Aerophagia: an uncommon form of self-injury

Am J Ment Defic. 1986 Sep;91(2):201-3.

Abstract

Aerophagia is a rarely recognized self-injurious behavior that consists of repetitive air swallowing with consequent belching, flatulence, and abdominal distention. The condition causes serious medical problems and can result in death. Possible causes of aerophagia and some attempts to treat it were reviewed briefly.

MeSH terms

  • Aerophagy / psychology*
  • Humans
  • Intellectual Disability / psychology*
  • Risk
  • Self Mutilation / psychology*