Air Swallowing

Swallowing air is a normal process that we all do, but in some cases, this condition could lead to very annoying symptoms.

Air swallowing

Air swallowing condition occurs when we swallow too much air so that it leads to unpleasant symptoms.

Aerophagia is a common condition, and it affects anyone at any age.

Causes of air swallowing

• Air swallowing can occur as a result of lifestyle-related behaviors, such as eating rapidly, talking while eating, chewing gum, using straws, drinking carbonated beverages, sucking on hard candy, and smoking.
• Aerophagia can also occur due to certain medical conditions and treatments, such as stress, anxiety, depression, using a certain machine for obstructive sleep apnea, and dentures that are loose-fitting because they cause more production of saliva, which causes more swallowing, and therefore, more air swallowing.

Symptoms of air swallowing

Although the symptoms of air swallowing aren’t serious, they are disturbing and make the person uncomfortable and embarrassed. They include:

• Excessive flatulence and gas.
• Bloated stomach.
• Distended belly.
• Pain from the gas.
• Frequent belches. The normal rate is 10 times per one hour, but in the case of air swallowing, burping might occur 120 times an hour.

Diagnosis of air swallowing

• Asking about the symptoms.
• Excluding other medical conditions.

Treatment of air swallowing

There isn’t a treatment for air swallowing, and managing the condition depends on modifying the lifestyle-related behaviors. Such as:

• Eating and chewing food slowly.
• Not talking while eating.
• Not using straws for beverages.
• Quitting smoking.
• Managing other conditions, if any.