Aerophagia
Excessive air swallowing affecting the digestive tract.
Aerophagia is a condition characterized by excessive swallowing of air, which enters the stomach rather than the lungs. It may also present with excessive flatulence as the primary symptom. The condition affects an estimated 0.1–1% of the general population, though underreporting may make this figure an underestimate.
Quick Facts
- Prevalence
- 0.1–1% of the general population
Facts from the source article.
Causes
Aerophagia is linked to behaviors such as chewing gum excessively, smoking, drinking carbonated beverages, and eating too quickly. Anxiety, high continuous positive airway pressure, and loose dentures are also associated factors. Some individuals deliberately swallow air to increase belch volume. In people with cervical spinal blockages, inhalation can involuntarily force air into the esophagus and stomach.
Diagnosis
Aerophagia is diagnosed in 8.8% of cognitively delayed patients, where impaired coordination between swallowing and respiration is observed. It is a dangerous potential side effect of non-invasive ventilation (NIV), used in respiratory and cardiovascular critical care or during surgery with general anesthesia. Diagnosis during NIV is made by experienced specialists listening with a stethoscope placed outside the abdominal cavity, though this method may detect the problem later than optimal. Delayed detection can lead to gastric distension, diaphragm elevation, aspiration of stomach contents, or esophageal rupture.
More in Symptoms and Signs: Digestive System and Abdomen
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