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Aerophagia in children: characterization of a functional gastrointestinal disorder

D K Chitkara1, A J Bredenoord, A J Bredenood

  • 1The Motility Unit, Division of Gastroenterology and Nutrition, Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA. denesh.chitkara@childrens.harvard.edu

Neurogastroenterology and Motility
|August 5, 2005
PubMed

Insights

Aerophagia, a disorder causing prolonged gastrointestinal symptoms like abdominal pain and bloating in children, is distinct from functional dyspepsia. This study details its symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment in pediatric patients.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Gastroenterology
  • Functional Gastrointestinal Disorders

Background:

  • Aerophagia is a condition characterized by excessive air swallowing.
  • Understanding its presentation in children is crucial for accurate diagnosis and management.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To describe the presenting symptoms, diagnostic methods, treatments, and outcomes for children diagnosed with aerophagia.
  • To differentiate aerophagia from functional dyspepsia in a pediatric population.

Main Methods:

  • Retrospective chart review of children (1-17 years) diagnosed with aerophagia between 1975-2003.
  • Comparison of symptoms with a control group of children diagnosed with functional dyspepsia.

Main Results:

  • Forty-five children were diagnosed with aerophagia, experiencing symptoms for a mean of 16 months.
  • Common symptoms included abdominal pain, distention, and frequent belching.
  • Children with functional dyspepsia showed higher rates of nausea, vomiting, and weight loss.

Conclusions:

  • Aerophagia is diagnosed in neurologically normal children and can cause prolonged symptoms.
  • Despite overlapping upper gastrointestinal symptoms, aerophagia is a distinct disorder from functional dyspepsia.

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