Symptoms of GER are significantly more common in individuals who report symptoms of aerophagia suggesting aerophagia may precipitate GER. Study Impact: This is the first study to show that symptoms of aerophagia are extremely common in OSA patients on CPAP therapy.

There has been very little research examining the potential link between GER and aerophagia, therefore the aim of the present study was to investigate this link in a large group of OSA patients being treated with CPAP therapy. Gastric distension caused by aerophagia has the potential to precipitate gastroesophageal reflux events by way of an increase in transient relaxations of the lower esophageal sphincter. However this increased UES pressure also acts to prevent air escaping into the pharynx, in which circumstance secondary peristalsis will propel the air down the esophagus, through the relaxed sphincter and into the stomach.Р вЂќР’В¬urrent Knowledge/Study Rationale: Aerophagia is a well-recognized side-effect of CPAP therapy. 8, 9 This reflex results in increased UES pressure, presumably to protect the airways from refluxed material within the esophagus. 6, 7 Secondly, esophageal distension activates the esophago-upper esophageal sphincter contractile reflex (EUCR/2P). Firstly, esophageal distension causes reflex relaxation of the lower esophageal sphincter (LES), the main barrier between the stomach and the esophagus. 5 Once in the esophagus, air can enter the stomach via two main mechanisms. 2 Р Р†Р вЂљРІР‚Сљ 4 Symptoms resulting from aerophagia include bloating, belching, decreased appetite, diarrhea, flatulence, and stomach noise.Р вЂќР’Вuring sleep, relaxation of the upper esophageal sphincter (UES) increases susceptibility to passage of pressurized air through it and into the esophagus. The consequences of aerophagia include diminished efficiency of the respiratory muscles, reduced cardiac output, uncomfortable distension of the stomach from gastric insufflation, and the potential for regurgitation and aspiration of stomach contents. 1 A well-recognized but poorly understood side effect of CPAP is ingestion of air into the esophagus and stomach, known as aerophagia. CPAP provides a pneumatic splint for the upper airway preventing narrowing or collapse of the airway lumen during sleep. Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP), the mainstay treatment for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), involves administration of air under pressure to the upper airway via a nose or facemask.

Upper chest discomfort abd cpap