1. Excessive swallowing of air, usually an unconscious process associated with anxiety, resulting in abdominal distention or belching, often interpreted by the patient as signs of a physical disorder.
2. Abnormal spasmodic swallowing of air; especially, as a symptom of hysteria.
3. The abnormal spasmodic swallowing of air, a common cause of flatulence and belching.

It can result in the distention of the stomach.