Neonatal Aerophagia Dilemma – A Gastrointestinal Functional Disorder: Role of Imaging Studies
B. B. Sharma *
Department of Radio-diagnosis, PGIMER and Dr RML Hospital, New Delhi Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital, India.
Shashi Sharma
Department of Pediatrics, SGT Medical College, Gurgaon, Haryana, India.
Sandeep Sharma
Department of Anesthesia and Pain Management, SGT Medical College, Gurgaon, (Haryana), India
Priya Ramchandran
Department of Anesthesia, Heartlands Hospital, B912AF, Birmingham, UK.
Shweta Sharma
ENT and Head and Neck Surgery, PGIMER and Dr RML Hospital, New Delhi, India.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
Aerophagia is excessive swallowing of air which goes to stomach through oesophagus and causes abdominal distention. This may alert the parents of pediatric age group especially neonates and causes anxiety. Although it’s a functional condition, the clinical presentation can suggest malabsorption or obstruction, leading to unnecessary tests and investigations. We present a 15 days -old neonate who was brought to the pediatric surgical emergency with one such condition and was managed conservatively after imaging studies ruled out any underlying pathology. The case was discharged without any surgical intervention.
Keywords: Aerophagia, neonate, imaging studies.