Pathologic Aerophagia: A Rare but Important Medical Condition in People with Intellectual Disabilities

Autor/inn/en	Wong, Wendy; Sajith, Sreedharan Geetha
Titel	Pathologic Aerophagia: A Rare but Important Medical Condition in People with Intellectual Disabilities
Quelle	In: British Journal of Learning Disabilities, 45 (2017) 1, S.89-93 (5 Seiten)Infoseite zur Zeitschrift PDF als Volltext Verfügbarkeit
Sprache	englisch
Dokumenttyp	gedruckt; online; Zeitschriftenaufsatz
ISSN	1354-4187
DOI	10.1111/bld.12164
Schlagwörter	Intellectual Disability; Autism; Pervasive Developmental Disorders; Etiology; Literature Reviews; Clinical Psychology; Electronic Publishing; Epidemiology; Disease Incidence; Disease Control; Health Conditions; Comorbidity + Suchen Sie Ihr Suchwort? Intellect; Disability; Disabilities; Verstand; Behinderung; Autismus; Ätiologie; Klinische Psychologie; Elektronisches Publizieren; Epidemiologie
Abstract	Background: Pathologic aerophagia (PA) is characterised by excessive swallowing of air resulting in significant abdominal distension or belching. This is a relatively rare condition in general population but has been reported in up to 8.8% of institutionalised patients with intellectual disability. In severe cases, this can cause volvulus and ileus, and even intestinal perforation. Currently, there is limited information on this potentially life-threatening condition, particularly for people with intellectual disability. In this study, we aim to present a literature of diagnosis and management of PA and describe a case of PA in an adult with intellectual disability and autism. Methods: A literature search of electronic database was performed using specific keywords. Results: Apart from a few small controlled trials on pharmacotherapy, most of the studies were case series or uncontrolled studies. The understanding on pathophysiology is incomplete but is thought to involve a reflex-induced movement of upper oesophageal sphincter and may be associated with anxiety or stress. A comprehensive history and physical examination as well as an abdominal radiograph may be helpful in diagnosis. Medications that are helpful include antacids, anti-reflux drugs and benzodiazepines. Surgical treatment may be required in severe cases. A case of an adult patient with intellectual disability and PA is discussed to highlight the challenges in diagnosis and management. Conclusions: PA is not uncommon in people with intellectual disability and can pose challenges in the assessment and management. Further studies are necessary to provide evidence-based treatment guidelines for the management of this condition particularly in patients with intellectual disability. (As Provided).
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Erfasst von	ERIC (Education Resources Information Center), Washington, DC
Update	2020/1/01