Aerophagia happens when you swallow too much air while eating, drinking, talking, or laughing. This can cause symptoms like a bloated abdomen, a heavy feeling in the stomach, frequent burping, and excess gas.
Aerophagia is not a serious condition. It can be caused by chewing gum, eating too quickly, smoking, drinking through a straw, or using CPAP for sleep apnea.
It is important to see a healthcare provider if symptoms of aerophagia occur, especially when they are frequent. A gastroenterologist may be recommended to help identify the cause and determine the best way to treat and prevent it.
Main symptoms
The main symptoms of aerophagia are:
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Frequent or excessive burping
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Bloating
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Heavy feeling in the stomach
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Abdominal pain or discomfort
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Stomach noises
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Excess gas
Symptoms of aerophagia usually occur when a person swallows too much air. This can cause air to build up in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract, leading to bloating and discomfort.
Confirming a diagnosis
Aerophagia is diagnosed by a gastroenterologist based on symptoms, medical history, and a physical exam. In some cases, symptoms may need to be present for several weeks or months to confirm the diagnosis.
In addition, the doctor may order an abdominal X-ray to check for excess gas in the intestines and determine whether a bowel obstruction present.
If necessary, the doctor may also order an upper endoscopy to examine the stomach and rule out health conditions that can cause similar symptoms, such as gastroesophageal reflux or food allergies.
Possible causes
The main causes of aerophagia are:
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Eating too quickly
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Talking a lot or talking while eating
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Drinking liquids through a straw
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Chewing gum frequently
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Drinking large amounts of soda and carbonated drinks
Other causes of aerophagia include breathing through the mouth, wearing dentures, or smoking. According to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, these habits can increase the amount of air swallowed, which may lead to gas buildup in the digestive tract.
In addition, CPAP, a medical device used for sleep apnea that helps improve breathing during sleep, can also lead to aerophagia.
Treatment options
Treatment for aerophagia is usually guided by a primary care provider or gastroenterologist and may include medications such as simethicone, which helps break up gas bubbles in the stomach or intestines and relieves symptoms.
How to prevent
Some ways to prevent aerophagia include:
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Eating slowly and chewing food well
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Avoiding chewing gum
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Avoiding talking while eating and eating with the mouth closed
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Not using a straw to drink liquids
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Avoiding excessive or frequent consumption of carbonated drinks
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Not smoking
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Controlling breathing and avoiding breathing through the mouth
In addition, if aerophagia is caused by dentures, a dentist should be consulted so the dentures can be adjusted. If it is caused by CPAP use, a pulmonologist should be consulted to adjust the CPAP device.