causes bowel problems, abdominal pain and bloating.
