Burping, or belching, is a normal bodily function that allows the release of swallowed air from the stomach through the mouth. While occasional burping is common and harmless, persistent or excessive burping often becomes uncomfortable and distracting, raising questions like, “Why do I keep burping?” Understanding the primary reasons behind frequent burping is essential to managing it effectively. This article sheds light on the chief cause identified by medical experts and introduces a simple, yet effective remedy — the pencil-trick fix. We’ll also clarify what triggers burping, why swallowing air keeps the cycle going, and proven strategies to reduce its frequency.
What Causes Burping? Understanding the Basics of Belching
Burping happens when the stomach expels excess air that has been swallowed during eating, drinking, or even talking. This air accumulates in the stomach and needs a way out, resulting in the familiar sound and sensation of a burp. Several factors can increase the likelihood of swallowing more air than usual. For instance, eating too quickly, carbonated beverages, gum chewing, or smoking often lead to increased air intake. Sometimes, certain medical conditions like acid reflux, gastritis, or gastroparesis can contribute to burping beyond the typical frequency.
According to Anish Sheth, MD, gastroenterologist and Chief of Gastroenterology at Penn Medicine Princeton Medical Center. “When the pressure builds in the stomach, the valve between the esophagus and the stomach opens—it’s a reflex that helps decompress our stomach, so that we feel better.”
In clinical observations, around 5-7% of adults report persistent burping that affects their quality of life. Identifying the triggers is the first step toward managing this issue.
‘Why Do I Keep Burping?’ The #1 Trigger You Might Not Expect
The most common cause of chronic burping is aerophagia, a medical term that means swallowing excessive air frequently. While many people unknowingly swallow air while eating or breathing, aerophagia occurs when this behavior becomes repetitive and involuntary. This repeated swallowing of air leads to continual air buildup in the stomach, which the body must relieve by burping.
Doctors highlight that stress and anxiety often exacerbate aerophagia. Under stress, people might swallow more frequently or breathe irregularly, unknowingly increasing air intake. For example, a patient case study showed a person suffering from daily burping episodes which significantly reduced after implementing stress management techniques and addressing their tendency to swallow air unconsciously.
Swallowing Air Often Continues Until It’s Treated: Why the Cycle Can Be Hard to Break
Once aerophagia starts, it tends to perpetuate itself. The more air swallowed, the more the stomach fills, causing discomfort and an urge to burp. Sometimes, burping itself can trigger further air swallowing if a person feels the need to “clear” their throat or mouth. This can create a frustrating cycle difficult to break without targeted intervention.
To illustrate, a 2023 study published in the Journal of Gastroenterology found that patients who did not address their air swallowing habits continued to experience daily burping episodes for months. Conversely, those given behavior-based treatments reported significant improvement.
Keep Burping? Try This Proven Remedy: The Simple Pencil Trick That Works
Among various approaches to reduce burping caused by aerophagia, a surprisingly effective remedy doesn’t require medicine: the pencil-trick exercise. This method helps retrain swallowing habits and reduces unconscious air intake.
Here’s how it works:
Place a pencil horizontally between your front teeth.
This positioning encourages you to only swallow small amounts of air and forces more mindful swallowing habits.
Practice this for a few minutes, two to three times daily, especially during meals.
This simple technique disrupts the automatic swallowing of excess air, promoting better control over the habit. Several patients have reported a 50-70% reduction in burping frequency after consistent use over a few weeks.
Additionally, behavioral therapy techniques combined with breathing exercises can further enhance results.
The Bottom Line on Burping a Lot: When to Seek Medical Advice
While frequent burping is often linked to swallowing air, it’s crucial to recognize when burping signals an underlying health issue. If burping is accompanied by symptoms like persistent stomach pain, weight loss, acid reflux, nausea, or changes in appetite, consulting a healthcare professional is advised.
In most cases, burping can be managed by addressing aerophagia and lifestyle adjustments. Avoiding carbonated drinks, eating slowly, and practicing mindful breathing complement the pencil-trick fix effectively.
Also Read | Best Herbal Teas for Heartburn Relief That Work Fast
