Burp or belch is a very natural process in which air is expelled out through the oral cavity.Whenever we eat or drink some amount of air is also swallowed.Most of it is pushed into the stomach but some maybe trapped at the lower end of the esophagus or the food pipe.This air comes out through the mouth resulting in a burp.
Even though it's a very natural process,excessive burping or if associated with pain,heartburn,vomiting,nausea ,weight loss or decreased appetite should be viewed with concern.
Anxiety and emotional disturbances cause a dry mouth with frequent swallowing of saliva and cause excessive burping.The same occurs with poorly fitting dentures or chewing gum.
Gall bladder stones cause burping associated with pain in the right upper side of the abdomen.Peptic ulcer disease.hiatus hernia and gastroesophageal reflux also cause burping.Other causes include food allergies,milk intolerance,eating veggies such as cabbage and cauliflower and irritable bowel syndrome.Tumours of the stomach and oesophagus also cause burping.
Expulsion of foul smelling intestinal gas by burping occurs in cases of gastric outlet or intestinal obstruction