Differential Diagnosis for Burp Sensation

• Single most likely diagnosis
  • Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD): This is the most likely diagnosis as GERD is a common condition characterized by the backflow of stomach acid into the esophagus, often causing a sensation of burping, along with heartburn and regurgitation.
• Other Likely diagnoses
  • Dyspepsia: This condition, also known as indigestion, can cause a feeling of discomfort in the upper abdomen that may be accompanied by a sensation of burping, bloating, and nausea.
  • Functional Dyspepsia: Similar to dyspepsia, functional dyspepsia involves recurring signs and symptoms of indigestion that have no obvious cause, which can include burping.
  • Aerophagia: Swallowing air can lead to burping and is a common occurrence in people who drink carbonated beverages, eat too quickly, or chew gum.
• Do Not Miss (ddxs that may not be likely, but would be deadly if missed.)
  • Esophageal Rupture or Perforation: Although rare, an esophageal rupture can cause severe chest pain and may be accompanied by a sensation of burping, among other symptoms. It is a medical emergency.
  • Myocardial Infarction: In some cases, a heart attack can present with atypical symptoms, including a feeling of indigestion or burping, especially in women or diabetic patients.
• Rare diagnoses
  • Eosinophilic Esophagitis: A chronic immune system disease in which a type of white blood cell, the eosinophil, builds up in the esophagus in response to an allergen or irritant, potentially causing difficulty swallowing, food impaction, and possibly a sensation of burping.
  • Rumination Syndrome: A condition where food is regurgitated back up into the mouth, often accompanied by burping, without the forceful vomiting seen in gastroesophageal reflux disease.