Swallowing air linked to fast eating, gum, and straw use

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Bloating and flatus may be signs ... diagnostic process. No treatments have been tested in Aerophagia. Air swallowing is increased with meals and children should be advised to avoid drinking from straws, chewing gum, sucking on candy or consuming carbonated beverag...

Aerophagia happens when you swallow a lot of air -- enough to make you burp frequently or upset your stomach. It can be a nervous habit, but you also might get it if you eat, chew, or talk quickly.

After all, it doesn't dissolve in your mouth like other foods, and your stomach can't break it down if you swallow it. But there's no truth to this claim. Gum doesn't gum up your insides.

How we breathe, eat, and drink play key roles in the formation of aerophagia. Some things that lead to excessive air swallowing include: eating quickly (for example, taking a second bite before the first one is fully chewed and swallowed)

Aerophagia may also be a side effect or complication of a condition or medical treatment. Lifestyle-related things that can cause you to swallow too much air include: Eating too fast. Talking while eating.

Aerophagia affects approximately 0.1–1% of the general population, though prevalence may be underestimated due to underreporting. ... Aerophagia is associated with excessively chewing gum, smoking, drinking carbonated drinks, eating too quickly, as well as anxiety, high continuous positive ...

Thoroughly chew your food before swallowing. Try to eat your food with your mouth closed. Avoid drinking carbonated drinks, such as cold drinks, soda, or beer. Do not drink your beverages through a straw.

But will it really? That’s not likely, says Duke gastroenterologist Nancy McGreal, MD, who debunked this commonly heard myth. Most people empty their stomachs 30 to 120 minutes after eating, and that includes gum.