Index
Indeed you wonder: What is causing this abdominal pain and these burps?
Pain in the pit of the stomach is considered one of the most common and annoying digestive system conditions . It affects a high percentage of the world’s population at some point in their lives.
This type of pain, as occurs with many kinds of dyspepsia, is not classified as a disease in medical manuals but is usually a symptom or a consequence, in some circumstances, of a more severe and complex underlying pathology and may manifest itself, depending on each patient, with a different level of pain.
What are the specific symptoms?
Pain in the pit of the stomach or epigastric is commonly located in the center, below the ribs, or abdominal area. Abdominal pain can be a cramp-like, dull, or sharp pain.
Burping is the act of expelling gas from the stomach through the mouth. It usually occurs after the stomach has expanded due to excessive air intake. When you burp, the air is released.
Swallowing air into the stomach can cause a feeling of fullness, a swollen abdomen, and stomach pain, accompanied by belching.
What causes pain in the pit of the stomach and belching?
You may swallow air when you eat or drink too fast or drink carbonated beverages. Rapid breathing or hyperventilation caused by laughter or anxiety can also cause you to swallow air.
Some foods and drinks can also cause stomach pain and belching, including foods that are high in starch, sugar, or fiber.
Indigestion or heartburn can also cause temporary abdominal pain and belching.
Babies and young children can inadvertently swallow large amounts of air, causing discomfort and belching. This is why babies burp shortly after drinking breast milk or formula.
Conditions can also cause frequent abdominal pain and belching.
These may include:
- Irritable bowel syndrome.
- Acid reflux disease (GERD).
- Gastric and duodenal ulcers.
- Gallstones
- Hernia hiatal.
- Acute pancreatitis.
- Lactose intolerance.
- Some bacterial infections.
- Internal parasites (such as Giardiasis).
- Intestinal obstruction.
- Celiac Disease.
- Hernia.
- Some cancers
In most of these cases, abdominal pain and belching will be accompanied by other symptoms.
When should you seek medical help?
A temporary stomach pain and bloating accompanied by belching rarely cause concern.
But if the belching is uncontrollable, does not relieve a distended stomach, or is accompanied by severe abdominal pain, seek medical assistance.
Also, seek help if abdominal pain and belching are frequent or accompanied by:
- Vomiting, especially vomiting of blood.
- Abdominal pain that lasts more than 24 hours.
- Headache.
- Fever over 101˚F (38˚C).
- Pain or burning sensation in the throat or mouth.
- Chest pain.
How are abdominal pain and belching treated?
Treatments for abdominal pain and belching will treat the underlying condition.
Home care
Many over-the-counter medications can relieve stomach pain and belching caused by indigestion or heartburn. Talk to a pharmacist or medical professional for advice on its use.
Always follow the directions on the package when using over-the-counter medications.
If you are burping excessively or your stomach is distended and cannot expel air, lying on your side may help.
Adopting a kneeling-to-chest position can also be helpful. Hold the job until the gas passes.
Avoid eating and drinking quickly, drinking carbonated beverages, and chewing gum if you experience abdominal pain and excessive belching. These can make the problem worse.
How can abdominal pain and belching be prevented?
Not all causes of abdominal pain and belching can be prevented.
You can reduce your risk by:
- Maintain a healthy diet.
- Drink a lot of water.
- Limiting carbonated drinks.
- Eating slowly.
- Avoid talking while eating.
Taking probiotic supplements can prevent some cases of indigestion and heartburn.
If you have a digestive condition like Crohn’s disease or irritable bowel disease, follow your doctor’s dietary instructions to minimize discomfort and gas.
If you have acid reflux disease, wait at least two hours after eating before bed, and lying down too soon can cause heartburn.
