Burping is a fairly common occurrence. After all, every now and then we drink water too quickly and need to release the air that has entered our system along with the liquid, or we drink carbonated beverages that carry air into our stomachs. But did you know that burping can also be a symptom of a health condition called aerophagia?

"Aerophagia refers to the disorder in which patients swallow air so frequently, and in such large quantities, that it results in unwanted symptoms," explains Dr. Vital Fernandes Araújo Part of the ingested air is expelled through eructation (burping) and part of the air reaches the intestines, where it causes abdominal distension (mainly of the stomach and intestines), pain, and bloating. It can lead, in more serious cases, to breathing difficulties.

Symptoms

Symptoms can vary from person to person; however, the most common include:

• Swelling;
• Burps;
• Indigestion;
• Flatulence;
• Frequent hiccups;
• Distension;
• Constipation;
• Abdominal pain;
• Increased abdominal sounds.

Read also: Hiccups can be a symptom of anxiety or stress

Causes of aerophagia

Aerophagia is a condition that can be triggered by a number of factors, so it is always important to consult a doctor when noticing symptoms. Thus, Dr. Vital cites some of the main causes of the condition:

• Eat very quickly;
• Chewing gum;
• Talking too much while eating;
• Overindulging in carbonated beverages, such as soft drinks, energy drinks, etc;
• Drink while using a straw;
• Use CPAP (a device used for sleep in some disorders);
• Neurological disorders (can influence swallowing);
• Strenuous physical activities that lead to rapid breathing;
• Anxiety;
• Gastroesophageal reflux disease.

Diagnosis

The diagnosis is made from the clinical, such as the physical examination by a specialized physician, and with the help of some procedures, such as abdominal X-ray, esophageal impedance-pHmetry, and upper digestive endoscopy, in some cases.

Treatment of aerophagia

For the management of this condition it is first necessary to differentiate patients with stable chronic symptoms from those with acute and severe episodes. But this can lead to a life-threatening situation.

"It occurs mainly in mentally handicapped patients, and can result in intestinal twisting, obstruction, and breathing difficulties due to increased abdominal pressure," explains the professional. "In that case, a nasogastric tube to relieve gastric air seems reasonable, and sedatives can help reduce repetitive swallowing of air."

In most patients, the symptoms are more chronic and mild, which justifies a different approach. Thus, it is advisable to restrict the use of carbonated drinks and eat slowly.

"Similar to patients with excessive burping, treatment with speech therapy can be beneficial, as the goal of speech therapy for aerophagia is to reduce the swallowing of air," the doctor continues.

Some medicines with anti-foaming properties, such as dimethicone and simethicone, which prevent the formation of gas in the intestines, can help relieve the symptoms as well. Thus, in the case of constipation secondary to intestinal distension, laxatives can also be used.

It is also common to combine psychotherapy with treatment, both to ensure improved breathing and to change habits, especially for patients diagnosed with depression or anxiety.

"For patients who smoke, quitting smoking also becomes an important treatment goal," he says. "And if gastroesophageal reflux is detected, it should also be treated concomitantly."

Source: Dr. Vital Fernandes Araújo, physician specialized in Orthomolecular Medicine and post-graduated in Psychiatry.