THEflatulence designates a physiological phenomenon which is characterized by a abnormally high air intake during swallowing. Air collects in the esophagus and sometimes a small amount in the stomach when the subject drinks or eats. This accumulation of air creates a feeling of bloating and belching (burping), the two symptoms of aerophagia.

The term “aerophagia” means in Greek “to eat air”. In fact, we all “eat” air when we swallow between 2 and 4 liters of air per day. That said, some people ingest more air when they eat, drink, or swallow their saliva.

Several factors, isolated or combined, can be at the origin of aerophagia:

• Thumb sucking;
• La mastication de chewing-gums ;
• Too much consumption of soft drinks (sodas);
• Rapid swallowing : people who eat too fast usually swallow more air;
• anxiety, stress ;
• Some diseases ;
• Overproduction of saliva (hypersalivation) ;
• Wearing a dental prosthesis unsuitable;
• The habit of “burping” which becomes a tic, the upper third of the esophagus having voluntary musculation. We speak of eructio nervosa.

• Sensation of ballations (especially after meals);
• Sensation of gravity, heaviness in the stomach;
• Belching frequent (rock).

Aerophagia is not really a disease or even an ailment. It is an embarrassment, because it is normal and commonplace. It does not require shock treatment, but a dual approach: a adapted diet and good lifestyle habits:

• Avoid carbonated drinks;
• Eat gently, chew well and do not swallow too quickly;
• Do not get into the habit of deliberately burping;
• Do not suck his thumb;
• Do not chew gum or suck on candy all day, as this increases the amount of air passing through the esophagus;
• Do not snack throughout the day.

If you stress seems to be involved in aerophagia, it may be interesting to consider anti-stress solutions such as relaxation, meditation, sophrologie,acupuncture or yoga.

The risk of aerophagia can be reduced by eating slowly, chewing well, and avoiding previously mentioned foods and drinks.

THEhomeopathy or phytotherapy (mint, fennel or oregano infusion) offer appropriate treatments.

Many complementary approaches can be useful to limit aerophagia, both ad hoc and durably. It is the origin of the problem that will be decisive in determining which technique is the most appropriate.

Food-related aerophagia

If it is the diet that is at the origin of aerophagia, in addition to the aforementioned advice, it may be useful to go to a naturopath to receive specific dietary advice, adapted to each person.

Aerophagia due to stress

If it is stress that is at the origin of aerophagia, many relaxing approaches are indicated:

• sophrology in the first place since it often helps reduce stress;
• yoga to relax your body and to meditate;
• tai chi chuan and qi gong which are calm martial arts which claim to facilitate the circulation of energy and to exercise self-control in movement;
• l’acupuncture ;
• osteopathy which can work as well on stress in general as more specifically on the digestive sphere and the problems which are at the origin of aerophagia.

Homeopathy

Occasionally, if aerophagia is accompanied by burping which relieves, it is possible to take Carbo vegetalis in 5 CH at the rate of 3 granules three times a day.

If gas does not relieve the disorders, we prefer China officinalis in 5 CH at the same dosage.

aromatherapy

With essential oils, we can relieve aerophagia by swallowing after meals a small spoonful of honey in which we have placed a drop of essential oil of tarragon.