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Constant belching - causes and treatment
However, when regurgitation occurs more frequently over a longer period of time, it is often an indication of a digestive disorder or overburdening of the body with existing dietary habits. Constantly recurring and / or lasting more than two days complaints should therefore always be examined by a doctor to identify or exclude organic disorders. Often it helps with permanent regurgitation, change the lifestyle and dietary habits. In addition, various medications and effective home remedies can be used.
contents
- Causes of constant belching: reflux
- gastritis
- Constant regurgitation during pregnancy: tips and effective home remedies
- Treatment with constant burping
- Home remedies and natural medicine against constant belching
Causes of constant belching: reflux
The term "reflux" (from Latin "refluere" for "backflow") normally describes the backflow of gastric juice into the esophagus, resulting in heartburn and acid regurgitation. This is perfectly normal and not a cause for concern. However, if reflux occurs more often, it can damage the oesophageal mucosa and cause severe discomfort. In medicine, Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) is one of the most common gastrointestinal complaints that is estimated to affect one quarter of the adult population in western industrialized countries.
Reflux is a common cause of constant burping. Image: designua - fotolia Common acid regurgitation and / or burning pain behind the sternum (heartburn) are the main complaints in reflux disease. Most of these occur increasingly when bending down or bending over, heavy lifting or after luscious, high-sugary, greasy or spicy food. Also, alcohol and nicotine are often not well tolerated. Since gastric juice is more likely to reach the esophagus while lying down, many people have severe symptoms, especially at night. In addition to the regurgitation and burning in the chest are also more or less pronounced upper abdominal pain typical, also occur frequently nausea and vomiting, throat pain or hoarseness.
There are several variants of the disease, but in most cases there is a so-called "Non-Erosive Reflux Disease" (NERD) without esophagitis. If the reflux of the acid gastric fluid causes inflammation (reflux oesophagitis), this can be very momentous. Scarring and swallowing problems are possible as well as the emergence of esophageal cancer in an emergency.
The causes of reflux are manifold. Normally, gastric acid alone is prevented by gravity from flowing back into the esophagus. It also has a complex occlusive mechanism ("lower esophageal sphincter") that prevents any aggressive substances from escaping the stomach. However, for many sufferers, this "reflux barrier" does not work properly, allowing the gastric juice to flow back and cause damage to the esophageal wall.
Heartburn occurs when gastric acid pushes through the gastric valve, which may be related to the diet. (Image: Adiano / fotolia.com) Most of the time muscle weakness is caused by a gap in the diaphragm (hiatal hernia), which causes parts of the stomach to enter the chest cavity and disrupt the seal between the esophagus and the stomach. Such diaphragmatic hernia results from the decrease in the elasticity of the connective tissue, to which, in addition to advanced age and predisposition, obesity, pregnancy, chronic cough, and increased pressure on the abdominal cavity can contribute to chronic constipation.
Reduced motility of the esophagus may also be the reason for the discomfort. When the gastric juice returns to the esophagus, it usually causes the corrosive acid itself (peristaltic) to prevent the corrosive acid from causing damage to the mucous membrane. However, once the movement is down, this "cleansing" can no longer be done easily, damaging the mucosa and producing the typical heartburn. In addition, a connection between the gastroesophageal reflux disease and the way of life is considered certain: here the frequent consumption of high-fat, sugary or spicy foods, regular smoking and drinking alcohol as well as a strong coffee consumption play an important role. Other risk factors include certain medications (such as beta-blockers or nitrates) and mental stress or stress.
gastritis
An acute gastritis is also a cause of recurrent burping. It is a relatively common inflammatory disease that is not contagious. It occurs when the gastric mucosa is damaged or too much stomach acid is produced. As a result, the acid comes into direct contact with the gastric mucosa and causes inflammation. A gastritis can occur very suddenly (acute) and heal relatively quickly or take a creeping and chronic course. It is also possible that the acute form changes into a chronic disease.
