Behavioral treatment of chronic belching due to aerophagia in a normal adult.

Abstract

Aerophagia, or excessive air swallowing, is a potential cause of belching, flatulence, bloating, and abdominal pain and may contribute to a worsening of gastrointestinal (GI) disorders. A limited number of published reports of aerophagia treatment indicate that behavioral methods may be of benefit. A case report is presented describing the behavioral treatment of chronic belching due to aerophagia in an adult female. The collaborative application of single-participant design research helped identify open-mouth, diaphragmatic breathing and minimized swallowing as an effective intervention. Belching frequency was reduced from an average rate of 18 per 5-min interval during the baseline period to 3 per 5-min period after treatment. Results were maintained at an 18-month follow-up. Recommendations for the use of a brief treatment protocol with adults referred for chronic belching or other GI complaints attributed to aerophagia are discussed.

• Authors: Jeffrey A Cigrang, Christine M Hunter, Alan L Peterson
• Journal: Behavior modification (Behav Modif) Vol. 30 Issue 3 Pg. 341-51 (May 2006) ISSN: 0145-4455 [Print] United States
• PMID: 16574818 (Publication Type: Journal Article)

Topics

• Adult
• Aerophagy (psychology, therapy)
• Behavior Therapy (methods)
• Chronic Disease
• Deglutition
• Eructation (psychology, therapy)
• Female
• Humans
• Military Personnel (psychology)
• Mouth Breathing
• Patient Care Team
• Psychotherapy, Brief
• Referral and Consultation
• United States