Dizziness improves after belching or passing gas

Jul 31, 2023 Source: Cainiu Health

Dr. Shen Yonghua

Introduction

In general, dizziness that improves after belching or passing gas may be caused by factors such as an improper diet, indigestion, cold exposure, gastrointestinal-type cold, or gastritis. Patients can receive symptomatic treatment based on the specific underlying cause. An unbalanced diet or deficiency in certain nutrients, such as low blood sugar or low blood pressure, may lead to insufficient oxygen supply to the brain, resulting in dizziness.

Dizziness that improves after belching or passing gas is generally caused by factors such as an unbalanced diet, indigestion, cold exposure, gastrointestinal flu, or gastritis. Patients should receive symptomatic treatment based on the specific underlying cause. Detailed explanations are as follows:

1. Unbalanced Diet

An unbalanced diet or deficiency in certain nutrients—such as low blood sugar or low blood pressure—may lead to insufficient oxygen supply to the brain, resulting in dizziness. It is recommended to adjust the diet and maintain balanced nutrition.

2. Indigestion

Indigestion may be caused by various factors, including improper diet, eating too quickly, excessive stomach acid, or other digestive tract issues. When indigestion occurs, food cannot be properly digested, potentially leading to bloating, discomfort, and a feeling of fullness. Gas buildup in the stomach may rise and press against the diaphragm, stimulating the vagus nerve and subsequently affecting blood pressure and heart function, causing dizziness. Belching releases accumulated gas in the stomach, reducing this pressure and providing symptom relief. Patients can take medications such as Baohe Pills or Jianwei Xiaoshi Tablets under medical guidance, while also avoiding eating too quickly in one sitting.

3. Cold Exposure

If the head is exposed to cold, it may trigger cerebral blood vessel spasms, leading to headaches. Symptoms may ease after belching. In daily life, patients should pay attention to staying warm and may apply warm compresses to the head to relieve symptoms.

4. Gastrointestinal Flu

Gastrointestinal flu is a viral or bacterial infection of the gastrointestinal tract. This infection causes symptoms such as diarrhea, vomiting, and indigestion, which may lead to dehydration, lowering blood pressure and causing dizziness. Belching is a natural process of expelling gas from the gastrointestinal tract; releasing built-up stomach gas through belching reduces gastric pressure and helps alleviate symptoms. Patients can take medications such as Jianwei Xiaoshi Tablets or Xiao Chaihu Granules under medical supervision and should maintain good dietary hygiene.

5. Gastritis

Chronic inflammation of the gastric mucosa may cause symptoms such as belching and acid reflux. In severe cases, it may also lead to headaches. As directed by a physician, patients may take acid-suppressing medications and prokinetic agents, such as omeprazole enteric-coated tablets or domperidone tablets, for treatment.

If patients experience any physical discomfort, they are advised to seek timely medical attention to avoid delaying treatment.

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According to Traditional Chinese Medicine, what are the causes of frequent hiccups?

Frequent hiccups are known as "hiccough" (e'ni) in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). The primary causes include irregular diet, emotional imbalance, spleen and stomach deficiency, external invasion of cold pathogen, and stagnation of qi. It is mostly related to abnormal ascending and descending functions of the spleen and stomach, leading to rebellious stomach qi that activates the diaphragm. If hiccups persist for more than 24 hours or are accompanied by abdominal pain and vomiting, prompt medical attention is necessary. Irregular diet: overeating, or excessive consumption of raw, cold, or spicy foods.