Burping has long enjoyed something of a bad reputation. But, in fact, it fulfils an important biological function, allowing the body to expel a build-up of trapped gases in the upper part of the digestive tract.
Being unable to burp can cause enormous pain and distress — and the problem is so misunderstood that it was identified as a medical condition only two years ago.
Given the name retrograde cricopharyngeus dysfunction, or abelchia, the inability to burp occurs when the cricopharyngeus muscle, which sits at the top of the gullet, cannot relax to release the trapped air.
Normally, the muscle serves as a valve; it relaxes for a second when we swallow, but otherwise remains closed. It also relaxes briefly when we burp.
If air is trapped due to dysfunction of this muscle, it’s forced into the digestive tract, resulting in symptoms including gurgling noises in the throat, upper chest pain after eating or drinking, bloating and excessive flatulence. Sufferers may also feel unpleasantly full after eating.
One of those affected was Jack Brody, 20, from London. Unable to burp from birth, Jack would have to put his fingers down his throat to make himself gag to release any trapped gas after eating.
Burping has long enjoyed something of a bad reputation. But, in fact, it fulfils an important biological function, allowing the body to expel a build-up of trapped gases in the upper part of the digestive tract
But after a lifetime’s discomfort, Jack recently benefited from a pioneering procedure using Botox injections.
‘It’s a very distressing condition,’ says Yakubu Karagama, a consultant ear, nose and throat surgeon at Guy’s and St Thomas’ Hospital in London, who is pioneering the treatment and treated Jack.
Mr Karagama’s research — reported in the journal European Archives of Oto-Rhino-Laryngology — shows that most patients treated with the procedure were cured, starting to burp within 48 hours. It works by paralysing the muscles, which opens the valve to allow the gas to escape freely.
All of the 72 patients Mr Karagama treated had reported avoiding socialising because of fears of abdominal pain during eating.
‘Two patients said they contemplated suicide as a result of the symptoms,’ says Mr Karagama.
‘Another had to wear elasticated trousers as her waistline changed so much during the day due
