Burping is often considered a “failure” because it can be embarrassing and embarrassing, especially in social situations.
But for some, not being able to burp can be a problem that can cause discomfort. There’s even a medical name for the condition: retrograde cricopharyngeal dysfunction (R-CPD), also known as “no belching syndrome.”
The cricopharyngeus is the main muscle of the upper esophageal sphincter, the upper neck of the food pipe. Without belching syndrome, this muscle doesn’t relax, which interferes with the belching process, according to Neil Chheda, MD, associate professor and vice chair of otolaryngology and chief of laryngology at UF Health in Gainesville, Florida.
CDC INVESTIGATES FAKE BOTOX INJECTIONS: ‘SERIOUS AND SOMETIMES FATAL’
“Both men and women can be affected, and the risk factors for developing the condition are unknown,” Chheda told Fox News Digital.
The inability to burp is a medical condition called retrograde cricopharyngeal dysfunction (R-CPD), also known as “no burp syndrome.” (iStock)
Not being able to burp may not seem like a big deal, but it can present some serious challenges, the doctor said.
“Those who cannot burp may report quality of life problems such as bloating, gurgling and discomfort with certain food and drinksuch as fizzy drinks,” Chheda said.
HERE’S WHY YOU’RE BLOATED — AND WHAT TO DO ABOUT YOUR NORMAL DIGESTIVE STATE
Priya Krishna, MD, an otolaryngologist in the department of head and neck surgery at Loma Linda University in California, agrees that no belching syndrome can cause “significant psychological distress” in the affected person.
“It actually seriously affects an individual’s life, making social situations uncomfortable because the gurgling can be loud and the flatulence can be excessive,” she told Fox News Digital.
“Those who cannot burp may report quality of life problems, such as bloating, gurgling and discomfort with certain foods and drinks.”
If the options are over the counter, prescription drugs and lifestyle changes don’t solve belching problems, patients may turn to Botox for a potential cure, medical experts say.
Whether injected into the face for cosmetic procedures or elsewhere in the body for functional reasons, Botox works by preventing the motor nerve from releasing the chemical transmitter that signals the muscle to contract, explained Dr. Chheda with UF Health.
Botox works by preventing the motor nerve from releasing the chemical transmitter that signals the muscle to contract. (iStock)
“When Botox is injected into the cricopharynx, the muscle is unable to contract, so it relaxes and allows ventilation of the esophagus.”
As a result, it can help the patient burp.
CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE FOX NEWS APP
Dr. Krishna of Loma Linda University told Fox News Digital that botox injection can be a very safe procedure as long as it is injected into the right and intended muscle.
“That means having a surgeon who is familiar with the anatomy — as all otolaryngologists are — injecting the cricopharyngeus muscle,” she said.
While not being able to burp may not seem like a big deal, it can present serious challenges, the doctor said. (iStock)
The drug was discovered by Robert Bastian, MD, an otolaryngologist (ear, nose and throat physician) and director of the Bastian Voice Institute in Downers Grove, Illinois.
“I subspecialized in Laryngology (‘T’ for ENT), which stands for Voice, Swallowing, Upper Respiratory, Sensory Neuropathic Cough and Burp Inability, or R-CPD,” he told Fox News Digital. “That’s why I describe myself as a ‘laryngologist’.”
Bastian said he pioneered a procedure that involves injecting Botox into the cricopharyngeal muscle, which allows it to relax and belch.
What to expect from the procedure
There are two methods of using Botox to induce belching, according to Bastian.
The first is a short procedure under general anesthesia in an outpatient operating room.
TO STOP HICCUPS, REACH FOR THESE COMMON FRUITS, SUGGESTS ONE DOCTOR ON TIK TOK
“A simple ‘scope’ procedure makes it possible to see the sphincter, at the junction between the lower throat and the opening of the esophagus,” the doctor told Fox News Digital. “Then a small needle is inserted into the muscle to inject the Botox.”
“Both men and women can be affected, and the risk factors for developing the condition are unknown,” the doctor told Fox News Digital. (iStock)
Because of the anesthesia, someone has to take the patient home after the procedure.
Another method is injection into the muscle while the patient is sitting on a chair doctor’s office.
CLICK HERE TO SUBSCRIBE TO OUR HEALTH NEWSLETTER
“The needle is inserted into the muscle on the side of the neck. The surgeon uses surface landmarks and three-dimensional visualization, and the EMG device monitors and checks the position of the muscle,” Bastian described.
The patient can drive to and from the procedure because only local anesthesia is used.
Botox injection can be a very safe procedure as long as it is injected into the right and intended muscle, according to one doctor. (iStock)
Bastian said it was rewarding to pioneer the Botox method.
“It was a great privilege to be the one who ‘discovered’ and codified the diagnosis and helped spread the information to other doctors … and above all, it was an honor to work with dear patients who suffered so much and for so long with this terrible disorder,” he told Fox News Digital.
For more health articles visit www.foxnews.com/health
Bastian’s patient spoke of the effectiveness of the procedure, saying it allowed them to burp, “gurgling is gone” and “bloating is almost completely gone,” the doctor said.
The patient also noted that getting the procedure has “drastically” improved their daily life.
Fox News Digital has reached out to the Botox maker and the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for comment.
