Many individuals often attribute ongoing digestive issues to gas, relying heavily on over-the-counter solutions for short-term alleviation. However, healthcare professionals caution that symptoms such as burning sensations, burping, bloating, nausea, or discomfort in the upper abdomen may indicate a more serious underlying health concern rather than simple indigestion.
In a recent video shared on Instagram, Dr. Manan Vora, an Orthopaedic Surgeon and Sports Medicine specialist, addressed what he termed a prevalent misconception. He stated, “In India, there’s a tendency to label every stomach issue as gas. Burning sensations, burping, nausea after eating—it’s all gas. However, if these gas-related issues are recurring, it might not be ordinary gas but rather an H. pylori infection.” He elaborated that “H. pylori is a bacterium residing in the stomach lining, typically transmitted through contaminated food, water, saliva, or inadequate hygiene. Once it enters the body, it can withstand stomach acid, distinguishing it from standard bloating or indigestion.”
DISCLAIMER: This article is based on publicly available information and insights from experts. Always consult your healthcare provider before commencing any treatment regimen.
Dr. Vora further explained that this infection can lead to various symptoms, including “chronic gastritis, recurrent acidity, ulcers, bloating, burping, nausea, and upper abdominal pain.” He warned against the common practice of self-medicating, stating, “Many people wrongly rely on medications like Eno, Digene, or other antacids. These may alleviate the burning sensation temporarily, but they do not eradicate H. pylori.” He mentioned that physicians might suggest diagnostic tests such as breath tests, stool tests, or endoscopies to confirm the presence of the infection, with treatment typically requiring “a full course of antibiotics along with acid-suppressing medications over approximately two weeks.”
To gain further insights, we consulted an expert in the field.
Dr. Adithya V. Naragund, a senior consultant specializing in GI & HPB Surgery at Cytecare Hospitals in Bengaluru, informed indianexpress.com, “Experiencing occasional bloating or indigestion is common and often relates to dietary habits, overeating, stress, or irregular meal schedules. Usually, these symptoms resolve naturally or can be improved with simple lifestyle changes. However, when symptoms persist, recur, or worsen despite dietary modifications, it may signal an underlying gastrointestinal issue, such as an H. pylori infection.”
He emphasized that frequent upper abdominal pain, a burning sensation, excessive burping, nausea, and quick fullness after meals—especially when these symptoms return repeatedly after brief relief—should not be dismissed as mere gas. The frequency and persistence of symptoms can be more telling than their intensity.
Dr. Naragund also highlighted the importance of follow-up testing, as improvement in symptoms does not always confirm that the infection has been fully resolved. Many patients may feel better temporarily while the bacteria remain in the system. Testing, often conducted via a urea breath test or stool antigen test, is crucial to verify the effectiveness of the treatment and to mitigate future complications.
To minimize the likelihood of reinfection and maintain digestive well-being, individuals should focus on good hand hygiene, consume safe food and clean drinking water, and refrain from sharing utensils in unsanitary environments. Long-term digestive health is also contingent on limiting smoking, reducing excessive alcohol consumption, avoiding unnecessary pain medications like NSAIDs, managing stress effectively, and adhering to a balanced diet rich in fiber and whole foods. Sustained healthy habits are essential for preventing recurrent gastrointestinal issues,” Dr. Naragund concluded.
DISCLAIMER: This article is based on publicly available information and expert insights. Always consult your healthcare provider before starting any treatment plan.
