Vaping, the use of electronic nicotine delivery systems, has become a widespread alternative to traditional smoking, yet it is associated with a variety of side effects, including gastrointestinal discomfort. One commonly reported symptom is excessive burping, medically known as eructation. Burping is the body’s natural way of releasing air or gas from the stomach through the mouth. A noticeable increase can signal a change in habits or an underlying issue. This article explores the direct mechanical and indirect chemical links that connect vaping to this increased need to expel gas.
The Primary Cause: Aerophagia
The most significant factor linking vaping to increased burping is a purely mechanical process called aerophagia, which literally means “air swallowing.” This occurs when a person inadvertently swallows small amounts of air while inhaling the vapor. The air travels down the esophagus and collects in the stomach, creating pressure that must eventually be relieved by burping.
The technique used to inhale from a vape device can greatly influence the amount of air a person swallows. Taking large, rapid, or forceful puffs, particularly when new to vaping, often leads to gulping extra air along with the aerosol. Deep lung hits, or inhaling too quickly, can disrupt the normal coordination between breathing and swallowing, resulting in this air ingestion.
This swallowed air is the primary source of the gas that causes the burping sensation. When the stomach becomes distended from the excess air, the lower esophageal sphincter relaxes to allow the air to escape, leading to the noticeable burp. The mechanical ingestion of air during the act of vaping is the simplest and most common physiological explanation for the symptom.
Role of Vape Ingredients in Gastrointestinal Distress
Beyond the mechanical act of inhaling, the chemical components within e-liquids can contribute to gastrointestinal discomfort that may worsen or mimic burping. Nicotine, a common ingredient, is known to affect the digestive system by relaxing the lower esophageal sphincter (LES). This muscular ring acts as a barrier between the esophagus and the stomach, and its relaxation allows stomach acid to flow back up, a condition known as acid reflux or heartburn.
Acid reflux is frequently accompanied by belching and burping as the body attempts to clear the upper digestive tract. Nicotine also triggers the stomach to produce more acid, further increasing the risk of reflux and indigestion. This chemical irritation mechanism acts as a secondary contributor to burping, distinct from the physical swallowing of air.
Some individuals may also have sensitivities to the primary carrier liquids, propylene glycol (PG) and vegetable glycerin (VG), or to specific flavorings. These compounds can cause mild irritation or affect gut motility, which is the movement of contents through the digestive tract. This irritation or altered movement can lead to gas buildup, bloating, or general abdominal discomfort, which the body then tries to relieve through burping.
Strategies for Reducing Vaping-Related Burping
Reducing burping associated with vaping often begins with adjusting the inhalation technique to minimize air swallowing. Vapers should aim to take slower, more gentle draws from the device, rather than forceful or rapid puffs, which helps prevent gulping extra air. Utilizing a mouth-to-lung (MTL) style, where the vapor is held in the mouth before being inhaled into the lungs, may be less prone to aerophagia than the direct-to-lung (DTL) style.
Adjustments to the e-liquid formulation can also help alleviate chemically-induced symptoms. If acid reflux is suspected, reducing the nicotine strength of the e-liquid is a practical step, as nicotine relaxes the LES and increases stomach acid. For those sensitive to the carrier liquids, experimenting with a higher VG-to-PG ratio may reduce irritation. If these behavioral and product changes do not resolve the issue, or if the burping is accompanied by persistent heartburn, severe pain, or nausea, consult a healthcare professional.