Everyone Burps
December 18, 2003

Dear Housecall Docs: My mom got mad at me when I burped during dinner, I told her I couldn’t help and she said I could. Isn’t it true all people must burp?
- Katie (13 years old) in Twain Harte

Dear Katie, you are both right about burping, but I think what your mom implied is that you should cover your mouth or say excuse me after you burp. A burp - sometimes called a belch - is nothing but gas. When you eat or drink, you don't just swallow food or liquid. You also swallow air that is made of gases like oxygen, nitrogen and carbon dioxide. The chemical reactions that occur during digestion of food in the stomach and intestines emit other gases.

That's where burping comes in! Sometimes the gas that has accumulated is forced out of the stomach, up through the esophagus (the tube for food that connects the mouth to the stomach), and out of your mouth (or nose) as a burp.

Some kids find that drinking soda or other carbonated beverages makes them burp more. Can you guess why? If you are thinking that it is because these drinks contain extra gas, you're right! The gas that makes the drinks fizzy is carbon dioxide, one of the main gases that can bring on big burps. Sometimes eating or drinking too fast can make a person burp because this forces extra air into the stomach. The same thing happens when you drink through a straw: extra air in = more burps out.

Burping is almost never anything to worry about. Everybody does it at least once in awhile, and it is very unusual for burping to mean something is wrong in a person's body.
What can you do if you are around people and you feel a burp coming on? It seems like the only people who can get away with really loud burps are babies – in fact, their parents cheer when they burp because it means their baby won't feel the extra gas in their stomach and cry. But unless you're tiny and bald, it's probably a good idea to be polite when it's time to burp. Try to burp quietly and cover your mouth. Of course, whether your burp is loud or quiet, saying, "excuse me" can't hurt either.

Hopefully this answers your question, Katie.

We’d love to be able to answer your medical questions. Please send them to us at docs@twainhartetimes.com. Until then stay healthy and happy!

Dr. Matt and Dr. Bob

Bob Uslander, MD and Matthew Personius, MD founded Sierra HouseCalls Medical Group, a local company providing at-home physician visits to the Tuolumne County area. Ph: 532-4287

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