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What Causes Constant Gasping Of Air And Belching In An Elderly Woman?

Posted on Sat, 14 May 2016

Question: What could possibly cause nearly constant gasping air, then belching? This has been going on for a couple of years. We have all but given up trying to find a remedy. The person is female, age 73.

Answered by Dr. Baranidharan Kuselan (4 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Gastroesophageal reflux disease

Detailed Answer:
Hi there,
Thanks for posting in HCM.
I am Dr.Barani and I am pleased to assist you.

The symptoms you have mentioned - Nearly constant gasping and then belching can occur in gastroesphageal reflux disease.

The medication protonix which you have mentioned in your post taken once a day before breakfast would provide relief.

Let me know if you have any more questions.
Regards,
Dr.Barani

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Raju A.T

Follow up: Dr. Baranidharan Kuselan (12 hours later)

The drug Protonix 40mg has been taken daily since 2/8/16. Would a stronger dose or maybe another medication be in order? Nothing so far seems to help. My wife stays depressed because of her condition. She is taking medication for that too. The only explanation I have gotten so far is that she is swallowing air. I ask why? No answer. We are rather desperate for a viable solution. Thank you. WJH.

Answered by Dr. Baranidharan Kuselan (23 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Answer given below

Detailed Answer:
Hi,
If there is no adequate relief, she can take Protonix twice a day.
Yes swallowing of air, called aerophagia adds to the symptoms.

Anxiety and mouth breathing, eating too quickly, drinking carbonated beverages and wearing loose dentures are some of the causes for swallowing air.

Let me know if you have any more questions.
Regards,
Dr.Barani

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Deepak

Follow up: Dr. Baranidharan Kuselan (11 hours later)

I have Pantoprazole 40mg (generic protonix). I will try giving her two a day to see if that will help. She tries to eat slowly and she has not worn her dentures for about a year because of the belching and aerophagia problem. She doesn't drink carbonated beverages a all. Considering all the medical advancements over the years, SOMEONE MUST have a remedy for her problem. I hope we find it before it's too late. Thank you for your help. XXXXXXX J XXXXXXX Sr.

Answered by Dr. Baranidharan Kuselan (39 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Welcome

Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Welcome back again.

Yes, try giving Protonix twice a day.

Regards.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Deepak

Follow up: Dr. Baranidharan Kuselan (6 hours later)

Our family doctor has placed my wife on 15 units of insulin under the skin daily to lower her blood sugar from 265.Could this relatively high blood sugar also be a cause of this problem? She has Type II Diabetes. WJH.

Answered by Dr. Baranidharan Kuselan (23 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Yes

Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Yes high blood sugar can cause gastroparesis and this can cause symptoms like abdominal bloating and belching.

Regards,
Dr.Barani

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Arnab Banerjee

Follow up: Dr. Baranidharan Kuselan (2 hours later)

Thank you for all the information. I appreciate and respect your opinion. I will save his discussion and inform you if the insulin fixes the problem. WJH.

Answered by Dr. Baranidharan Kuselan (2 hours later)

Brief Answer:
.

Detailed Answer:
Welcome

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Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Raju A.T