Belching Disorders and Rumination Syndrome: A Literature Review.

BACKGROUND: Belching disorders and rumination syndrome (RS) are disorders of gut-brain interaction (DGBIs) in Rome IV. Belching disorders are composed of excessive gastric belching (GB) and supragastric belching (SGB). Excessive GB is related to physiological phenomenon whereas excessive SGB and RS are behavioral disorders. SUMMARY: A recent large internet survey found that prevalence of belching disorders and RS were 1% and 2.8%, respectively. It has been recognized that not a few patients with two behavioral disorders, excessive SGB and RS, could be misdiagnosed as proton pump inhibitors (PPI)-refractory gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). In patients with reflux symptoms, distinguishing these conditions is essential because they need psychological treatment (i.e., cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) rather than acid suppressants. Clinicians should take a medical history meticulously first to identify possible excessive SGB and/or RS. High-resolution impedance manometry and/or 24-h impedance-pH monitoring can offer an objective diagnosis of the disorders. Several therapeutic options are available for excessive SGB and RS. The first-line therapy should be CBT using diaphragmatic breathing that can stop the behaviors involving complex muscle contraction (e.g., abdominal straining) to generate SGB or rumination. Overlap with eating disorders and/or other DGBIs such as functional dyspepsia can make management of the behavioral disorders challenging since such coexisting conditions often require additional treatments. KEY MESSAGES: Excessive SGB and RS are not unusual conditions. It is important to raise awareness of the behavioral disorders for appropriate management.

Does severe and chronic esophageal distension by air (observed in SGB and GB) affect the esophageal mucosa integrity (MNBI).

BACKGROUND: Supragastric belching (SGB) and aerophagia are behavioral disorders characterized by air induced esophageal distension. SGB is known to be associated with Gastro Esophageal Reflux Disease (GERD). Low Mean Nocturnal Baseline Impedance (MNBI) values support GERD diagnosis. We aimed to assess if chronic esophageal distension by air affects the esophageal mucosa integrity by assessing changes in MNBI. METHODS: In a single-center database study, we searched retrospectively for patients with a diagnosis of pathological SGB (n = 146) or aerophagia (n = 34) based on impedance-pH reflux monitoring. During the examined period, patients with a conclusive negative diagnosis of SGB and no evidence of aerophagia were used as a control cohort (n = 191). MNBI at 3, 5, and 17 cm over Lower Esophageal Sphincter (LES) was evaluated. GERD was diagnosed if acid exposure time (AET) >6%. All impedance studies of included patients were prospectively reevaluated. RESULTS: GERD was diagnosed in 31.7% patients with SGB, a rate not different in comparison to patients without SGB (30.8%, p = 0.906). MNBI at 3 and 5 cm above the LES was significantly decreased among patients with SGB. SGB was not correlated with MNBI at 3 cm over the LES, (p: 0.086 OR: 1.000 95% CI: 0.999-1.001) when using multivariate analysis. Moreover no difference was spotted as far as MNBI at 3, 5, and 17 cm over the LES is concerned among patients with or without aerophagia. CONCLUSION: Even if patients with SGB do show lower MNBI values, esophageal distention due to excessive air movement does not directly lead to impairment of esophageal mucosa integrity.

Cognitive behavioural therapy-based interventions for gastroduodenal disorders of gut-brain interaction: A systematic review.

OBJECTIVE: Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) is increasingly used to manage Disorders of Gut-Brain Interaction (DGBIs). This systematic review aimed to review the evidence for the effectiveness of CBT-based interventions for patients with gastroduodenal DGBIs. METHODS: Medline, Embase, PubMed, Cochrane Central, and Scopus were searched in July 2022. Studies were included if they investigated the effects of a CBT-based intervention on gastrointestinal symptoms and/or psychological outcomes pre- and post-intervention in patients with gastroduodenal DGBIs. Case studies, studies not in English, and studies with patients under 18 years were excluded. Results were synthesised narratively, and standardised effect sizes were calculated where possible. RESULTS: Nine studies (seven RCTs and two pre/post studies) were identified, with data reported in 10 articles (total N = 602). The studies investigated patients with functional dyspepsia (n = 7), rumination syndrome (n = 1), and supragastric belching (n = 1). The studies had heterogeneous interventions, methodologies, and outcomes, precluding meta-analysis, as well as a moderate-high risk of bias and high drop-outs rates. Findings demonstrated decreased gastrointestinal symptoms and improved anxiety, depression, and quality of life, from pre- to post-intervention, with medium to large effect sizes for symptoms and small to large effect sizes for psychological outcomes. Efficacy was maintained at follow-up, up to one year later. CONCLUSIONS: This review suggests promising evidence that CBT effectively improves gastrointestinal symptoms and psychological outcomes in patients with gastroduodenal DGBIs. However, heterogeneity, risk of bias, and lack of statistical reporting were noted, indicating the need for more robust research and standardisation.

