WHY IS GAS COMING OUT FROM MY MOUTH?

Yesterday I wrote on flatulence (farting) and the health benefits. On the comment section, Hive account@chloroform asked if belching was the same as flatulence and so I decided to write about it. Both flatulence and belching involves the release of gas while flatulence is the passage of gas through the small intestine and then out from the anus, belching is the passage of gas from oesophagus out from the mouth.

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Belching is simply the act of bringing up air from the stomach and expelling it through the mouth. When we swallow food, it passes through the oesophagus into the stomach where it is broken down into nutrients for body absorption. During the process of swallowing, air is sometimes swallowed in. Swallowing of air is not limited only to eating but also during drinking of beverages especially those that contain bubbles. These gases sometimes do not get to the lower part of the stomach but stays trapped in the oesophagus and comes back up as a burp.

Although belching is a normal part of human behaviour to get rid of excess gas or to release gas to reduce stomach distention, it can interfere with daily activities and even cause embarrassment.Belching also occurs in babies after drinking breast milk or formula so they can expel the excess air that is swallowed during feeding. Belching is common in people with heartburn acid reflux. This is because as the acid in the stomach rises up the oesophagus, more air is swallowed to lessen the discomfort.

Depending on the cause, belching may last longer or be more forceful. Belching occurs sometimes even with the absence of air in the stomach just to reduce abdominal discomfort. In some societies, belching is a gesture of appreciation to the host.

CAUSES OF BELCHING.

It has been said that belching is caused when we swallow more than normal amount if air. However, there are some habits and conditions that can also cause belching. Belching is caused by eating or drinking too quickly, drinking carbonated drinks, wearing loose dentures which triggers swallowing of excessive air, chewing gum or sucking on hard candies which gives room for excess air to be swallowed, using of straw to drink beverages especially drinks that contain bubbles, anxiety, smoking, talking while chewing and even alcohol. These habits can trigger belching. Eating foods with a lot of fat or oil causes heartburn which causes burping.

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CONDITIONS THAT ALSO CAUSES BELCHING ARE:

Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD). This is simply known as acid reflux and happens when the acid in the stomach flows back into the oesophagus causing heartburn.
Gastritis: when the stomach lining is inflamed, it can lead to chronic belching.
Lactose Intolerance: inability to properly digest lactose, an ingredient found in diary products can also cause belching.
Dyspepsia (Indigestion): when foods are not digested, it causes pain and discomfort in the upper belly and comes back with belching, bloating and even nausea.
Fructose or Sorbitol Malabsorption: inability to properly digest the carbohydrates fructose and sorbitol can also cause belching.

TREATMENT OF BELCHING

Belching normally do not require treatment but when it is becoming excessive then a medical personnel should be contracted to explore the possible conditions that may be causing the problem. Treatment depends on the cause. Self treatment also helps to relieve belching. Lying on your side helps if you are belching excessively or have a distended stomach. Also, adopting a knees-to-chest position also helps hold the position until gas passes.

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HOW TO CONTROL BELCHING

Belching can be or controlled by doing the following

Sit down to eat meal and also eat slowly.
Avoid chewing gum or sucking on hard candies.
Avoid talking while chewing.
Do not use straws. Drink beverages from the glass
Avoid carbonated beverages and alcohol.
Take a walk after eating.
Stop smoking, inhaling cigarette smoke results in excessive swallowing of gas.
Avoid anxiety.
Eat less of fatty foods.
Try over the counter remedy.
Avoid foods that are associated with causing lots of gas like beans, cauliflower, peas,onions, whole grain etc.
For those suffering from lactose intolerance, always read labels and pay attention to what you eat.