The American Academy of Gastroenterology defines belching as the noisy release of air from the stomach through the mouth. On average, people pass gas 10 times per day, but up to 20 times per day is considered normal. Constant belching that exceeds the normal amount may be caused by underlying health conditions or digestive abnormalities.
Hiatal Hernia
The diaphragm, which is a thin muscle that allows for breathing, has a small opening called a hiatus that allows the esophagus to pass through the diaphragm and connect to the stomach. When the stomach pushes through this opening, it is referred to as a hiatal hernia. The exact cause of a hiatal hernia is unknown, but it is believed to occur because of combination of weakening of the muscle in the diaphragm as well as excess pressure exerted on the stomach, according to MayoClinic.com. Symptoms of a hiatal hernia include constant belching, heartburn, chest pain and nausea. Treatment for mild to moderate hiatal hernias consists of medications to stop acid production and neutralize stomach acid. Severe hiatal hernias may require surgery.
Indigestion
Indigestion, also called dyspepsia, is defined as pain or burning in the upper abdominal area. In addition to pain and burning, other possible symptoms of indigestion include bloating, belching, gas, nausea, vomiting, acidic taste in the mouth and heartburn. Indigestion occurs in most people as a result of overeating, eating too fast or consuming spicy or greasy foods, but may also occur as a result of underlying digestive diseases or ulcers in the digestive tract, according to Cleveland Clinic. Indigestion that occurs as a result of eating usually does not require treatment and goes away on its own within a few hours. If indigestion is caused by an underlying health condition, treatment focuses on correcting the specific condition.
Gastric Cancer
Gastric cancer is cancer that originates in the stomach. The most common type of gastric cancer is called adenocarcinoma, according to MedlinePlus, a service of the National Institutes of Health. Risk factors associated with the development of gastric cancer include family history, infections with the Helicobacter pylori bacterium, smoking, pernicious anemia and chronic gastritis. The symptoms of gastric cancer include abdominal pain, excessive belching, difficulty swallowing, loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, abdominal fullness, unintentional weight loss, vomiting blood, weakness and fatigue. MedlinePlus notes that the only way to cure gastric cancer is to remove the entire stomach. Radiation therapy and chemotherapy may be beneficial in prolonging survival.
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