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Belching; a Target for Treatment

When excessive belching shown by impedance is not accompanied by excessive air swallowing or SGB, investigations to evaluate small bowel disease may be useful. In small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO), over proliferation of microflora in the small bowel can lead to premature fermentation of ingested food and drink. Waste products of this fermentation include water, short chain fatty acids and gases. Production of these waste products can induce symptoms of bloating, abdominal discomfort, belching, flatulence and altered bowel habit. A non-invasive hydrogen/methane breath testing can be utilised to test for SIBO. In the case of a positive diagnosis, treating SIBO with antibiotic therapy…

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Articles of Interest

Gulps of air don't make you burp

The researchers then used a new method called intraluminal impedance monitoring, which involves inserting a tube down the oesophagus to record electrical activity. Traditional methods measure acidity. The researchers found no difference in the amount of air swallowed or the size of the air bubble in the stomach. But they confirmed two distinct types of burps. The first kind was the result of gas from the stomach, or gastric belching. The second type, or supragastric belching, involved gas from the oesophagus that never made it down to the stomach.

Baclofen effective for rumination and supragastric belching in a pilot study

Rumination and supragastric belching can reduce a patient's quality of life, yet the current standard treatment—behavioral therapy—is not always effective. A pilot study has now shown that baclofen can improve the symptoms of these disorders.

Belching, a symptom to be taken seriously

Belching is a frequent symptom in paediatrics that is negatively perceived in our society and can have a negative impact on the quality of life of patients. However, there is a dearth of data on the subject for the paediatric population. Depending on the origin, belching can be classified as supragastric or gastric, has a different physiology and may be a manifestation of underlying physical or psychological disorders.

Belching, Aerophagia and Rumination: Not Just Refractory Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease

Initially a supragastric belch represents a voluntary response to an unpleasant gastrointestinal sensation, but over time patients may no longer be aware that their belches are under voluntary control, thus becoming excessive and repetitive. Supragastric belches almost always cease at night suggesting the presence of a behavioral disorder.

Editorial: the problem of supragastric belching needs to be heard

Knowledge of newer syndromes starts with broad strokes and then yields to fine tuning. This insightful study has shown us these refinements with valuable information on acute and chronic treatment, and measurement and predictors of response. Most importantly, it continues to emphasize SGB as a problem in need of desperate attention for many patients with this socially disabling symptom.

Successful treatment of excessive supragastric belching by combination of pregabalin and baclofen

Belching is frequently seen in functional dyspepsia and gastroesophageal reflux disease. Only a minority of patients suffer from so-called ‘excessive supragastric belching’ (SGB) characterized by numerous belches/min. In SGB, air is either sucked or pushed into the upper esophagus by decreased intrathoracic pressure or contraction of pharyngeal muscles during closure of the glottis.

Supragastric belches. An entity to know

The use of medication is not recommended, with the exception of baclofen, which may be useful in selected cases.

Supragastric belching

Supragastric belching is now shown to be associated with globus, as well as reflux symptoms in proton pump inhibitor nonresponders. Patients with supragastric belching experience higher frequency of belching events if they have concurrent esophageal hypomotility. Gum chewing and sleeve gastrectomy have no impact on supragastric belching.

Supragastric belching: Pathogenesis, diagnostic issues and treatment

The aim of this review was to provide data on pathogenesis and diagnosis of supragastric belching and study its relationship with gastroesophageal reflux disease and psychological factors. Treatment options for supragastric belching are also presented.

Supragastric Belching: Prevalence and Association With Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease and Esophageal Hypomotility

Patients with SGB often complain of excessive belching with a severe impact on quality of life, and belching can occur hundreds of times per day. SGB is considered to be a behavioral disorder, and in some cases a response to an unpleasant sensation originating from the esophagus or the abdomen. It may be initially performed consciously but at consultation the patient usually has no control over the symptom.