When is burping an abnormal sign that could be a warning sign of cancer?

Belching is part of the digestive process, helping the body remove excess gas from the stomach. This gas mainly consists of oxygen, carbon dioxide, and nitrogen, according to the health website Medical News Today (UK).

Excessive burping can be a sign of gastrointestinal cancer.

Belching often occurs after we swallow a lot of air. Activities such as eating or drinking too quickly, consuming carbonated drinks, smoking, or chewing gum can all cause us to inadvertently swallow air. Because the accumulated air in the stomach leads to belching, this condition is often accompanied by bloating and abdominal pain.

Many studies show that excessive belching is a sign of certain types of cancer affecting the digestive tract. In such cases, belching will be accompanied by other symptoms such as pain and swelling along the digestive tract.

Excessive and abnormal belching can be caused by cancerous tumors obstructing the digestive tract, leading to gas buildup and problems related to stomach acid. Besides belching, gastrointestinal cancers can also cause unexplained weight loss, chronic fever, bloody stools, abdominal pain, persistent diarrhea, constipation, and other symptoms.

According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), gastrointestinal cancers that can cause belching include esophageal cancer, stomach cancer, and pancreatic cancer. Besides belching, indigestion and difficulty swallowing are two other common symptoms in people with advanced-stage esophageal and pancreatic cancer.

Some types of gastrointestinal cancer can cause frequent belching, but not all cases of this indicate cancer. It's important for patients to see a doctor as soon as possible if they experience any unusual symptoms.

For non-cancerous cases of belching, it's crucial to pinpoint the exact cause. If the belching isn't a serious issue and is primarily due to lifestyle habits, there are many ways to reduce it without medication or a doctor's visit.

To reduce belching, experts recommend that people take a walk after meals, avoid carbonated drinks and chewing gum, eat slowly, quit smoking, and exercise regularly.

In cases where belching is related to cancer, after diagnosis, the doctor will prescribe treatment depending on the type and stage of cancer, according to Medical News Today .

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