aerophagia

[air-uh-fey-juh, -jee-uh]

noun

Psychiatry.

1. swallowing of air, sometimes due to nervousness or anxiety.

aerophagia

/ ˌɛərəˈfeɪdʒɪə, -dʒə, ɛəˈrɒfədzɪ /

noun

1. spasmodic swallowing of air, a habit that can lead to belching and stomach pain

Other Word Forms

• aerophagist noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of aerophagia¹

First recorded in 1900–05; aero- + -phagia

Example Sentences

With regard to the first of these problems, there is a condition that involves swallowing excessive amounts of air during and between meals, known as aerophagia.

Read more on Salon

Less commonly, intestinal gas can result from aerophagia, or swallowing air.

Read more on US News

Initially she considered aerophagia, in which the habit of swallowing air causes bloating and discomfort.

Read more on New York Times