The key difference between gastric and supragastric belching is that gastric belching is a type of belching that normally vents the stomach while supragastric belching is a type of belching that normally does not vent the stomach.
Belching is a normal physiological process. Every time people swallow, the air gets trapped in the stomach by the lower esophageal sphincter. When enough gas builds up, a reflex response allows the lower esophageal sphincter to release some of the gas out through the mouth. Gastric and supragastric are two different types of belching.
CONTENTS
1. Overview and Key Difference
2. What is Gastric Belching
3. What is Supragastric Belching
4. Similarities – Gastric and Supragastric Belching
5. Gastric vs. Supragastric Belching in Tabular Form
6. FAQ – Gastric and Supragastric Belching
7. Summary – Gastric vs. Supragastric Belching
What is Gastric Belching?
Gastric belching is a normal physiological process that decreases the volume of gas in the upper stomach. This can happen due to swallowing excess air, acid reflux, gastritis, peptic ulcer disease, delayed stomach emptying, and certain food and beverages such as carbonated drinks. In this process, the swallowed air stays in the stomach due to the lower esophageal sphincter. However, when air builds up, gastric air stretches the top of the stomach, triggering a reflex that leads to the relaxation of the lower esophageal sphincter. As this air distends the upper esophagus, a second reflex relaxes the upper esophageal sphincter as well. Ultimately, the air exits the esophagus, fills the mouth, and is later expelled into the external environment.
Gastric belching is solitary and not bothersome. Gastric belching can be diagnosed through medical history, physical evaluation, and impedance/pH testing. Furthermore, treatment options for this condition may include eating and drinking more, avoiding chewing gum and hard candies, not drinking carbonated beverages, stopping smoking, and managing gastroesophageal reflux disease.
What is Supragastric Belching?
Supragastric belching is a condition where a person frequently burps air from the throat without it entering the stomach. This is very embarrassing and uncomfortable for people who experience it. Supragastric belching is fast and frequent. Some people who experience this condition may belch hundreds to thousands of times per day. Supragastric belching can be caused by reflux problems, esophageal hypomobility, other digestive disorders, problems with esophagus, psychological problems like anxiety, stress, or certain psychiatric disorders. Moreover, the symptoms of this condition may include bloating and discomfort, regurgitation and emotional distress.
Supragastric belching can be diagnosed through medical history, physical examination, and other tests to measure the movement of the oesophagus and an examination of the upper digestive tract (high-resolution manometry). Furthermore, treatment options for supragastric belching may include cognitive behavioral therapy, education and lifestyle changes, and prescribed medications such as prescribed proton pump inhibitors or prokinetic agents.
What are the Similarities Between Gastric and Supragastric Belching?
- Gastric and supragastric belching are two different types of belching.
- Both types are characterized by the release of air from the mouth.
- Both types can be diagnosed through medical history and physical examination.
- They can be treated through education and lifestyle changes.
What is the Difference Between Gastric and Supragastric Belching?
Gastric belching is a type of belching that normally vents the stomach, while supragastric belching is a type of belching that normally does not vent the stomach. This is the key difference between gastric and supragastric belching. Furthermore, gastric belching occurs in the mouth, esophagus, and stomach, while supragastric belching occurs in the mouth, throat, and esophagus.
The infographic below presents the differences between gastric and supragastric belching in tabular form for side-by-side comparison.
FAQ: Gastric and Supragastric Belching
When should you worry about belching?
Worry about belching if it’s persistent, excessive, accompanied by pain, changes in bowel habits, heartburn, or unexplained weight loss.
What is the difference between burping and belching?
Burping and belching are two terms that refer to the same natural process of expelling air from the stomach through the mouth. There is no significant difference between the two.
How do I stop deep belching?
To reduce deep belching, eat and drink slowly, avoid carbonated drinks, chew gum, and eat with your mouth closed, manage stress, and identify potential food triggers.
Summary – Gastric vs. Supragastric Belching
Belching is commonly known as burping. It is a physiological process where the excess air is expelled from the upper digestive tract. Sometimes, various conditions may cause excessive belching. Gastric and supragastric belching are two different types of belching. Gastric belching is a type of belching that normally vents the stomach, while supragastric belching is a type of belching that does not vent the stomach. Furthermore, in gastric belching, the air flows from the stomach through the esophagus in the oral direction, while in supragastric belching, the air rapidly enters the esophagus from the proximal end and is immediately expelled in the oral direction. So, this summarizes the difference between gastric and supragastric belching.
Reference:
1. “Heartburn and Burping: Can Ger Cause Belching?” Medical News Today, MediLexicon International.
2. “What Is Supragastric Belching?” Cary Gastroenterology Associates.
Image Courtesy:
1. “Man in White Shirt Suffering from a Stomach Pain” (CC0) via Pexels