Sour burps occur when stomach acid or partially digested food rises into the throat and mouth. This experience can be accompanied by a burning discomfort in the chest, known as heartburn, or a feeling of indigestion. While occasional sour burps are common, their frequent appearance can signal an underlying digestive issue.
Common Causes of Sour Burps
Sour burps often stem from acid reflux, which occurs when stomach acid flows back into the esophagus. This can progress to gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), leading to irritation and inflammation of the esophageal lining. A weakened lower esophageal sphincter (LES), the muscle that usually prevents stomach contents from backing up, is often implicated in both acid reflux and GERD.
Indigestion is another common culprit, characterized by discomfort or pain in the upper abdomen, bloating, and sometimes acidic burps. Certain eating habits, such as overeating, consuming meals too quickly, or eating close to bedtime, can exacerbate indigestion and acid reflux symptoms. Specific foods and beverages, including fatty or spicy foods, carbonated drinks, caffeine, and alcohol, may also trigger sour burps by relaxing the LES or increasing stomach acid production.
A hiatal hernia can also contribute to sour burps; this occurs when a portion of the stomach pushes up through the diaphragm, disrupting the LES’s normal function. Additionally, gastroparesis, a condition where stomach emptying is delayed, can lead to food sitting in the stomach for too long, potentially causing fermentation and sour-tasting burps. Other factors such as Helicobacter pylori infection, peptic ulcers, or gastritis (inflammation of the stomach lining) can also result in acidic burps.
Lifestyle and Dietary Adjustments
Lifestyle and dietary adjustments can help manage sour burps. Eating smaller, more frequent meals throughout the day instead of large ones can reduce pressure on the lower esophageal sphincter, minimizing acid reflux. Avoiding lying down immediately after eating is also beneficial; waiting at least two to three hours allows for partial digestion and reduces the likelihood of stomach acid flowing back into the esophagus.
Identifying and avoiding trigger foods is important. Common culprits include spicy or acidic foods, fatty foods, chocolate, peppermint, and caffeinated beverages, as these can relax the LES or irritate the esophageal lining. Maintaining a healthy weight can also alleviate symptoms, as excess abdominal fat can increase pressure on the stomach and esophagus. Elevating the head of your bed by 6 to 8 inches helps prevent acid from rising during sleep. Over-the-counter antacids can offer temporary relief by neutralizing stomach acid.
When to Consult a Doctor
While occasional sour burps are harmless, certain symptoms warrant a doctor’s consultation. You should consult a doctor if sour burps are persistent, worsening, or occur more than twice a week for several weeks, as this could indicate gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).
Accompanying symptoms like difficulty swallowing (dysphagia), unexplained weight loss, or persistent nausea and vomiting require medical attention. Additionally, seek medical attention if you experience severe chest pain, especially if it spreads to your jaw, neck, or arm, as these symptoms can sometimes overlap with cardiac issues. The presence of black, tarry stools or blood in vomit also signals immediate medical assessment, as these may indicate gastrointestinal bleeding.
Medical Diagnosis and Treatment Options
When sour burps are persistent or accompanied by concerning symptoms, a doctor begins with a physical examination and a detailed medical history. Several tests may be employed to diagnose the cause. An upper endoscopy involves inserting a thin, flexible tube with a camera down the esophagus to visually inspect the lining for damage, ulcers, or other abnormalities.
Esophageal pH monitoring measures the amount of acid refluxing into the esophagus, helping to confirm GERD or assess medication effectiveness. Treatment options may include prescription medications, based on the diagnosis. Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) are often prescribed to reduce stomach acid production and promote healing, while H2 blockers can also decrease acid secretion. In rare instances, if severe GERD or complications persist despite medication, surgical interventions like fundoplication, where the top of the stomach is wrapped around the lower esophagus, may be considered to strengthen the LES.