[Children who swallow air]

Abstract

Gas in the gut derives from swallowed air, intra-luminal production and diffusion from the blood. Excessive swallowed air may cause pathologic aerophagy.

Case reports: This report describes four children aged from 3 to 12 years with pathologic aerophagy due to excessive air swallowing. One of them had a "Gas Bloat Syndrome". Clinical presentation was very incongruous. However, the clinical features were characteristic: abdominal distention increasing throughout the day, associated with visible and often audible air swallowing and excessive flatus. The questioning and clinical examination helped for diagnosing. Medical symptomatic treatment was associated with a psychotherapy approach.

Conclusion: A better recognition of this condition might contribute towards earlier diagnosis.