Belching (Aerophagia)

(Patient swallows air without realising it)

• Make patient aware of excessive swallowing and belching.

• Advise patient to:

  • – avoid fizzy (carbonated) soft drinks

  • – avoid chewing gum

  • – avoid drinking with meals

  • – avoid mixing proteins and starches

  • – eat slowly and chew food thoroughly before swallowing

  • – eat and chew with the mouth closed

If persistent: simethicone preparation (e.g. Mylanta DS, Phazyme).

If desperate: place a small cork between the back teeth after meals for 30 mins.