Belching (aerophagia)

Question 1

Causes

Answer 1

Patient swallows air without admitting it

Question 2

Management

Answer 2

Make pt aware of excessive swallowing and belching.

Advise to:

• –avoid fizzy (carbonated) soft drinks
• –avoid chewing gum
• –avoid drink with meals
• –avoid mixing proteins and starches
• –eat slowly and chew food thoroughly
• –eat and chew with the mouth closed

If persistent: Simethicone preparation, e.g.

• Mylanta DS
• Phazyme

If desperate: Place a small cork between the back teeth after meals for 30 mins.