The influence of supragastric belching severity on esophageal acid exposure and motility.

BACKGROUND: Supragastric belching (SGB) is a phenomenon where air is rapidly sucked from the pharynx into the esophagus and immediately expelled through abdominal straining. It is considered a behavior disorder and is increasingly recognized not only in patients with excessive belching, but also in those with reflux-like symptoms. Increased prevalence of esophageal hypomotility and increased acid exposure were previously reported in small cohorts of SGB patients. We aimed to clarify the impact of SGB on motility, reflux, and acid exposure in a large cohort of SGB patients. METHODS: In a single-center database study, we searched for patients with pathological SGB. MII-pH and Manometry tracings were manually re-evaluated in all patients. Demographic, clinical, motility, reflux, and SGB-related data were gathered. KEY RESULTS: Three hundred and forty-eight patients were included. Heartburn, belching, and regurgitation were the most common symptoms. Ineffective esophageal motility (IEM) was found in 27% of patients. SGB related to 47% of all reflux and to 53.6% of acid reflux events, and accounted for 27.3% of acid exposure time (AET). In those with severe SGB, 62% of acid reflux events and 46% of AET were SGB-related. CONCLUSIONS & INFERENCES: Supragastric belching is common, associated with higher incidence of IEM and is responsible for almost a third of esophageal acid burden. The impact of SGB is proportional to its severity. Diagnosis of SGB should be sought in patients with excessive belching and in patients with refractory reflux symptoms. Recognizing SGB and treating patients with behavioral therapy may alleviate acid exposure and improve quality of life.

Supragastric belching: Pathogenesis, diagnostic issues and treatment.

Belching is defined as an audible escape of air from the esophagus or the stomach into the pharynx. It becomes pathologic if it is excessive and becomes bothersome. According to Rome IV diagnostic criteria, there is a belching disorder when one experiences bothersome belching (severe enough to impact on usual activities) more than 3 days a week. Esophageal impedance can differentiate between gastric and supragastric belching. The aim of this review was to provide data on pathogenesis and diagnosis of supragastric belching and study its relationship with gastroesophageal reflux disease and psychological factors. Treatment options for supragastric belching are also presented.

Behavioral therapy is superior to follow-up without intervention in patients with supragastric belching-A randomized study.

BACKGROUND: Behavioral therapy (BT) has been proven effective in the treatment of supragastric belching (SGB) in open studies. The aim was to compare BT to follow-up without intervention in patients with SGB in a randomized study. METHODS: Forty-two patients were randomized to receive 5 sessions of BT, comprising diaphragmatic breathing exercises, or to follow-up without intervention. Patients were evaluated at 6 months, at which point the control group was also offered BT and evaluated after another 6 months. The frequency and intensity of belching and mental well-being were evaluated with a visual analog scale (VAS). Depression, anxiety, and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) were evaluated with four questionnaires: BDI, BAI, 15D, and RAND-36. KEY RESULTS: The frequency and intensity of SGB were significantly lower in the therapy group (n = 19) than in the control group (n = 18) at the 6-month control (p < 0.001). When all patients (n = 36) were evaluated 6 months after BT, in addition to relief in the frequency and intensity of belching (p < 0.001), mental well-being had also improved (p < 0.05). Of all 36 patients, 27(75%) responded to BT. Depression scores were lower after therapy (p < 0.05). Only minor changes occurred in anxiety and HRQoL. CONCLUSIONS AND INFERENCES: Behavioral therapy is superior to follow-up without intervention in patients with SGB in reducing belching and depression; it also improves mental well-being but has only a modest effect on anxiety and HRQoL.

Belching in children: Prevalence and association with gastroesophageal reflux disease.