Acute gastritis can have many causes. For example, there is often food poisoning, too much alcohol, nicotine, coffee and spicy food can irritate the stomach lining and cause inflammation. Similarly, shock situations, severe physical or emotional stress, overexertion, tension or inner restlessness can "hit the stomach". Other possible causes include certain medications (cortisone, analgesics such as diclofenac, ibuprofen), infections, injuries, accidents (trauma), surgery or acid burns, or the like. Typical of acute gastritis are sudden symptoms that often occur after meals. These include, in particular, massive upper abdominal pain, which can also radiate into the back. Also often occur in loss of appetite, constant belching, feeling of fullness, excessive pressure sensitivity of the stomach and nausea and vomiting.
The chronic form of gastritis, on the other hand, usually causes no or very little discomfort for a long time. Affected report, for example from an unpleasant feeling of fullness, diarrhea or increased flatulence. If the disease continues to go undetected, however, complications such as develop a stomach or duodenal ulcer, in rare cases, even the development of gastric cancer is possible. For chronic gastritis also different causes come into consideration. In most cases, however, it is triggered by an autoimmune reaction, bacteria (usually Helicobacter pylori) or mucous membrane damaging substances (refluxing bile, larger amounts of alcohol, analgesics, acids, etc.). Accordingly, physicians distinguish here the three different types of gastritis type A ("autoimmune"), type B ("bacterial") and type C ("chemical").
Constant regurgitation during pregnancy: tips and effective home remedies
In pregnancy, constant burping is a very common phenomenon. Because the increasingly formed hormone progesterone ensures that the inner sphincter (esophageal sphincter) between the esophagus and stomach relaxed and thus no longer completely seals. As a result, the stomach acid can flow back into the esophagus and lead to unpleasant burning pain behind the sternum (heartburn) and acid regurgitation - the complaints occur especially when lying down. These usually become even stronger in the last third of the pregnancy, as the ever-widening uterus puts additional pressure on the stomach and pushes the stomach upwards. In addition to the heartburn and constant regurgitation thereby other symptoms such. Stomach cramps after eating, increased salivation and pressure in the stomach area possible. Likewise, often bloating, feeling of fullness, frequent hawking and the so-called "lump in the throat" on.
What can pregnant women do to make life a little easier with the widening belly? Often it helps to eat several small meals over the course of the day instead of fewer large portions and avoid greasy, spicy dishes.
Coffee also stimulates gastric juice production and irritates the stomach - pregnant women should only enjoy it in moderation anyway. Instead, drinks with little or no carbon dioxide are recommended. In general, care should be taken to sleep with the upper part of the body (through the cushion, adjustable headboard) to make it harder for stomach acid to get into the esophagus.
In acute regurgitation, chewing hazelnuts, almonds or white bread may be a good first aid, as well as tea blends of peppermint and chamomile have a soothing and soothing effect. Other proven home remedies for heartburn during pregnancy are oatmeal or a glass of milk, because these foods help to neutralize excess acidity. Acid-inhibiting or binding medications (antacids), e.g. However, Pantoprazole or Omeloxan should - like all other medicines - not be taken during pregnancy without coordination with the attending gynecologist.
Treatment with constant burping
Who e.g. After a luscious meal or after drinking alcoholic drinks every now and then, you do not need to worry. Because the occasional reflux of acid gastric juice into the esophagus is quite normal. Constant or prolonged erosion lasting longer than two days should always be taken seriously and examined by a doctor. Because it stays If left untreated for a long time, chronic reflux disease can cause massive damage to the esophagus and, in an emergency, even esophageal cancer.
If it is a "gastroesophageal reflux disease", treatment will be based on severity. If there are no mucous membrane changes at an early stage, it is often helpful to change diet and habits (smoking, alcohol consumption, etc.). Nutrition plays a particularly important role in reflux. However, there are no universally valid rules for "right" or "wrong", because the affected people sometimes react very differently to certain foods. Accordingly, every reflux patient should observe himself well and critically to see what is good for him or not.
