ITV's Dr Amir Khan has shared a simple remedy for an embarrassing problem that many people face. The NHS GP and TV presenter, known for his appearances on ITV morning shows, offered advice on the Lorraine show for individuals struggling with excessive burping.
Understanding indigestion and burping
During the segment, Dr Khan addressed a caller who had been taking medication for indigestion and felt embarrassed about burping. He first emphasized the importance of consulting a GP for new indigestion symptoms, especially in people over 55, as it could indicate serious conditions like gastric or oesophageal cancer.
However, for many cases, the issue may be due to a condition called supragastric belching. Dr Khan explained that this is a habit where the body unconsciously takes in air into the top of the food pipe and releases it as gas, leading to frequent burping.
The diaphragmatic breathing exercise
Dr Khan recommended a simple breathing exercise known as diaphragmatic breathing to retrain the body. He demonstrated the technique: lie down on the floor or sofa, place one hand on the chest and one on the belly, breathe in through the nose so that the belly rises while the chest remains still, and then breathe out through pursed lips.
This exercise strengthens the diaphragm, a muscle under the ribs. Dr Khan advised performing it three to four times a day for four to five minutes each session, over a period of four weeks. This retrains the body to breathe instead of belching when the sensation arises.
Viewer reactions
When the video was shared on Instagram, it received over 1,000 likes and many positive comments. One user thanked Dr Khan for invaluable advice, while another called it great advice.
Can indigestion cause burping?
Indigestion, also known as dyspepsia, often leads to burping. Gas and extra air can become trapped in the upper digestive system, and burping is the body's natural way to release this air and ease pressure. Other symptoms of indigestion include bloating, nausea, and feeling uncomfortably full after meals.
