The Misleading Burping Myth That's Been Debunked By Science

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It's common to feel a bit of pressure and discomfort when there's a buildup of gas in your esophagus. These symptoms may even extend to your throat and voice box, too. Sometimes you might feel better after burping (belching), as the release of gasses can alleviate this pressure buildup. But purposely burping all the time isn't always a good thing, especially if your symptoms are related to an undiagnosed or untreated condition. Such is the case with acid reflux; no matter what you've heard, burping cannot improve this condition, and it instead requires a combination of treatments and lifestyle modifications.

Medically known as gastroesophageal reflux (GER), acid reflux is a common event that can cause symptoms such as acid regurgitation and heartburn. Sometimes, acid reflux can happen more frequently due to a long-term condition known as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). According to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, approximately 20% of people have GERD in the U.S.

Normally, burping can help your body get rid of excess gas that gets stuck in the upper digestive tract. While acid reflux can cause an increase in burping, the act of belching alone has no direct effect on this condition. Most cases of upper digestive gas buildup are caused by swallowing air – not acid backup. People with GER and GERD can sometimes swallow more due to discomfort, and subsequently have to burp more often. Still, excessive burping with acid reflux will not make it go away. It's caused by stomach acid regurgitation from a weak lower esophageal sphincter instead of gas. You might feel increased burning sensations when belching in these cases, particularly if you erroneously burp on purpose in an effort to try to improve acid reflux.

If you suspect you may be dealing with acid reflux, you should not try to burp your symptoms away. This is especially the case with chronic episodes that may indicate a more serious issue like GERD. While seemingly harmless, untreated GERD can lead to complications, such as Barrett's esophagus, esophageal inflammation (esophagitis), and narrowing of the esophagus (esophageal stricture). Outside of the esophagus, untreated GERD may even cause problems with tooth enamel erosion, chronic cough, vocal hoarseness, and laryngitis.

When managing acid reflux, the goal is to reduce acid regurgitation from the stomach that's causing your symptoms. Certain lifestyle changes can help achieve this goal. Examples include quitting smoking (which will also reduce its effects on the lungs), managing your weight, and avoiding fatty or acidic foods. Sleeping on your left side may help, and some people may benefit from elevating their heads during sleep.

In some cases, diet or lifestyle changes may not be enough to completely control acid reflux and the excess burping that comes along with it. A healthcare professional may recommend over-the-counter antacids as first-line treatments for both GER and GERD. As their name suggests, antacids may help by controlling acid that can contribute to acid reflux symptoms, but they are usually intended for alleviating mild and occasional symptoms. More chronic symptoms of GERD may be managed with proton pump inhibitors, such as Nexium or Prevacid or H2 blockers such as Pepcid. Both classes of medications are be available over the counter or in prescription formulas.