Uncontrolled Swallowing of Air: Understanding Causes and Remedies
Chronic aerophagia, a condition where people swallow excessive amounts of air, can affect individuals with certain medical conditions that require the use of medical devices like ventilators [1][5]. This condition is often caused by habits such as rapid eating, talking while eating, anxiety, or improper use of dental appliances, and can also be linked to behavioral or neurological conditions [1][5].
The main symptoms of chronic aerophagia include excessive belching, bloating, abdominal distension, and sometimes hiccups, due to air entering the stomach rapidly [1][5]. While generally benign, chronic aerophagia can cause discomfort and interfere with daily life.
Treatments for chronic aerophagia focus on reducing air swallowing and managing symptoms. Behavioral modifications such as encouraging slow eating, avoiding talking while chewing, and reducing stress or anxiety are often recommended [5]. In some cases, speech therapy or psychological interventions may be necessary to modify breathing and swallowing patterns [5]. Gastrointestinal motility management may also be required to address underlying reflux or motility disorders [3]. Physical maneuvers for hiccups or belching relief, as well as the use of dental devices or medications, may be warranted in certain situations [3][5].
If symptoms are severe, persistent, or accompanied by other concerning signs (like pain or weight loss), further medical evaluation is needed to exclude other gastrointestinal disorders [4].
Aerophagia can also occur due to medical treatment, mechanical factors, or psychological factors. Psychological factors such as anxiety and depression can also cause aerophagia [2]. Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) treatment for obstructive sleep apnea is a common cause of air ingestion and aerophagia [3]. Switching from a CPAP device to an auto-adjusting positive airway pressure (APAP) device may help reduce air ingestion [3]. Different types of CPAP masks, such as nasal masks, may be suggested to reduce aerophagia [3].
Treatment for aerophagia may involve dietary modifications, lifestyle changes, or anti-gas medications, depending on the causes [5]. Severe symptoms, including chest pain, vomiting, diarrhea, significant bloating, blood in the stool, pressure in the chest, weight loss, severe abdominal pain, heartburn that gets worse, should prompt immediate medical attention [5]. Aerophagia can cause serious complications, including perforations in the gastrointestinal system, which is a life-threatening condition [5].
Quitting smoking can contribute to preventing the buildup of gas and improving aerophagia [5]. Mechanical factors that can lead to aerophagia include eating too quickly, chewing gum, talking and eating at the same time, smoking, drinking using a straw, drinking carbonated beverages, and breathing through the mouth [5].
Aerophagia is the medical term for swallowing too much air, with gas entering the stomach and digestive system being the leading cause [1]. Sleeping on the side instead of the back while using a CPAP or APAP device may reduce air swallowed [3]. Anti-gas medications, including over-the-counter options, may be recommended by doctors [5]. Doctors may also adjust the pressure levels of the PAP device to reduce air ingestion [3]. Avoiding carbonated beverages, chewing gum, and limiting FODMAP foods can help prevent gas formation and improve aerophagia [5].
References:
[1] Aerophagia: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatments. (2021). Healthline. Retrieved from https://www.healthline.com/health/aerophagia
[2] Aerophagia. (n.d.). Mayo Clinic. Retrieved from https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/aerophagia/symptoms-causes/syc-20350386
[3] Aerophagia: Swallowing Too Much Air. (2020). Cleveland Clinic. Retrieved from https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/21606-aerophagia
[4] Aerophagia. (2021). Medscape. Retrieved from https://emedicine.medscape.com/article/1257571-overview
[5] Aerophagia. (2020). NHS. Retrieved from https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/aerophagia/
- Chronic aerophagia can interfere with the health-and-wellness of an individual, causing symptoms like excessive belching, bloating, and abdominal distension, which are results of air entering the stomach [1][5].
- In addition to behavioral modifications, the treatment for chronic aerophagia may involve addressing other digestive problems, such as adjusting pressure levels of positive airway pressure (PAP) devices, quitting smoking, and avoiding carbonated beverages, chewing gum, and FODMAP foods [3][5].
- Serious complications from aerophagia can include perforations in the gastrointestinal system, which necessitate immediate medical attention, and often present with symptoms like chest pain, vomiting, diarrhea, significant bloating, blood in the stool, pressure in the chest, weight loss, severe abdominal pain, heartburn that gets worse [5].
