Prevalence of Belching Disorders and Their Characteristics in the General Adult Population

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: Excessive bothersome belching is clinically problematic and the Rome IV classification categorizes belching disorders as gastroduodenal disorders. METHODS: A total of 10,000 Japanese adults participated in this web-based survey. We aimed to examine the prevalence of belching disorders and their characteristics. RESULTS: Belching disorders were found in 151 (1.5%) adults. The presence of reflux esophagitis, thyroid diseases, gastroesophageal reflux disease, functional dyspepsia, full eaters, or a small or large number of mastication was significantly associated with an increased odds ratio of belching disorders. DISCUSSION: A detailed epidemiology of belching disorders in adults was clarified.