Belching

Belching (also called burping and eructation) is the audible release of gas from the upper gastrointestinal tract (esophagus and stomach) of humans, and other animals into the pharynx, and usually out through the mouth.^[1]

In humans, belching can be caused by normal eating processes, or as a side effect of other medical conditions. When belching is excessive it may be classed as a belching disorder, one of the gastroduodenal disorders.^[2] Belching is a frequent symptom of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) but this is distinct from a belching disorder.^[3]

There is a range of levels of social acceptance for burping: within certain contexts and cultures, burping is acceptable. In some culture it may even be perceived as humorous, while in others it is seen as impolite or even offensive and therefore unacceptable. An infant often accumulates gas when feeding, and this needs to be vented by way of burping. To burp the baby is the common expression.^[4]

Belching is also very common among other mammals. In particular, burping by domesticated ruminants, such as cows or sheep, is a major contributor of methane emissions and may have a negative effect on the environment. Significant research is being done to find mitigation strategies for ruminant burping, such as by modifying the animals' diets with Asparagopsis taxiformis (red seaweed).^[5]