How to Make Yourself Burp
To make yourself burp, try drinking a fizzy drink, swallowing air, or moving your body in a way that helps release trapped gas from your stomach. Always use safe methods and avoid forcing a burp if you have certain medical conditions.
Everyone has felt that uncomfortable fullness in their stomach at some point. Sometimes, it happens after eating too quickly or drinking carbonated beverages. This feeling is often due to air trapped in the stomach. Burping is your body’s natural way of releasing this air, helping you feel better.
What Causes Trapped Gas?
Swallowing air is normal. It happens when you eat, drink, or even talk. But when too much air builds up, your stomach can feel tight or bloated. Eating quickly, chewing gum, drinking with a straw, or sipping carbonated drinks can all lead to extra air in the stomach.1
If you are struggling to burp, you are not alone. Some people find it hard to burp on command, especially when they feel gassy or bloated. If this sounds like you, there are several safe techniques you can try at home.
Safe Ways to Make Yourself Burp
Let’s go over simple, doctor-recommended techniques that can help you burp and relieve stomach discomfort.
1. Drink a Fizzy Beverage
Carbonated drinks like soda or sparkling water can help. The bubbles in these drinks release gas in your stomach, which makes it easier to burp. Take small sips, and don’t gulp the drink down quickly.
2. Swallow Air Deliberately
Swallowing air on purpose can sometimes trigger a burp. Here’s how:
- Sit upright and relax your shoulders.
- Take a deep breath in and hold it for a moment.
- Close your mouth, pinch your nose shut, and then swallow.
- Wait a few seconds—if you feel a bubble, a burp may come naturally.
You might need to try this a few times before it works.2
3. Change Your Position
Your posture can make a difference. Try these movements:
- Sit up straight or stand up.
- Gently rock back and forth, or lean forward while sitting.
- You can also try lying on your left side for a few minutes, then slowly standing up.
These movements may help shift the air inside your stomach and encourage a burp.
4. Move Your Body
Physical activity can sometimes help gas escape. Try a gentle walk around your home. Some people also find that gentle abdominal massage or light exercise, such as knee-to-chest stretches, helps move gas through the digestive tract and can trigger a burp.
5. Try the Valsalva Maneuver
Doctors sometimes suggest this technique to help release trapped air:
- Take a deep breath.
- Close your mouth and pinch your nose shut.
- Try to exhale gently against the closed airway for a few seconds.
This action can increase pressure in your chest and may lead to a burp. Do not strain or force it—if you feel any discomfort, stop immediately.
6. Suck on Hard Candy or Chew Gum
These actions increase saliva and encourage you to swallow more often, which can bring air into the stomach and help release it as a burp.
When Not to Force a Burp
While these methods are safe for most people, they are not for everyone. Do not try to make yourself burp if you have a history of:
- Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
- Hiatal hernia
- Recent stomach or throat surgery
- Swallowing difficulties
Forcing a burp in these situations could cause discomfort or even lead to complications. If you are unsure, talk to your doctor before trying these techniques.
When to See a Doctor
Most of the time, needing to burp is nothing serious. However, if you have other symptoms, you should reach out to your healthcare provider. Call your doctor if you notice:
- Severe pain in your chest or abdomen
- Nausea and vomiting
- Trouble swallowing
- Burping that does not stop or is accompanied by weight loss
- Blood in your vomit or stool
Tips to Prevent Excess Gas in the Future
Prevention can help you avoid the need to burp. Here are a few practical tips:
- Eat slowly and chew food thoroughly.
- Avoid drinking carbonated beverages if you are sensitive to gas.
- Skip gum and hard candies if you notice they make you swallow air.
- Try not to drink through a straw.
- Stay active to keep your digestion healthy.
Final Thoughts
Burping is a normal and healthy way for your body to get rid of trapped air. If you find yourself uncomfortable and need to burp, use the gentle methods described above. Never force a burp if you have health concerns that make it risky. If symptoms persist or you have other troubling signs, consult your doctor.
FAQs
1. Is it bad if I can’t burp?
If you can’t burp, it usually isn’t serious. However, if you feel severe discomfort or have other symptoms, talk to your doctor.
2. Can making yourself burp be harmful?
For most people, these methods are safe. Avoid forcing a burp if you have certain health conditions, as it may cause harm.
3. What if I burp too much?
Frequent burping can be a sign of swallowing too much air or a digestive issue. If it bothers you, see your doctor for evaluation.
4. Are there medications to help with trapped gas?
Yes, over-the-counter medications like simethicone can help. Always talk to your doctor before starting any new medicine.
5. When should I worry about burping?
See your doctor if you have pain, trouble swallowing, blood in vomit or stool, or if burping does not resolve with simple measures.
