Burping is often considered a “faux pas,” as it can be embarrassing and demeaning, especially in social situations.
But for some, not being able to burp can be a problem that can cause discomfort. There is even a medical term for this condition: retrograde cricopharyngeal dysfunction (R-CPD), also known as “no-burp syndrome.”
The cricopharyngeus is the main muscle of the upper esophageal sphincter, the upper gate of the esophagus. In addition to burp syndrome, the tissue does not rest, which interferes with the burping process, according to Neil Chheda, MD, associate professor and vice chair in the department of otolaryngology and chief of the division of laryngology at UF Health in Gainesville, Florida.
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“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.” (Stock)
It may seem like not being able to burp is a big deal, but it can present serious challenges, says the doctor.
“Those who cannot burp may report quality of life issues, such as constipation, gurgling noise, and discomfort with certain foods and drinks, such as carbonated drinks,” said Chheda.
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Priya Krishna, MD, an otolaryngologist in the department of head and neck surgery at Loma Linda University in California, agreed that no burp syndrome can cause “great psychological distress” in the affected person.
“It actually has a negative impact on a person's health, making social situations embarrassing because the hacking can be loud and the noise is excessive,” he told Fox News Digital.
“Those who cannot burp may report quality of health problems, such as constipation, hoarseness, and discomfort with certain foods and drinks.”
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Whether injected into the face for a cosmetic procedure or elsewhere in the body for a functional reason, Botox works by preventing the motor nerve from releasing the chemical transmitter that tells the muscle to contract, explains Dr. Join UF Health.
Botox works by preventing the motor nerve from releasing a chemical transmitter that signals the muscles to contract. (Stock)
“When Botox is injected into the cricopharyngeus, the muscles cannot contract, and thus relax and allow the esophagus to exit.”
As a result, this can help the patient to sleep.
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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 targeted muscle.
“That means having a surgeon familiar with anatomy – like all otolaryngologists – who injects the cricopharyngeus muscle,” he said.
While not being able to burp doesn't seem like a big deal, it can present serious challenges, the doctor said. (Stock)
The solution was discovered by Robert Bastian, MD, an ophthalmologist (ear, nose and throat doctor) and director of the Bastian Voice Institute in Downers Grove, Illinois.
“I studied laryngology (the 'T' is for ENT), which stands for voice, swallowing, upper airway, neuropathic cough and hoarseness, or R-CPD,” he told Fox News Digital. “So I describe myself as a 'laryngologist.'
Bastian said he pioneered a procedure that involves injecting Botox into the cricopharyngeal muscle, which relaxes it and allows for piercing.
What to expect from the process
There are two ways to use Botox to induce burping, according to Bastian.
The first is a short procedure under general anesthesia in an outpatient operating room.
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“A simple 'scope' procedure allows one to see the sphincter, where the lower throat meets the opening of the esophagus,” the doctor told Fox News Digital. “Then a small needle is inserted into the muscle to inject Botox.”
“Both men and women can be affected, and the risk factors for developing this condition are unknown,” the doctor told Fox News Digital. (Stock)
Because of the anesthesia, someone has to drive the patient home after the procedure.
The second method is to inject the muscle while the patient is sitting in a chair in the doctor's office.
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“The needle is transferred to the muscle from the side of the neck. Surface landmarks and three-dimensional visualization are used by the surgeon, and the EMG device monitors and confirms the placement of the muscles,” explains Bastian.
The patient can drive to and from the procedure as only local anesthesia is used.
A Botox injection can be a very safe procedure as long as it is injected into the correct and targeted muscle, says one doctor. (Stock)
Bastian said pioneering the Botox method has been rewarding.
“It was a great honor to be the one who 'discovered' and put together the diagnosis and help spread the knowledge to other doctors … and above all, it was a privilege to work with dear patients who have suffered so much and for so long with this terrible disease,” he told Fox News Digital.
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Bastian's patient spoke of the effectiveness of the procedure, saying it allowed them to burp, that “any burping is gone,” and that “constipation is almost completely gone,” the doctor said.
The patient also noted that receiving the procedure “dramatically improved” his daily life.
Fox News Digital has reached out to the Botox manufacturer and the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for comment.
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