INABILITY TO BURP

Some individuals do not have the ability to belch or burp. This is associated with symptoms of gurgling throat noises, chest and abdominal discomfort and fullness and even excessive flatulence. This group of symptoms has recently been identified and titled “retrograde cricopharyngeal dysfunction”.

Retrograde cricopharyngeal dysfunction occurs when a muscle at the bottom of the throat, the cricopharyngeus muscle, is overly tight. This muscle circles around the bottom of the throat. When someone belches or burps, air is forced out of the stomach, through the esophagus and eventually must pass through the cricopharyngeus muscle. When this muscle is too tight, air cannot escape and belch does not occur. This is especially symptomatic after an affected person drinks a carbonated beverage.

Treatment of this is placement of Botox into the cricopharyngeus muscle. Botox is a medication that relaxes muscles. In the operating room with a patient asleep a small tube is placed in the mouth to identify the cricopharyngeus muscle. Botox is injected and patients experience benefit within 2-3 days. Initially swallowing can be a little challenging, but with time the ability to belch returns. The patient typically only requires one Botox injection, but occasionally a second one is needed 6-9 months later.

Dr-Verma - Voice and Swallowing Doctor - Sunil Verma MD

Throatdisorder.com is an online resource for patients and physicians to learn more about common voice, swallowing, breathing and throat disorders. Throat complaints, from cough to cancer, are a common reason for patients to seek medical treatment. This website developed as a result of Dr. Sunil Verma's passions: that of education, patient care, and interest in technology.


  • Orange Location
    101 The City Drive South,
    Pavilion II
    Orange, CA 92868
  • (888) 826-2672
  • Irvine Location
    250 E. Yale Loop,
    Suite 200
    Irvine, CA 92604
  • (888) 826-2672
Google Rating
4.6
Based on 43 reviews
js_loader

Follow Us !

Office Hours
Mon - Fri 8:00am - 5:00pm

© Copyright 2024 Southern California Throat Disorder, All rights reserved.