gms | German Medical Science

Introduction: Aerophagia is a symptom which is described as unaware aerial gulp within the scope of psychic or vegetative disturbances. The result is often an increased eructation. This symptom is mostly misinterpreted as a psychosomatic concomitant. Though the affected patients are well diagnosed, a sufficient therapy can not be provided. However, a psychosomatic exploration may help.

Casuistic: A 69-year-old female with aerophagia presented at our Phoniatric Department. For several years she complained about attack-like aerophagia caused by cough and deep inspiration. The concurrent dyspnoea during the attacks was distinctive.

In the X-ray examination of the cervical spine (CS) a degenerative change with light joint mismatch of the cervical vertebrae 2 and 3 as well as 4 and 5 were detected. The Ear Nose Throat examination showed a normal status except for a light redness of the larynx. During the examination of the neck a segmental hypomobility (C2/3, C3/4) was palpated. In these segments aerophagia could be triggered. We mobilised manual-therapeutically the CS. The patient felt immediate relieve of the distress.

Conclusions: Manual Therapy has freed an affected Phrenic nerve. According to our findings mobilisation of the cervical spine should be a therapeutic option in patients with aerophagia.