I am 45 years old, and I do not smoke or drink. I work in IT and generally lead a sedentary lifestyle without regular exercise. My BMI is 26, and my body type can be described as “skinny fat.” I am not obese, but I do carry some belly fat.
My main problem is that whenever I try to exercise—even after keeping a three-hour gap between meals—I experience sudden burping attacks. During these episodes, my chest feels heavy and tight, making it difficult to breathe, which in turn triggers anxiety. Even light activities such as cycling or doing just two to three push-ups can set off these burping attacks. Once they begin, the discomfort lasts for more than an hour before subsiding.
I do not suffer from heartburn or burping otherwise; it only happens after physical activity.
I consulted a gastroenterologist and underwent an endoscopy, which revealed nothing except mild gastritis. There was no hiatal hernia or any other abnormality. I also visited a cardiologist and had a CT Coronary Angiography done, but no issues were found. A pulmonologist performed spirometry, and my lungs were confirmed to be fine.
Because of my lack of exercise, I have very little stamina. I want to exercise desperately and regulate my lifestyle, but I simply cannot. It feels as though air is trapped in my chest, waiting to escape through my mouth.
One observation I have made is that if I exercise on an empty stomach—such as first thing in the morning—I do not experience these burping attacks.
My job is not particularly stressful.
After spending so much money on medical consultations, I still have no clear pathway forward. No doctor has been able to explain the cause. Is it anxiety? Is it stress?
Even simple activities, such as playing football with my son at home or lifting heavy luggage, can trigger these burping attacks, leaving me uncomfortable for one to two hours.
I feel confused, discouraged, and completely down and out.