Nevertheless, there are some foods that are often not well tolerated with heartburn and constant regurgitation. These include dishes that are prepared with a lot of fat or fatty foods (fatty meat and sausage products, mayonnaise, fast food, etc.) as well as deep-fried and strong-fried foods. Also, sugar-rich foods (e.g., cakes, desserts, lemonade, juices) activate gastric acid production and thereby often aggravate discomfort. The same applies to spicy spices (paprika, garlic, chilli, etc.), whereby capsaicin also increases the sensibility of the esophagus. If a change in lifestyle and dietary habits are not enough or if damage is already evident, medicines (for example omeprazole or H2-blockers such as ranitidine) are normally used. Rarely, a surgical procedure is necessary to fully restore the functioning of the esophageal closure.
Is e.g. a gastritis the reason for the permanent regurgitation, the therapy also depends on the nature and cause of the disease. In acute gastritis, it is sufficient, for example. usually already, if the stomach is spared by one to two days diet or light food and appropriate drinks such as water and mild, lukewarm tea. On the other hand, coffee, juices, alcoholic and carbonated drinks should be avoided. The same applies to smoking, in addition, physical protection is important so that the disease can heal completely. In some cases, taking medications (such as H2 receptor blockers or proton pump inhibitors) may be useful to treat acute inflammation.
Home remedies and natural medicine against constant belching
If organic disorders are medically excluded, for mild ailments also various home remedies can provide effective help. Basically, it is important to critically deal with frequent burping with your own diet, lifestyle and existing "vices". Who e.g. likes and often eats fast food, drinks a lot of alcohol, is a heavy smoker or constantly sips sweet foods throughout the day, for example, has a greatly increased risk of reflux disease, which is very often the cause of constant burping. Accordingly, obesity should be avoided and smoking and drinking should be restricted. In addition, a change in diet (see treatment in case of recurrent burping) and the change of certain habits such. hasty slinging or very late eating very important to get the complaints under control.
Even mental stress such as unresolved conflicts, stress, tension or pent-up anger can be metaphorically "hit the stomach" or "bad belch". Therefore, urgent efforts should be made to integrate regular physical activity into everyday life in order to compensate for the inner restlessness and thereby increase the well-being. In order to be able to deal better with pressure, stress and tension in general and not to lose the "inner balance" even in difficult situations of everyday life, there are special exercises and methods for reducing stress. These include, for example, yoga, autogenic training or progressive muscle relaxation.
From the field of herbal medicine, the "panacea" chamomile has proven in many cases for self-treatment of heartburn by reflux. Because this has anti-inflammatory and calming on the over-stimulated stomach and can also inhibit acid production. Naturopaths often recommend a so-called "Rollkur". For this, the person concerned first drinks a cup of chamomile tea and then lays down for about five minutes first on the back, then on the right side, the stomach, the left side and finally back on the back. This ensures that the valuable ingredients of the medicinal plant can act on the entire stomach lining. The Rollkur should be performed for at least one week in the morning on an empty stomach and in the evening just before sleep.
Fennel and caraway relieve stomach discomfort. Image: fabiomax - fotolia Fennel, lemon balm and stinging nettle can also be used as effective home remedies with constant regurgitation. When stress plays a central role, valerian often helps. In the case of reflux, homeopathy additionally offers some valuable remedies for treatment. In addition to belching and possibly burning pain, e.g. Shivering, nausea and vomiting, Acidum sulfuricum (D6) may be helpful. Especially if the person concerned shows a strong aversion to cold drinks and coffee. On the other hand, if the patient suffers from acid regurgitation, heartburn and gastric pressure, especially at night, Robinia pseudacacia (D6) may be considered. Nux vomica can also provide very good support in some cases. Therefore, the choice of the most appropriate remedy before taking should always be discussed with a naturopath or naturopathic doctor.
In addition to acupuncture, Schüssler salts are very well suited for a natural treatment of the complaints. For acid regurgitation, especially the salt No. 9 (sodium phosphoricum) is suitable. If burning of the esophagus occurs at the same time, it can also be taken alternately with salt number 2 (Calcium Phosphoricum). The exact potency, duration of income and frequency should also be clarified here in advance always with an expert. (No)
Specialist supervision: Barbara Schindewolf-Lensch (doctor)