BACKGROUND: Excessive belching is frequently reported in adult patients with gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GORD) and dyspepsia. Although postprandial gastric belching (GB) is considered a physiological mechanism for gastric venting, supra-gastric belching (SGB) is considered a distinct behavioural disorder. We aimed to define the prevalence of different types of belching and its association with reflux disease in paediatric patients. METHODS: We retrospectively analysed reflux monitoring studies from 287 patients (median age: 7.0 years; interquartile range 3.0-11.3 years) with a suspicion of GORD. Based on oesophageal acid exposure time (AET) patients were divided in 3 groups: (a) physiological AET, (b) borderline AET and (c) pathological AET. MII-pH studies were manually edited and reflux disease parameters were measured together with quantification of GB and SGB. KEY RESULTS: Two hundred one children (70.0%) had physiological AET (median: 0.8; interquartile range 0.3-1.6), 52 (18.1%) had borderline AET (median: 4.2; interquartile range 3.4-5.3) and 34 (11.9%) had pathologic AET (median: 10.7; interquartile range 9.1-14.2). Gastric belching was observed in all studies. Gastric belching related reflux was more frequently observed in patients with borderline and pathological AET (p < 0.001). This was more common in older children. SGB were observed in only 7 (2.4%) children (age range: 8-17years) in our population and all patients had Physiological AET. Only 3 (1%) patients had pathological number of SGB (>13/24 h). CONCLUSIONS AND INFERENCES: Gastric belching related reflux is observed in children with increased AET. SGB is very rare in the paediatric population.

Prevalence of behavioral disorders in patients with vonoprazan-refractory reflux symptoms.

BACKGROUND: Behavioral disorders, such as supragastric belching (SGB) and rumination syndrome (RS), which may be treated by cognitive behavioral therapy, are common in patients with reflux symptoms refractory to proton pump inhibitors (PPI). Vonoprazan (VPZ) has been used as a new type of acid inhibitor in Japan since 2015. We herein investigated the prevalence of behavioral disorders in patients with VPZ-refractory reflux symptoms and attempted to identify predictive factors. METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed esophagogastroduodenograms, high-resolution manometry, and 24-h multiluminal impedance pH-metry (MIIpH) in patients with VPZ-refractory reflux symptoms (heartburn or regurgitation) receiving 20 mg VPZ who underwent these tests at our hospital between January 2015 and April 2020. Patients were divided as follows: non-erosive reflux disease with pathological esophageal acid exposure (NERD), functional heartburn (FH), reflux hypersensitivity (RH), excessive (> 13 per day) SGB, and possible RS based on MIIpH parameters. RESULTS: Among 49 patients, 6 (12.2%) had SGB, 4 (8.2%) possible RS, 29 (59.2%) FH, 9 (18.4%) RH, and 1 (2%) NERD. Possible RS patients had more postprandial non-acid reflux events than FH patients (p < 0.05). The multivariate logistic regression analysis did not identify any predictive factors with statistical significance. CONCLUSION: More than 20% patients with VPZ-refractory reflux symptoms had behavioral disorders. The use of HRM and MIIpH may be clinically relevant for a better diagnosis and more specific treatment.

Belching in Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease: Literature Review.

Belching is a common phenomenon. However, it becomes bothersome if excessive. Impedance-pH monitoring can classify the belching into two types: gastric belching and supragastric belching (SGB). The former is a physiological mechanism to vent swallowed air from the stomach, whereas the latter is a behavioral disorder. Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is the most relevant condition in both types of belching. Recent findings have raised awareness that excessive SGB possibly sheds light on the pathogenesis of a part of proton pump inhibitor (PPI) refractoriness in GERD. SGB could cause typical reflux symptoms such as heartburn, regurgitation or chest pain in two ways: SGB-induced gastroesophageal reflux or SGB-induced esophageal distension. In PPI-refractory GERD, it is important to detect hidden SGB as a cause of reflux symptoms since SGB requires psychological treatment instead of high dose PPIs or pain modulators. In the case of PPI-refractory GERD with excessive SGB, recent studies imply that the combination of a psychological approach and conventional treatment can improve treatment outcome.

Supragastric belching in Japan: lower prevalence and relevance for management of gastroesophageal reflux disease compared to United Kingdom.

