Aerophagia is an accumulation of air in the digestive tract that leads to bloating and abdominal tension. It can be caused by frequent ingestion of large amounts of air.
What kind of diseases can be associated with aerophagia?
The following diseases may be associated with aerophagia:
- Hiatal hernia
- Gastritis
- Pancreatitis
- Irritable bowel syndrome
- Ovarian cancer
- Peptic ulcer
Remember that this is not an exhaustive list and it is highly recommended to consult your doctor, in case of symptom’s persistence.
What is the therapy for aerophagia?
The remedies for aerophagia are determined by the symptoms. They can be: chronic and stable or acute and serious episodes that may impair the health of the patient.
In the first case, the most frequent, it is advisable to limit the consumption of carbonated drinks and eat slowly. It could also be useful to take medicines that can prevent the formation of gas in the intestines. Finally, in some cases exercises might be useful to reduce the intake of air. Acute episodes are more frequent and severe in people with mental disabilities. The disorder is treated with sedation that can reduce the intake of air or with the use of a nasogastric tube.
When is most likely to contact your doctor in case of aerophagia?
Since no controlled studies have been conducted on remedies for aerophagia, the advice of a doctor can be helpful to find the appropriate solution. The intervention of a specialist is also crucial in cases of patients with mental disabilities, who have acute episodes of severe bloating that can also lead to breathing difficulties.
