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Thanks to an unexpected surge of attention on Reddit, a rare and curious medical condition has gained recognition. Lucie Rosenthal, a Denver resident, recently shared her experience in a viral Reddit video that has ignited discussions across social media and medical circles. In the video, her face reveals intense concentration just before she lets out a surprising croak-like belch. For Rosenthal, this seemingly mundane bodily function was anything but ordinary—it was only the second burp of her life.
“I am fully introducing a new bodily function at 26 years old,” she said, reflecting on the experience. However, her newfound ability to burp came with a twist: it quickly became uncontrollable.
Rosenthal is one of more than a thousand people who have undergone a procedure to help them burp, following the formal documentation of the condition in 2019. The disorder, now known as Retrograde Cricopharyngeus Dysfunction (R-CPD) or “no-burp syndrome,” prevents people from belching, causing a build-up of air that leads to bloating, pain, and discomfort. For some, it can cause a gurgling noise in the neck or chest that is often misdiagnosed.
The Role of Reddit in Raising Awareness
The discovery of this syndrome and the subsequent rise in diagnoses can be largely attributed to the online platform Reddit, where users have shared personal experiences and solutions in a dedicated subreddit, r/noburp. With over 31,000 members, it has become a hub for individuals suffering from the condition. Users discuss the procedure that can alleviate their symptoms, spreading awareness of R-CPD across the globe.
Michael King, a laryngologist in Denver, treated Rosenthal and acknowledged that he had not heard of the disorder until 2020. The condition’s profile was raised after a teenager approached him with medical research sourced from Reddit, asking for the treatment.
The intervention involves injecting Botox into the cricopharyngeal muscle, the muscle that controls the opening of the esophagus, allowing trapped air to escape through a belch. It is a method similar to how Botox is used for patients struggling to swallow post-stroke.
The Growing Popularity of the Procedure
The pioneer behind the treatment is Dr. Robert Bastian, a laryngologist from Illinois, who first identified and named the condition. He estimates that he and his colleagues have treated about 1,800 patients since the discovery. While the cost of the procedure ranges between $2,700 and $25,000, depending on the location, it has provided relief to many who have suffered from this previously misunderstood condition.
Among these patients is Daryl Moody, a car technician and avid skydiver from Houston. Moody described how the bloating and gurgling in his chest prevented him from fully enjoying his new hobby. After multiple unsuccessful doctor visits, Moody found a YouTube video by Dr. Bastian and decided to pursue the treatment. After receiving the Botox injection, Moody’s life transformed. He now participates in large-scale skydiving events, with over 400 jumps to his name.
A Long-History of “No-Burp Syndrome”
Despite its recent recognition, the inability to burp is not a new phenomenon. Historical references date back to Roman times, with the philosopher Pliny the Elder mentioning a man named Pomponius who could not belch. Medical case reports in the 1980s described patients unable to burp, but these cases were largely ignored due to a lack of understanding of the condition.
Dr. André Smout, a gastroenterologist in the Netherlands, admitted to being skeptical about the condition’s existence until recent studies confirmed it. His research, which involved observing patients as they consumed carbonated water, showed that their upper esophageal sphincters did not relax to allow air to escape. A Botox injection resolved their symptoms, leading to improved health outcomes.
The Placebo Debate
Despite the success stories, some doctors remain cautious. Dr. Smout pointed out that some patients might experience a placebo effect, as studies on conditions like irritable bowel syndrome show that 40% of patients feel better after receiving a placebo treatment. Awareness of “cyberchondria,” or the tendency for individuals to self-diagnose and seek treatments found online, is growing, raising concerns about unnecessary procedures.
The Future of R-CPD Treatment
As the medical community becomes more aware of Retrograde Cricopharyngeus Dysfunction, it’s clear that Reddit has played an integral role in bringing the condition to light. Patients like Rosenthal, who have lived for years without a diagnosis, are now finding relief. Rosenthal shared that her symptoms, including nausea and bloating, have significantly subsided since undergoing the procedure, and she’s slowly learning to manage her newfound burping abilities.
Though she has yet to master burping the alphabet, she remains hopeful, joking, “Not yet.”
