From the Guidelines
Burping during sports activities is primarily caused by swallowing air during heavy breathing and the jostling motion of exercise releasing trapped gas, as well as increased pressure on the stomach and diaphragm forcing air upward. This can be managed with simple strategies such as eating smaller meals 2-3 hours before activity, avoiding carbonated beverages, chewing gum, and gas-producing foods like beans, broccoli, and onions before exercise. Staying hydrated with plain water rather than sports drinks containing artificial sweeteners can also help. If burping persists, over-the-counter antacids like Tums or Rolaids can provide temporary relief, or try simethicone products like Gas-X to break up gas bubbles. Proper breathing techniques during exercise—breathing deeply through your nose and out through your mouth—can also minimize air swallowing. According to the most recent study 1, symptoms of belching, abdominal bloating, and distention are common and can be categorized as a disorder when experienced frequently and bothersome, leading to impairment of patients’ daily activities.
Some key points to consider:
- Belching can occur in otherwise healthy individuals, but it may also occur with other disorders, including gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), functional dyspepsia (FD), gastroparesis (GP), pregnancy, and psychological symptoms, such as anxiety 1.
- Belching is subdivided into supragastric belching from the esophagus and gastric belching from the stomach, with supragastric belching occurring in up to 3.4% of patients with upper gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms and being more commonly associated with anxiety 1.
- Aerophagia, or excessive swallowing of air, can also lead to symptoms of bloating, distention, and belching, but is distinct from belching and typically presents with flatulence as a main manifestation rather than excessive belching alone 1.
- A multidisciplinary approach and a patient-centered model are keys to managing treatment in patients with belching, abdominal bloating, and distention, and may involve gastroenterologists, gastroenterology dietitians, brain–gut behavioral therapists, and motility providers 1.
If burping is accompanied by pain, heartburn, or difficulty swallowing, it is essential to consult a healthcare provider as these may indicate acid reflux or other digestive issues requiring medical attention.
From the Research
Causes of Belching During Physical Activity
The exact cause of belching during physical activity is not directly addressed in the provided studies. However, the studies suggest that belching can be caused by various factors, including:
- Swallowing air, which can accumulate in the stomach and lead to belching 2, 3, 4
- Supragastric belching, where air is sucked or injected into the esophagus from the pharynx and expelled immediately afterward 3, 4
- Aerophagia, a behavioral disorder characterized by repetitive air swallowing, which can lead to belching, flatulence, and abdominal distention 3, 4, 5
- Learned abnormal behaviors in response to unpleasant feelings in the abdomen, which can contribute to excessive belching 6
Types of Belching
The studies also distinguish between different types of belching, including:
- Gastric belching, where the eructated air originates from the stomach 3
- Supragastric belching, where the air does not originate from the stomach and does not reach the stomach either 3, 4
- Aerophagia, which is a distinct disorder characterized by excessive air swallowing and accumulation of air in the gastrointestinal tract 3, 5
Treatment of Belching Disorders
The studies suggest that treatment of belching disorders should focus on addressing the underlying causes, including: