Aerophagia

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Aerophagia (var. aerophagy) is a condition that occurs when a person swallows too much air, which goes to the stomach. It causes gas bloating of the abdomen and frequent belching. It may cause pain, too, which sometimes is difficult to diagnose.

Aerophagia can occur without any act of swallowing. A Ukrainian study[link] showed that in people with cervical spinal blockages, inhaling also caused air to go down into the esophagus and stomach. The study recommends cervical spine therapy as a method of treatment.

References: Krasiuk MM, Kratinov VP, "The characteristics of aerophagy and its treatment", Lik Sprava. 1993 Jul;(7):114-6.

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