Aerophagia Common Questions

Back in August I wrote a blog post entitled, “Breathing isn’t Optional.” The post was a quick overview about my experience with aerophagia, and what I found as helpful tools against the condition.  Multiple people messaged me with further questions with my experience with aerophagia. I have decided to list out the most common questions, and my answers, in hope of shedding light on a topic that is not often talked about. 

Aerophagia: is a medical term for excessive and repetitive air swallowing… symptoms include abdominal distention, bloating, belching, and flatulence (Healthline).

Did you have gas in your throat or chest? Have head pressure, panic attacks, and abdominal distention?

Gas. Gas everywhere and anywhere. My stomach was so distended that my clothes no longer fit. It was the most uncomfortable feeling. I felt like a balloon that about ready to pop. I felt pressure in my head, throat, and stomach. All this led to an increase in panic attacks, because I had no idea what was happening with my body.    

Were you dizzy and light headed through out the day?

Yes, I had times where I was extremely dizzy. I continually felt like I was going to pass out. I think this was because I was taking in too much air throughout the day from breathing abnormally and panicking. 

Did you have shortness of breath?

Yes, I do sometimes have shortness of breath. Aerophagia generally occurs when you gulp in too much air. Panic attacks can make a person feel like they cannot take a deep breath when in actuality there is noting wrong with their breathing. But because we think there is not enough air coming in, we gulp in even more air, creating an access of air in the body. 

Do you breathe regularly now, or still more frequently?

I breathe more regularly now, but some days are just hard. If I start burping really bad that is a sign that I have not been taking care of myself properly. It is a warning sign that my breathing is out of control, and I need to stop, and assess what is causing my panic.  

Was it typically bad in the mornings?

Not as bad as it was at night when I was winding down for bed. I had the worst symptoms at night with bloating, burping, and breathing troubles. My thought is that, at night, all my stress from the day crashes over me, and my body has a hard time handling the stress. 

Did all your medical tests come back negative? 

I really wanted a quick fix, and I got tested for everything under the sun. I kept hoping some drug would fix everything. I was so frustrated and angry because all the tests came back negative. There was nothing wrong with me yet something was wrong. The only thing left after all the tests was anxiety. There is no quick fix for anxiety. Lots of self-love and self-care are needed to help anxiety, and that can take time.

Do medication for anxiety help?

Throughout this journey, I have stayed on the same anxiety medication, but my dosage has changed. At one point I was on the highest dosage you could be on for the medication that I take. Now that I am leveling out, I am starting the process to drop my dosage level. For me, medication has helped, but everyone is different. Anxiety medication is not a cure, but it is a tool that can help in the process. 

What do you think of therapy? 

I have been in therapy on and off since my issues with aerophagia started. A therapist can help you identify your triggers, so you can better control, and understand the anxiety. Finding a good therapist that works for you is a game changer! I totally recommend therapy!

Have you cured it? And if so, how?

I have not cured it, but I do have better control over it. I’m ready to no longer be full of air.

Have you trained yourself to stop?

It wasn’t training as much as removing stressors from my life, and adding in self-care. It was adding and subtracting things in my life until I started to notice a difference. It was a year after my symptoms started, that I finally felt some sense of normalcy.

My hope is that these questions/answers will help people suffering from aerophagia, or something like it, so they will know that they are not alone. If you are reading this, and have not experienced aerophagia, I hope you feel more informed on the topic itself. Let’s all remember to keep the conversation going.