aerophagia
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Introduction
Swallowing air. Normal cause of belching.
Etiology
- some degree of aerophagia is considered normal
- chronic anxiety
- rapid eating
- carbonated beverages
- drinking through a straw
- chewing gum
- sucking on hard candy
- cigarette smoking
- postnasal drip
- poorly fitting dentures
- esophageal speech
Pathology
- most swallowed air generally passes only part way down the esophagus, then is regurgitated (belching)
- because belching may provide temporary relief, a viscious cycle of aerophagia & belching may occur
- does not cause increased flatus or bloating
- swallowed air not belched passes into the intestine
- 20-60% of intestinal gas represents swallowed air
Clinical manifestations
- belching
- accumulated swallowed air in the stomach may lead to the feeling of postprandial fullness
- magenblase syndrome
- acute gastric distension by swallowed air can produce a sharp pain or mimic angina pectoris
Laboratory
- gas chromatography of intestinal gas may be used to identify oxygen & nitrogen (from aerophagia, NOT produced in the intestinal tract)