OpenHealth Q&A

Seeking Perspectives and Suggestions on Ongoing Health Issues

Hello everyone, I’m a 39-year-old female, standing at 1.65m and weighing 58kg. I do not take any medications, nor do I smoke or consume alcohol. I find myself in need of some guidance and camaraderie as I share my experiences and seek advice from this community. Crafting this message has taken some time, as I was unsure about posting it, but I ultimately felt compelled to reach out. While I recognize this is Reddit and not a medical facility, the lack of substantial responses from healthcare professionals has prompted me to look for insights or empathetic support here. To provide some background, approximately two years ago, I began experiencing excessive burping after trying a few new supplements, including probiotics and peppermint oil, along with medications like Miralax and Buscopan on an empty stomach, as per a doctor's recommendation. The Miralax was intended to relieve some constipation. Following this regimen, my digestive system experienced quite a tumult, leading to a significant increase in burping. Eventually, my bowel movements returned to normal after about six weeks, but I continued to have strange intestinal sounds with no accompanying pain, especially noticeable when lying down. During this challenging time, I also faced tonsillitis, which led to additional medications, and I would occasionally have a burning sensation on the right side of my chest, primarily above or behind the right breast. This coincided with a particularly stressful period. Despite consulting with a physician, undergoing blood work, a heart evaluation, and a chest X-ray—none of which revealed any abnormalities—I was informed my symptoms were likely due to stress. I suspected it might be a mild form of gastritis, but my concerns were dismissed, and I felt like I was sent away without a satisfactory explanation. Fast forward two years, and my symptoms have fluctuated. There are periods where my burping is manageable and the discomfort on my right side diminishes. I don't believe gallbladder issues are at play, especially since the discomfort isn't sharp nor triggered by fatty foods. About two weeks ago, after taking ibuprofen—something I usually consume with food—my symptoms resurfaced, which leaves me wondering if I’m dealing with gastritis or if it was merely coincidental. I have tried various antacids like Tums and Rennie and even underwent a month-long course of lansoprazole, but these treatments brought on nausea, which wasn’t present beforehand. My burping primarily seems to originate from the right side of my chest, and when I eat excessively, it feels different from stomach burping. Wet burps are rare, and I generally experience dry burps without any unpleasant taste or burning sensations. Occasionally, if I sit for extended periods, I notice a tightness in my chest that sometimes eases with a burp. Interestingly, these symptoms vanish when I recline on the sofa or bed. While lying down, everything feels normal until I rise and start moving, at which point the burping resumes. Although I’ve requested an endoscopy, my local healthcare professionals believe it’s not necessary at this time, as they haven’t identified anything alarming that would warrant such tests. A recent H. pylori breath test returned negative. I would greatly appreciate any insights you might have regarding my situation or strategies to alleviate these symptoms. Currently, the only medication that completely halts the burping is cetirizine, which I find quite peculiar. Despite my ongoing struggles, I maintain a normal appetite and avoid alcohol and coffee, so eating doesn’t cause any discomfort. This situation has been exhausting, and I often feel sidelined by physicians with little to no follow-up. Nevertheless, I'm better off than I was two years ago. If you have any suggestions that I could discuss with my doctor, I’d love to hear them! Thank you for taking the time to read my post.

Answers (1)

2/16/2026, 8:40:49 PM

OpenHealth AI

Thank you for sharing your experiences and concerns with us. It sounds like you've been through a lot with your digestive symptoms, and I appreciate your effort in seeking support. Based on what you've described, let's focus on your key symptoms of excessive burping, discomfort in your chest area, and the potential for gastritis.

Main Points:

1. Repeated Burping and Chest Discomfort: These symptoms could be related to digestive issues possibly stemming from gastritis or motility problems.
2. Symptom Fluctuation: The timing of symptoms in relation to your posture suggests they may be influenced by pressure in your abdomen.
3. Effectiveness of Cetirizine: This suggests a potential allergic or histamine-related component, which is worth exploring.

Explanation:

Burping can occur due to air swallowing (aerophagia), changes in the gut microbiome, or gastrointestinal conditions such as gastritis or reflux. As you mentioned, your symptoms improve when lying down and worsen when sitting or moving, which might indicate that pressure or posture affects your digestion. The burning sensation you’ve felt could often correlate with stomach irritation, but since you've had tests that ruled out major concerns, focusing on lifestyle modifications and potential dietary triggers might help.

Next Steps:

1. Dietary Modifications:

   • Keep a food diary to identify any specific foods that may be contributing to your symptoms. Focus on observing your reaction to certain meals and spices.
   • Try to eat smaller, more frequent meals rather than larger portions to reduce pressure on your digestive system.

2. Posture and Movement:

   • Since symptoms improve when reclining, try to avoid tight clothing around your abdomen and maintain good posture while sitting. Consider gentle movement like walking after meals to facilitate digestion.

3. Hydration and Recovery:

   • Stay well-hydrated, as dehydration can exacerbate digestive issues. However, avoid excessive amounts of carbonated beverages that may lead to increased gas.

4. Medication Review:

   • Discuss the potential role of antihistamines (like cetirizine) with your healthcare provider, as they might suggest an allergic or histamine-induced cause for your symptoms.
   • If antacids and proton pump inhibitors lead to nausea, speak to your doctor about possibly exploring alternative medications or treatments, including dietary probiotics that may not upset your stomach.

5. Stress Management:

   • Since stress was identified as a factor, consider techniques such as mindfulness, yoga, or controlled breathing exercises to help manage your stress levels and potential symptoms.

6. Follow-up with Your Doctor:

   • If symptoms persist or worsen, consider advocating for further tests or specialist referrals, such as a gastroenterologist, even if previously advised against an endoscopy.

Remember, changes may take time, and it’s important to find what works best for your body. Keeping open communication with your healthcare provider about your progress and any new symptoms will also help guide your management plan. Don’t hesitate to reach out again for further support!