Burping is rarely a sign of cancer, but it may occur with certain types. More often, excessive burping may be related to chronic digestive tract conditions, such as acid reflux.
Burping is not a common symptom of cancer. It may rarely occur when a cancerous tumor blocks or obstructs part of your digestive tract, leading to a buildup of air that can cause burping.
Burping may occur with certain cancers that affect the digestive tract, including:
- Stomach cancer: Burping may be a late sign of stomach (gastric) cancer. It can occur when the cancerous tumor blocks food from entering the stomach. People who experience excessive burping with stomach cancer also experience other symptoms, including daytime fatigue.
- Esophageal cancer: Esophageal cancer may cause burping once the cancerous tumor grows large enough to block the esophagus. Other common signs of esophageal cancer include heartburn and difficulty swallowing.
- Pancreatic cancer: Pancreatic cancer may block part of the stomach, making it difficult to eat. This may cause indigestion, burping, nausea, and vomiting.
If it’s your only symptom, excessive burping is probably not a sign of cancer. But if burping occurs with the following symptoms, consider talking to a doctor about the risk of cancer:
- Abdominal pain
- Chest pain
- Chronic cough
- A feeling of fullness in your belly
- Trouble swallowing
- Decreased appetite
- Nausea
- Weight loss
- Abdominal swelling
- Fatigue
- Fever
- Jaundice
The most common cause of burping is swallowed air, which can happen from eating or drinking quickly, chewing gum, smoking, or drinking a carbonated beverage. Excessive burping may also be associated with several noncancerous conditions. These may include:
- Anxiety: Anxiety may cause you to take deep breaths or swallow air.
- Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD): This condition causes stomach acid to flow up the esophagus, causing heartburn.
- Gastritis: Gastritis refers to inflammation of the lining of the stomach.
- Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection: This type of bacteria causes several digestive tract conditions, including chronic gastritis and stomach ulcers.
- Peptic ulcer disease: Peptic ulcers are open sores that develop in your stomach lining or duodenum (the first part of your intestine).
- Lactose intolerance: People with lactose intolerance can’t tolerate dairy because they lack the protein needed to digest lactose (milk sugar). Eating dairy may lead to uncomfortable gastrointestinal symptoms, including gas and burping.
- Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS): This chronic digestive condition causes cramping, diarrhea, and gas.
Some strategies can help you swallow less air so you burp less. Tips to manage burping at home include:
- Avoid chewing gum and smoking.
- Limit your intake of carbonated drinks.
- Eat and drink slowly.
- Go for a relaxed walk after eating.
- Take over-the-counter medication to treat excessive gas.
While burping is a common occurrence, excessive burping can be uncomfortable. Plan to see a doctor if home remedies and lifestyle changes don’t relieve your symptoms. They may refer you to a gastroenterologist, a medical doctor who specializes in diagnosing and treating digestive tract conditions.
It’s especially important to see a doctor right away if you develop possible signs of cancer, including:
- Unexplained weight loss
- Fever
- Fatigue
- Increased bleeding
- A lump in your abdomen
- Trouble swallowing
- Abdominal pain and swelling
If you do have cancer, early diagnosis and treatment can help you have better outcomes.
Burping is a common symptom that occurs when your stomach releases air you’ve swallowed. Excessive burping may be related to a digestive tract condition such as acid reflux, gastritis, peptic ulcers, or H. pylori infection.
Cancer is not a common cause of burping, although cancers that affect your digestive tract may rarely cause burping. Other signs of cancer include lack of appetite, unexplained weight loss, fatigue, trouble swallowing, and a lump in your abdomen. See your healthcare provider right away if you develop any of these symptoms.
