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This is a common problem! We all pass gas and or experience burping but for some people, these symptoms can be really bothersome. It is important to recognize that everyone has gas in the digestive tract. When there is some gas and fluid in the intestines, movements (contractions) of the intestines to propel the contents onwards may cause rumblings.
There two major causes of excessive gas :
- First, subconscious swallowing of air can result in excessive burping. Eating slowly, avoiding gum chewing and smoking, rectifying problems that lead to phlegm accumulation in the back of the throat (such as postnasal drip), and correcting a habit of clearing the throat and swallowing can help minimize air swallowing. Belching often induces instinctive reflex swallowing with further gas accumulation so you need to make a conscious effort not to swallow after each belch.
- And second, gas can form as a result of the breakdown of certain dietary items, especially carbohydrates, by bacteria normally present in the large intestine. Foods that cause gas include beans, broccoli, cabbage, fruit drinks, carbonated drinks, and dairy products. Beano (obtainable over-the-counter) may help to reduce gas formation when you have a lot of vegetables and fruits at any meal.
There is no one answer or diagnosis that applies to all people. I suggest that you contact your family doctor and discuss your symptoms and the tests he or she might want to do. |
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5% to 8% of patients who have chronic reflux may develop a Barrett’s esophagus which results in a change in the normal esophageal mucosa to a type of lining that is more of an intestinal type. A gastroscopy with esophageal biopsies is the only definitive way to make this diagnosis of a Barrett’s esophagus.. There are no specific symptoms for Barrett’s esophagus and the risk of a cancer developing in the setting of a Barrett’s esophagus is very low. |
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The bacterium is called Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori). This is a common bacterium that infects the stomach and may cause about 10% of people with the bacterium to develop an ulcer. As a rule, one does not look for H. pylori in the setting of reflux. |
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There have been some endoscopic techniques that have been developed that can increase the lower esophageal sphincter pressure but presently they are more experimental and do not have a role in the treatment of reflux. |
Complications can occur from surgery with 5-10% of patients. These include making the wrap too tight and developing problems swallowing one’s food, accidental injury to the spleen requiring removal of the spleen, post-operative hernia formation developing diarrhea, inability to burp and loosening of the wrap over time with recurrent reflux needing medication.
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Important: This information should not be used as a substitute for the medical care and advice of your physician. 
