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Dysphagia
Published in: Dysphagia 2/2016

01-04-2016 | Review Paper

The Physiology of Eructation

Author: Ivan M. Lang

Published in: Dysphagia | Issue 2/2016

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Abstract

Eructation is composed of three independent phases: gas escape, upper barrier elimination, and gas transport phases. The gas escape phase is the gastro-LES inhibitory reflex that causes transient relaxation of the lower esophageal sphincter, which is activated by distension of stretch receptors of the proximal stomach. The upper barrier elimination phase is the transient relaxation of the upper esophageal sphincter along with airway protection. This phase is activated by stimulation of rapidly adapting mechanoreceptors of the esophageal mucosa. The gas transport phase is esophageal reverse peristalsis mediated by elementary reflexes, and it is theorized that this phase is activated by serosal rapidly adapting tension receptors. Alteration of the receptors which activate the upper barrier elimination phase of eructation by gastro-esophageal reflux of acid may in part contribute to the development of supra-esophageal reflux disease.
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Metadata
Title
The Physiology of Eructation
Author
Ivan M. Lang
Publication date
01-04-2016
Publisher
Springer US
Published in
Dysphagia / Issue 2/2016
Print ISSN: 0179-051X
Electronic ISSN: 1432-0460
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/s00455-015-9674-6

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