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Aerophagia

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Pediatric Neurogastroenterology

Part of the book series: Clinical Gastroenterology ((CG))

Abstract

Aerophagia is a common functional gastrointestinal disorder recognized in children and adults. It is generally diagnosed based on characteristic symptoms in individuals presenting with significant air swallowing and increased intestinal gas as a result. It is typically a benign condition with the majority of people who experience aerophagia never seeking medical care. While the primary features of aerophagia appear mediated by ingested air, the complete pathophysiology of this condition is incompletely understood. In rare instances, there is the potential for significant morbidity due to massive gastrointestinal distention. However, in the majority of cases, aerophagia is managed supportively. There have been a number of trials incorporating various treatment modalities ranging from use of hypnosis to administration of prokinetics, but in children, biofeedback may prove the best option in situations where education and reassurance have failed.

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Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Pediatrics Gastroenterology and Nutrition, Goryeb Children’s Hospital/Atlantic Health System, Morristown Memorial Hospital, 100 Madison Avenue, Morristown, NJ, 07962, USA

    Oren Koslowe M.D.

  2. Department of Pediatrics Gastroenterology and Nutrition, Goryeb Children’s Hospital, Atlantic Health, Morristown, NJ, USA

    Denesh K. Chitkara M.D.

Authors
  1. Oren Koslowe M.D.
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  2. Denesh K. Chitkara M.D.
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to Denesh K. Chitkara M.D. .

Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

  1. Sainte-Justine Hospital, Department of Pediatrics, Division of Pediatric Gastroenterology, Université de Montréal, Montreal, H3T 1C5, Québec, Canada

    Christophe Faure

  2. Nationwide Children's Hospital, Division of Pediatric Gastroenterology, The Ohio State University, Columbus, 43205, Ohio, USA

    Carlo Di Lorenzo

  3. Gastroenterology and Neural Development, University College London, Institute of Child Health, Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children, London, WC1N 1EH, United Kingdom

    Nikhil Thapar

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Koslowe, O., Chitkara, D.K. (2013). Aerophagia. In: Faure, C., Di Lorenzo, C., Thapar, N. (eds) Pediatric Neurogastroenterology. Clinical Gastroenterology. Humana Press, Totowa, NJ. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-60761-709-9_37

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-60761-709-9_37

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  • Publisher Name: Humana Press, Totowa, NJ

  • Print ISBN: 978-1-60761-708-2

  • Online ISBN: 978-1-60761-709-9

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