What is aerophagia?

When this air goes into the stomach, it may cause abdominal distention or belching. It can cause flatulance or gastric discomfort.

The patient may think it to be a physical disorder. It is not really an indigestion problem but is caused by some wrong habits.

It is possible to change these habits that cause the problem and get rid of it.

Symptoms of aerophagia:

One of the main symptoms is excessive or chronic or constant burping or belching. Chronic belching or burping may not always occur because of aerophagia but it could be one of the causes.

Apart from chronic burping this excess air can also cause stomach bloating as well as pain.

Causes of aerophagy and treatment:

Why do some people swallow more air?

Nervousness:

When we are nervous or tense, we may swallow more air without realizing it. Most people are not even aware that they have such a habit. They can stop it if they realize they have this habit.

Lactose intolerance:

those who are intolerant to milk products may belch and burp more. It may cause them bloating too.

Carbonated drinks:

can cause burping and belching.

Chewing gum all the time, wearing ill-fitting dentures can also cause a person to swallow more air.

Eating too fast, Speaking while eating can make you swallow air.

Some foods cause gas in the stomach. This swallowed air adds to it. Reducing or avoiding such foods can help reduce the gas/air in the stomach.