Swallowing air and belching are natural occurrences that result from eating or drinking too quickly. Chewing gum or drinking carbonated beverages can also introduce air into the stomach and cause belching. Because infants frequently swallow air when feeding, burping or belching is normal after they have been fed. The act of burping an infant helps relieve the discomfort caused by swallowed air.
Sleeping sickness, also known as Human African Trypanosomiasis (HAT), is caused by Trypanosoma brucei rhodensiense in Eastern Africa and Trypanosoma brucei gambiense in Western Africa . Both protozoan species are morphologically indistinguishable, but have drastically different epidemiological features.
What causes African sleeping sickness? There are 2 types of the disease. They are named for the areas of Africa where they are found. West African sleeping sickness is caused by the parasite Trypanosoma brucei gambiense. This long-term (chronic) infection can last for years. East African sleeping sickness is caused by Trypanosoma brucei rhodesiense. Itâs a short-term (acute) illness that may last several weeks to months. People from the U.S. who travel to Africa are rarely infected. On average, 1 U.S. citizen is infected every year. The person is typically infected in East African game parks. Who is at risk for African sleeping sickness?