Belching, usually accompanied by a noise and smell, is an emission of gas from the stomach. Belching is a natural physiological mechanism. However, belching occurring frequently or without any real apparent cause could indicate a dysfunction of the digestive system. The main causes of belching are aerophagia and gastroesophageal reflux disease. Excessive consumption of sugar and soft drinks, swallowing air, poor food hygiene, poor chewing of food, nervousness and stress can cause a belching attack.
Symptoms
The noise caused during belching is caused by the passage of air through the esophageal orifice. In the case of aerophagia, certain disorders such as indigestion, bloating or gas accumulation in the belly, a heaviness of the stomach, as well as a feeling of acidity in the mouth during the reflux of gas may appear.
Belching caused by aerophagia
Ingestion of air during swallowing can cause frequent belching. A patient swallowing food or drinking quickly may be affected by aerophagia. In order to prevent noisy belching and aerophagic disorders, Argentum Nitricum 7 Ch or Kali Carbonicum 5 Ch should be taken in the morning. The subject may also take, before the meal, 5 granules of Nux Vomica 5 Ch or Carbo Vegetalis 7 Ch. In case of persistent and frequent belching, accompanied by a feeling of bloating, one should take 3 granules of China Officinalis 5 Ch three times a day.
Bloating in the stomach
Belching can be preceded by stomach bloating, which occurs a few hours after a meal. Thus, it is advisable to take 3 granules of Nux Vomica 5 Ch after the meal. The same remedy is prescribed in case of drowsiness or postprandial gastritis. If stomach pain tends to subside after belching, treatment can be supplemented with Argentum Nitricum 9 Ch. Stomach bloating can lead to a spasm of the esophagus that can cause loud, foul belching. The spasm, usually caused by nervousness, can be soothed by Asa foetida 5 Ch. If frequent belching causes inflammation in the throat, Asa foetida is indicated.
Accumulation of gas in the abdomen
In some cases, belching is associated with meteorism, an accumulation of gas in the digestive tract, responsible for the dilation of the abdomen. If dilation is observed on the lower part of the abdomen and if the bloating does not dissipate despite frequent belching, Lycopodium 5 Ch is indicated. It is also possible to take Raphanus in 5 Ch if abdominal dilation tends to increase and when no belching occurs. To soothe a stomach ache and diarrhea, you should take 3 granules of China 5 Ch every quarter of an hour until an improvement is observed.
When to see a doctor?
A medical consultation is necessary when aerophagia causes certain symptoms accompanying belching. It is also advisable to consult a doctor if the belching is accompanied by bloating and when fatigue, lack of appetite, hyperthermia and weight loss are noted.
