Overview.
Nonspecific excessive belching is a type of belching disorder, a functional gastroduodenal disorder characterized by recurrent discomforting belching without evidence of excessive gas swallowing leading to belching, and there is a paucity of clinical studies related to this disorder. Unlike aerophagia, gas in this disorder originates from the stomach and is associated with transient lower esophageal sphincter relaxation.
Etiology
This condition is associated with transient lower esophageal sphincter relaxation, and psychosomatic factors, functional dyspepsia, and gastroesophageal reflux disease can lead to nonspecific excessive belching.
Symptoms
Patients with recurrent belching several times a week are first considered to have functional dyspepsia and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) if there is significant postprandial epigastric fullness, epigastric pain, and acid reflux and heartburn.
Examination
1. Barium meal X-ray examination of upper gastrointestinal tract
Pay attention to the presence of gastro-esophageal reflux and understand the condition of stomach and duodenum.
2. Endoscopy and biopsy
Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is characterized by the appearance of reflux.
Diagnosis
The diagnosis of nonspecific excessive belching is based on the following.
1. recurrent warm gas several times a week.
2. no evidence of excessive gas swallowing leading to belching. Symptoms have been present for at least 6 months prior to diagnosis, and the diagnostic criteria of “repeated warm breath several times a week” have been met for the last 3 months. However, it is important to note that there are psychosomatic factors affecting the symptoms.
Treatment
1. General treatment
The main treatment is to adjust dietary habits, such as avoiding sucking hard fructose or chewing gum, advocating chewing and swallowing slowly during meals, and avoiding excessive consumption of carbonated beverages. Explain to the patient that excessive gas in the stomach and excessive belching are not harmful to the body, and that distraction and relaxation can effectively reduce belching.
2. Symptomatic treatment
If the patient has stress, anxiety and depression, etc., it should be treated accordingly. Hypnotherapy can relieve the symptoms.
3. Drug treatment
Currently there is no medication specifically designed for the treatment of aerophagia. Dimethylsilicone oil and medicinal charcoal preparations can be tried with poor efficacy. Sedatives are occasionally effective in severe cases but are not recommended.
4. Treatment of primary disease
Functional dyspepsia and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) can lead to non-specific excessive belching. Active treatment of the primary pathology can automatically relieve or even eliminate the symptoms.
Nursing care
Quit smoking and drinking, and eat less chocolate and coffee. Eat small and frequent meals, should not eat within 4 hours before bedtime, and chew and swallow slowly when eating.