What are some techniques on burping loudly?

Burping fits (not indigestion, don't think it's GERD either)?

• I'm a 27-year-old female, slightly overweight (that is, thin by American standards), in good general health. (And no, before any of you suggest it, I'm not pregnant.) In the last few weeks I've had a number of episodes of weird uncontrollable burping. (It's like there's an infinite amount of gas in my stomach.) One time I even vomited. I have an appointment for a checkup with my internist in a couple months, but I was hoping somebody here might have a clue about this so I can deal with it on my own before then. (Somehow, burping doesn't quite seem like a suitable reason to head for the emergency room.) I've read everything I could think of that might be relevant, including replies on this site and similar ones to other people's questions about uncontrollable burping, but those answers tended to attribute it to things like reflux or indigestion. I don't have any other symptoms, and none of the burping episodes happened after having eaten much; indeed, most often I hadn't eaten anything for at least several hours. I also don't drink carbonated beverages. Several of the episodes have happened right after I woke up. I've tried various over-the-counter antacid and anti-gas preparations, but none have provided any relief. Pepto Bismol does seem to help a little bit, but only at higher-than-recommended doses. Does anyone have any idea what could be causing this and/or what might alleviate it? Serious answers only, please.

• Answer:

  Many people who have GERD do not think they have any difficulty with reflux of foods and drinks but often this has been occuring long before they can feel anything. Often symptoms of belching and possibly feeling something in their throats will be some of the first things noted. On way to tell is to have a video swallow study also referred to as a barium swallow study where foods and liquids are mixed with barium and are swallowed while taking xrays. This is usallly done under the direction of a Speech Language Pathologist. This can show if foods and drinks go down slowly (aka stasis) or move upward in the esophagus (aka reflux) even if you do not feel this occuring. Often by the time you can feel this happening it is severe. This only a possiblility but may be worth checking as reflux gone untreated can cause much more serious problems. Another notion is that things like obstructions and hernias can cause these problems are are the reason why people have esophageal refulx. Seek out a gastroenterologist consult as well.