Belching or burping is a natural way for the body to rid itself of excess gas and air. Still, burping in front of others is a social faux pas. Bloating occurs when gas builds up in the abdomen and intestine and is not relieved by flatulence or belching, describes MayoClinic.com. Belching often removes the gas and relieves associated symptoms of abdominal pain.
Swallowing Excess Air
A person may swallow excess air, which is one of the main causes of bloating and gas. Swallowing excess air is known as aerophagia, and it can occur during day-to-day activities. The excess air is often relieved by belching or burping. Eating quickly or talking while eating causes a person to swallow excess air. Drinking from a straw or drinking carbonated beverages also leads to gas buildup. Smokers swallow additional air when inhaling smoke. Chewing gum and sucking on hard candy also cause a person to swallow additional air.
Foods
Certain foods cause a person to become more bloated or create the sensation of a full stomach. Fatty and fried foods often delay the stomach from emptying and cause bloating, reports MayoClinic.com. Carbohydrates are often gas-producing, and foods high in carbohydrates include baked beans, broccoli, Brussels sprouts and cauliflower. Carbonated beverages such as beer and soda are often associated with belching.
Medical Conditions
Gastroesophageal reflux disease, or GERD, causes the stomach to create excess gastric acid. The acid comes back up the esophagus and into the mouth. A person with GERD will swallow more often to clear the stomach acid and contents. The additional swallowing leads to extra air in the stomach.
People may simply swallow excessively as a nervous habit. A person wearing loose or improperly fitting dentures will also swallow excess air more often when eating or drinking. The Cleveland Clinic names Meganblase syndrome and gas-bloat syndrome as two rare, chronic medical conditions related to bloating and belching. Meganblase syndrome is caused by severe, excessive air swallowing that creates a large gas bubble in the stomach. Gas-bloat syndrome is a complication of GERD surgery. A person with this condition is unable to belch, burp or vomit.
