Observational study of children with aerophagia

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Adapting Human Videofluoroscopic Swallow Study Methods to Detect and Characterize Dysphagia in Murine Disease Models
08:32

Adapting Human Videofluoroscopic Swallow Study Methods to Detect and Characterize Dysphagia in Murine Disease Models

Published on: March 1, 2015

Vera Loening-Baucke1, Alexander Swidsinski

  • 1Division of General Pediatrics University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa 52242, USA. vera-loening-baucke@uiowa.edu

Clinical Pediatrics
|May 1, 2008
PubMed

Insights

Aerophagia, or excessive air swallowing, is a rare childhood disorder often misdiagnosed with constipation. This study highlights its symptoms and effective behavioral treatments for children.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Gastroenterology
  • Functional Gastrointestinal Disorders

Background:

  • Aerophagia is a rare pediatric disorder.
  • Diagnosis is frequently delayed, particularly when co-occurring with functional constipation.
  • This report aims to enhance awareness of aerophagia in children.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To describe the clinical presentation of aerophagia in children with functional constipation.
  • To outline diagnostic clues and effective management strategies.

Main Methods:

  • Case series of 9 children (2 girls, 7 boys) aged 2 to 10.4 years.
  • Clinical examination, including abdominal assessment and rectal examination.
  • Abdominal X-rays to evaluate gaseous distention.
  • Behavioral interventions focusing on reducing air swallowing.

Main Results:

  • All children presented with functional constipation and significant gaseous abdominal distention.
  • Reduced abdominal distention upon waking was a key diagnostic indicator.
  • Rectal examinations often showed a dilated rectal ampulla.
  • Abdominal X-rays confirmed colonic gaseous distention in all, with gastric and small bowel involvement in 8.
  • Treatment involving education and behavioral modification resolved aerophagia in all patients within 2-20 months (mean 8 months).

Conclusions:

  • Aerophagia in children with functional constipation can be effectively diagnosed and treated.
  • Behavioral interventions, including parental and child education on reducing air swallowing, are crucial.
  • Early recognition and management can lead to complete resolution of symptoms.

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