[Pathologic childhood aerophagia]

Abstract

"Air swallowing" described as being part of functional gastrointestinal disorders in "Rome criteria" in 1999 is often misdiagnosed, particularly in non-mentally deficient children.

Aims: To recognize "air swallowing" child and to describe any progress according to the treatment.

Population and methods: This retrospective study reports 13 cases of children without mental deficiency or neuromuscular disease. Clinical elements and precise histories are detailed and we have contacted consulting doctors or families for news.

Results: Ten boys and 3 girls, from 2,5 years to 10 years old, were referred for long lasting pain or abdominal distension. Numerous laboratory investigations were always normal. Diagnosis relied upon the observation of air swallowing and X-Rays views of gastric distension. Air swallowing was observed 7 times, 9 children had twitches and 3 language troubles. In 10 cases, X-rays showed gastric and colic distension. Three children have Chilaïditi syndrome. Favourable results followed in 12 cases after an average of 28 months of treatment. One case was lost for follow-up. Treatment was long, often disappointing and required the intervention of a psychiatrist, a paediatrician and (temporarily) a speech therapist.

Conclusion: Pathological childhood aerophagia is often underdiagnosed and deserves to be better known by paediatricians, psychiatrists and surgeons. A late diagnosis leads to many negative results and causes anxiety. An early diagnosis should lead to a multidisciplinary care.