BACKGROUND: Supragastric belching (SGB) may play a role in the pathophysiology of proton pump inhibitors (PPIs)-refractoriness in gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). SGB may be present in up to 40% of reflux symptoms in PPI-refractory GERD. Most reports on SGB have come from Western countries, and little is known about the prevalence and relevance of SGB in Asian refractory GERD patients. This study aimed at comparing the role of SGB in GERD patients in Japan and the UK. METHODS: We re-analyzed impedance-pH monitoring tracings from patients who were referred to tertiary centers in Japan and the UK due to PPI-refractory reflux symptoms. The prevalence of excessive SGB and the impact of SGB on reflux symptoms were compared between the two countries. RESULTS: Impedance-pH tracings from124 Japanese and 83 British patients were re-analyzed. Japanese patients were significantly younger and had smaller body mass index than the British (P < 0.001). Japanese patients had significantly lower prevalence of excessive SGB (18.5%) than the UK (36.1%) irrespective of reflux phenotype (P = 0.006). Logistic regression analysis showed that the geographical/cultural difference was the only factor associated with the different prevalence of SGB (odds ratio; 2.91, 95% CI 1.09-7.73, P = 0.032). SGB were related to typical reflux symptoms very rarely in Japan [0% (0-4.9)] compared to the UK [35% (0-54.1)] (P = 0.071). CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of SGB and their impact on reflux symptoms is significantly lower in Japan compared to the UK. The difference is not related to reflux parameters but might come from ethnic/cultural factors to be further characterized.

New developments in esophageal function testing and esophageal manifestations of connective tissue disorders.

This work summarizes new and emerging metrics and tools in esophageal function testing and their potential clinical impact. Because the diagnostic sensitivity and reliability of conventional impedance-pH variables are suboptimal, several novel impedance parameters, such as the postreflux swallow-induced peristaltic wave index and the mean nocturnal baseline impedance, as well as mucosal impedance, are entering a validation stage prior to general clinical use. The accurate diagnosis of behavioral disorders in patients with rumination syndrome and supragastric belching using ambulatory multiple intraluminal impedance-pH can lead directly to behavioral interventions in patients with refractory gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). New provocative measures, such as multiple rapid swallows and the rapid drink challenge, have been developed to overcome the limitations of standard high-resolution esophageal manometry, aiming at further clarifying esophageal dysmotility. Furthermore, the current diagnostic and therapeutic challenges in patients with esophageal involvement in Sjogren's syndrome and scleroderma, who tend to have severe forms of GERD, are entering a new investigative and clinical phase.

Personalized Approach in the Work-up and Management of Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease.

Patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) present with heterogeneous symptoms, response to treatment, and physiologic profiles, requiring distinct and personalized management. This article provides a stepwise framework to phenotype GERD beginning with (1) characterization of symptom profile and response to acid suppression; (2) endoscopic evaluation of mucosal and anatomic integrity; (3) ambulatory reflux monitoring to characterize reflux burden and sensitivity; and (4) esophageal physiologic testing to assess gastroesophageal reflux mechanism and effectors of reflux clearance, and evaluate for alternate causes.

Chronic Burping and Belching.

Belching is a physiological event that allows venting of swallowed gastric air. Excessive belching is a common presentation to gastroenterology clinics and could be isolated complains or associated with other gastrointestinal problems. PURPOSE OF THIS REVIEW: It is to describe the presentation, diagnosis, and treatment of belching disorders RECENT FINDINGS: These demonstrate that learned abnormal behaviors in response to unpleasant feeling in the abdomen are the driving causes for excessive belching and addressing these behaviors by speech pathology and cognitive behavior therapy considered as the keystone in its management SUMMARY: The gold standard in the diagnosis of belching is impedance monitoring by which belching is classified into supragastric belching and gastric belching.

Speech Therapy as Treatment for Supragastric Belching.

The purpose of this study was to describe a newly developed speech therapy program as an innovating therapeutic approach and to assess the results of this intervention in patients with supragastric belching. This is a retrospective analysis of prospectively gathered data from 73 patients with supragastric belching who were treated with speech therapy between 2007 and 2017. Of these, 48 were included for evaluation of therapy. Thirty patients had supragastric belching proven by 24-h impedance measurements. Eighteen patients were diagnosed by an experienced speech language pathologist as having supragastric belching according to precise criteria. Speech therapy consists of explanation, creating awareness of esophageal air influx and exercises to discontinue the supragastric belching mechanism. Therapy effect was measured by comparing visual analogue scale (VAS) scores on belching and related symptoms. The median symptom duration at the start of therapy was 2 years. Supragastric belching symptoms decreased significantly with a total median VAS score of 406 (291-463) prior to treatment and a median VAS score of 125 (17-197) following treatment. Forty patients (83%) had a sufficient to major result with a median therapy duration of 3 months and ten sessions. Speech therapy was an effective treatment in the majority of patients with supragastric belching.

