Sections View Full Chapter Figures Tables Videos Annotate Full Chapter Figures Tables Videos Supplementary Content + Download Section PDF Listen ++ For further information, see CMDT Part 15-05: Gastrointestinal Gas + Key Features Download Section PDF Listen +++ ++ Belching (eructation) is defined as the involuntary or voluntary release of gas from the stomach or esophagus A normal reflex, it does not itself denote gastrointestinal dysfunction Occurs most frequently after meals, when gastric distention results in transient lower esophageal sphincter relaxations When chronic and excessive, almost always caused by aerophagia, common in anxious individuals and institutionalized patients + Clinical Findings Download Section PDF Listen +++ ++ Virtually all stomach gas comes from swallowed air Distention, flatulence, and abdominal pain may result when excessive amounts of air is ingested (eg, with carbonated beverages, rapid eating, gum chewing, and smoking) + Diagnosis Download Section PDF Listen +++ ++ Evaluation should be restricted to patients with other complaints such as dysphagia, heartburn, early satiety, or vomiting + Treatment Download Section PDF Listen +++ ++ Referral to behavioral or speech therapist may be beneficial since most patients suffer from behavioral disorder (eg, aerophagia from causes listed above)