Frequent Burping After Meals: Is It Normal or Medication-Related? - Gastroenterology and Hepatology

Share to:

Hiccups after eating?


Hello, doctor.
Last time I asked you about gastric nodules, and you described them as protrusions that are normal as long as the biopsy results are fine.
I would like to ask you again.
I usually do not experience stomach pain or discomfort, but since May 6th, I have been taking Itopride (逸潰定) once in the morning and Metoclopramide (療吐寧) three times a day.
During the first two weeks of taking the medication, I often felt uncomfortable in my stomach, but that has improved now.
However, in the last two weeks, I have been experiencing frequent burping after eating, often within a minute.
Is this normal? Is it related to the medication? I used to rarely burp, but now it happens often.

Wenwen, 40~49 year old female. Ask Date: 2019/06/03

Dr. Chen Shidian reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology


There should be no direct correlation; alternatively, the medication can be discontinued for 1-2 weeks for observation, and then reintroduced to compare the effects.

Reply Date: 2019/06/03

More Info


Frequent burping after meals can be a common occurrence and may not necessarily indicate a serious problem. However, when it starts happening more frequently than usual, especially after beginning a new medication, it can raise concerns about whether the medication is contributing to this symptom.

In your case, you mentioned that you started taking two medications: Ibutin (逸潰定) and Teralin (療吐寧). Both of these medications can have gastrointestinal side effects. Ibutin, which is often used to treat gastrointestinal issues, can sometimes lead to changes in digestive function, including increased gas production or altered gut motility. Teralin, on the other hand, is an antiemetic that can also affect the stomach and intestines.
The increase in burping you are experiencing could be related to several factors:
1. Medication Side Effects: As mentioned, both medications can influence gastrointestinal function. If you have recently started these medications, your body may still be adjusting to them, which could lead to increased gas production and burping.

2. Dietary Changes: If your diet has changed since starting the medications, this could also contribute to increased burping. Foods that are high in fiber, carbonated beverages, or even certain dairy products can lead to increased gas production.

3. Eating Habits: Eating too quickly or talking while eating can cause you to swallow air, which can lead to burping. If you have changed your eating habits recently, this could be a contributing factor.

4. Underlying Conditions: While you mentioned that you do not typically experience stomach pain or discomfort, it is still possible that there could be an underlying gastrointestinal condition that is exacerbated by the medications or dietary changes.

To address your concerns, here are a few recommendations:
- Monitor Your Symptoms: Keep track of when the burping occurs and any other symptoms that accompany it, such as bloating or discomfort. This information can be helpful for your healthcare provider.

- Consult Your Doctor: Since you have recently started new medications, it would be wise to discuss your symptoms with your doctor. They may want to evaluate whether the medications are the cause of your increased burping or if further investigation is needed.

- Consider Dietary Adjustments: Pay attention to your diet and see if certain foods or eating habits correlate with the increased burping. You might want to try eating smaller meals, avoiding carbonated drinks, and reducing the intake of gas-producing foods like beans, lentils, and certain vegetables.

- Hydration and Lifestyle: Ensure you are staying hydrated and consider lifestyle factors such as stress, which can also affect digestion and lead to symptoms like burping.

In conclusion, while frequent burping can be a normal occurrence, especially after starting new medications, it is important to monitor the situation and consult with your healthcare provider to rule out any potential issues. They can provide personalized advice based on your medical history and current medications.

Similar Q&A

Frequent Burping After Meals: Causes and Health Concerns Explained

Hello Dr. Hong, I have a troubling issue that I would like to consult you about. After every meal, I experience frequent burping, but it's not continuous; rather, I only burp once each time, although it happens very often and is quite loud. As a woman, this is very distres...


Dr. Hong Hongchang reply Internal Medicine
1. There are many causes of hiccups, with the most likely being irritation of the diaphragm's nerves, leading to diaphragm contractions. Possible reasons include gastric distension, gastrointestinal disorders, viral infections, and neuropathies. Please follow up at the gastr...

[Read More] Frequent Burping After Meals: Causes and Health Concerns Explained


Understanding Persistent Belching: Causes and Solutions

Recently, I've been experiencing frequent burping after meals (it's not loud, just soft). It feels like there's something stuck in my throat while eating, and it seems like it won't go away. Additionally, I wake up in the morning with stomach pain, and my bowe...


Dr. Zheng Jueyi reply Otolaryngology
Hello, burping after a meal is not necessarily abnormal; however, it may lead to gastroesophageal reflux, which can cause laryngitis and a sensation of a foreign body in the throat, similar to the feeling of something being stuck. It is recommended to eat smaller, more frequent m...

[Read More] Understanding Persistent Belching: Causes and Solutions


Understanding Burping After Meals: When to Seek Medical Advice

I have been experiencing burping for a while now, even after eating a small amount. The burps come in quick succession, sometimes two or three in a row shortly after eating. Occasionally, even one or two hours after a meal, I will burp again, and sometimes it happens after drinki...


Dr. Chen Shidian reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Weight loss can help alleviate reflux and belching. Eating smaller, more frequent meals, engaging in post-meal activities to aid digestion, and minimizing talking during meals to reduce air swallowing can also be beneficial. If symptoms worsen, an upper endoscopy may be considere...

[Read More] Understanding Burping After Meals: When to Seek Medical Advice


Understanding Hiccups: Insights for Gastroesophageal Reflux Patients

Hello Doctor: I have gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and I would like to ask about experiencing long burps five to six times intermittently within two hours after eating, sometimes accompanied by the taste of food. These burps are not continuous, and I do not experience bl...


Dr. Chen Qifeng reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello: Hiccups are related to poor gastric emptying and are generally associated with conditions such as gastritis or peptic ulcers. As a principle, avoid overeating and limit the intake of hard-to-digest foods, while considering the use of medications that promote gastric motili...

[Read More] Understanding Hiccups: Insights for Gastroesophageal Reflux Patients


Related FAQ

Burping

(Gastroenterology and Hepatology)

Belching

(Gastroenterology and Hepatology)

Flatulence

(Gastroenterology and Hepatology)

Gastrointestinal Bloating

(Gastroenterology and Hepatology)

Hiccup

(Gastroenterology and Hepatology)

Irritable Bowel Syndrome

(Gastroenterology and Hepatology)

Bad Breath

(Gastroenterology and Hepatology)

Halitosis

(Gastroenterology and Hepatology)

Vomiting

(Gastroenterology and Hepatology)

Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease

(Gastroenterology and Hepatology)