Diaphragmatic Breathing Reduces Belching and Proton Pump Inhibitor Refractory Gastroesophageal Reflux Symptoms.

BACKGROUND & AIMS: In patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and excessive belching, most belches are supragastric, and can induce reflux episodes and worsen GERD. Supragastric belching (SGB) might be reduced with diaphragmatic breathing exercises. We investigated whether diaphragmatic breathing therapy is effective in reducing belching and proton pump inhibitor (PPI)-refractory gastroesophageal reflux symptoms. METHODS: We performed a prospective study of 36 consecutive patients with GERD refractory to PPI therapy and a belching visual analogue scale (VAS) score of 6 or more, seen at a gastroenterology clinic at a tertiary hospital in Singapore from April 2015 through October 2016. Patients underwent high-resolution manometry and 24-hour pH-impedance studies while they were off PPIs. Fifteen patients were placed on a standardized diaphragmatic breathing exercise protocol (treatment group) and completed questionnaires at baseline, after diaphragmatic breathing therapy, and 4 months after the therapy ended. Twenty-one patients were placed on a waitlist (control subjects), completed the same questionnaires with an additional questionnaire after their waitlist period, and eventually received diaphragmatic breathing therapy. The primary outcome was reduction in belching VAS by 50% or more after treatment. Secondary outcomes included GERD symptoms (evaluated using the reflux disease questionnaire) and quality of life (QoL) scores, determined from the Reflux-Qual Short Form and EuroQoL-VAS. RESULTS: Nine of the 15 patients in the treatment group (60%) and none of the 21 control subjects achieved the primary outcome (P < .001). In the treatment group, the mean belching VAS score decreased from 7.1 ± 1.5 at baseline to 3.5 ± 2.0 after diaphragmatic breathing therapy; in the control group, the mean VAS score was 7.6 ± 1.1 at baseline and 7.4 ± 1.3 after the waitlist period. Eighty percent of patients in the treatment group significantly reduced belching frequency compared with 19% in control subjects (P = .001). Treatment significantly reduced symptoms of GERD (the mean reflux disease questionnaire score decreased by 12.2 in the treatment group and 3.1 in the control group; P = .01). The treatment significantly increased QoL scores (the mean Reflux-Qual Short Form score increased by 15.4 in the treatment group and 5.2 in the control group; P = .04) and mean EuroQoL-VAS scores (15.7 increase in treatment group and 2.4 decrease in the control group). These changes were sustained at 4 months after treatment. In the end, 20 of the 36 patients who received diaphragmatic breathing therapy (55.6%), all with excessive SGB, achieved the primary outcome. CONCLUSIONS: In a prospective study, we found a standardized protocol for diaphragmatic breathing to reduce belching and PPI-refractory gastroesophageal reflux symptoms, and increase QoL in patients with PPI-refractory GERD with belching-especially those with excessive SGB.

Paroxysmal belching: Epileptic or nonepileptic?

The prevalence and localizing value of ictal belching are yet unknown. We present the case of a patient with medically refractory focal epilepsy with simple and complex partial seizures, as well as generalized seizures. One presumed seizure type comprised frequent episodes of repetitive belching. Video-EEG monitoring during these attacks showed no ictal changes. The belching episodes were inducible and terminable through suggestion. The diagnosis of excessive supragastric belching, a previously described psychogenic condition, was made.

A Psychiatric Approach to a Patient with Excessive Belching / 신경정신의학

Belching is the audible escape of air from the esophagus into the pharynx. It is considered a disorder when the symptom is very frequent and causes significant distress to the patients. Excessive belching can be divided according to excessive supragastric and gastric belching. Gastric belching is usually physiological. In contrast, supragastric belching can be considered learned behavior. In addition, many psychiatric conditions, including anxiety, have been described in patients with supragastric belching and some patients have reported that their symptoms increased during stressful events. We report on a case of supragastric belching in a depressive patient and discuss its management through psychiatric approaches.

A Psychiatric Approach to a Patient with Excessive Belching / 신경정신의학

Belching is the audible escape of air from the esophagus into the pharynx. It is considered a disorder when the symptom is very frequent and causes significant distress to the patients. Excessive belching can be divided according to excessive supragastric and gastric belching. Gastric belching is usually physiological. In contrast, supragastric belching can be considered learned behavior. In addition, many psychiatric conditions, including anxiety, have been described in patients with supragastric belching and some patients have reported that their symptoms increased during stressful events. We report on a case of supragastric belching in a depressive patient and discuss its management through psychiatric approaches.