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aerophagia
Swallowing air. Normal cause of belching.
Etiology:
1) some degree of aerophagia is considered normal
2) chronic anxiety
3) rapid eating
4) carbonated beverages
5) drinking through a straw
6) chewing gum
7) sucking on hard candy
8) cigarette smoking
9) postnasal drip
10) poorly fitting dentures
11) esophageal speech
Pathology:
1) most swallowed air generally passes only part way down the esophagus, then is regurgitated (belching)
2) because belching may provide temporary relief, a viscious cycle of aerophagia & belching may occur
3) does not cause increased flatus or bloating
4) swallowed air not belched passes into the intestine
5) 20-60% of intestinal gas represents swallowed air
Clinical manifestations:
1) belching
2) accumulated swallowed air in the stomach may lead to the feeling of postprandial fullness
3) magenblase syndrome
4) 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)
Radiology:
-> X-ray may show air in the gastric fundus
Related
belching (eructation)
magenblase (gastric blubble) syndrome
General
sign/symptom
References
- Guide to Physical Examination & History Taking, 6th edition,
Bates B, JB Lippincott, Philadelphia, 1995, pg 42
- Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine, 14th ed.
Fauci et al (eds), McGraw-Hill Inc. NY, 1998, pg 234