A condition known as “no burp syndrome” has been brought to light by NHS doctor Suraj Kukadia, who recently addressed the issue on the social media platform TikTok. This little-known disorder, formally referred to as retrograde cricopharyngeus dysfunction (R-CPD), can lead to significant discomfort and health complications, yet many general practitioners may not be familiar with it.
Dr. Kukadia responded to a question from a follower who expressed frustration over doctors seemingly laughing off her symptoms. The lack of recognition surrounding R-CPD could be attributed to its recent classification; the condition was only officially recognized in 2019 when the first scientific paper was published. Consequently, many healthcare providers may not have encountered it during their training.
The inability to burp might seem trivial, but it can cause various distressing symptoms, including pain, bloating, nausea, and difficulties with vomiting. Dr. Kukadia shared a personal anecdote about a close friend who suffers from R-CPD, explaining the extreme measures his friend must take to relieve discomfort after consuming carbonated beverages. “He has to shove two fingers down his throat to induce gagging and then release the trapped air,” Dr. Kukadia noted.
The doctor emphasized that this condition is not widely known, which can lead to misunderstandings in clinical settings. “It’s not something that I was ever taught about in medical school,” he said. “I learned about it from a news article and have since created content that has resonated with many others experiencing similar symptoms.”
According to Yale Medicine, symptoms of R-CPD extend beyond the inability to burp. They include abdominal and chest bloating, excessive flatulence, nausea, gurgling noises from the neck and chest, and fear of vomiting, known as emetophobia.
Treatment options exist and can provide significant relief. A common intervention involves injecting Botox into the cricopharyngeus muscle, either during an upper esophagoscopy under general anesthesia or through electromyography (EMG) guidance. A study indicated that over 99 percent of patients could burp following this treatment, with 95 percent experiencing substantial symptom relief, lasting up to a year or permanently for some.
Dr. Kukadia reassured patients that their experiences are valid and that the lack of awareness among doctors does not diminish the discomfort caused by the condition. “I’m sorry the doctors laughed it off when you mentioned it,” he said. “It must be a really horrible and uncomfortable condition to have.”
As awareness grows, it is hoped that more healthcare professionals will recognize R-CPD, leading to better support for those affected by this challenging disorder.
