Aerophagy

Aerophagy is the medical term for the excessive swallowing of air, which goes to the stomach and intestines. This condition can lead to various gastrointestinal symptoms, including bloating, belching, and abdominal discomfort.

Causes

Aerophagy can be caused by several factors, including:

• Anxiety and stress
• Rapid eating or drinking
• Chewing gum
• Smoking
• Use of carbonated beverages
• Poorly fitting dentures

Symptoms

The primary symptoms of aerophagy include:

• Bloating
• Belching
• Abdominal discomfort
• Flatulence

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of aerophagy typically involves a thorough medical history and physical examination. In some cases, additional tests such as abdominal X-rays or endoscopy may be required to rule out other conditions.

Treatment

Treatment for aerophagy focuses on addressing the underlying cause and may include:

• Behavioral therapy to reduce anxiety and stress
• Dietary modifications to avoid rapid eating and carbonated beverages
• Avoiding chewing gum and smoking
• Ensuring proper fit of dentures

Related Conditions

Aerophagy is often associated with other gastrointestinal conditions such as:

• Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
• Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
• Functional dyspepsia

See Also

• Gastroenterology
• Digestive system
• Abdominal pain
• Flatulence

Resources

Latest articles - Aerophagy

• Most recent articles
• Ongoing trials

Source: Data courtesy of the U.S. National Library of Medicine. Since the data might have changed, please query MeSH on Aerophagy for any updates.

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