September 9, 2024 from Medscape
A rare condition called retrograde cricopharyngeus dysfunction, also known as no-burp syndrome, has found new attention thanks to discussions on Reddit. The syndrome, caused by a muscle quirk in the esophagus, traps air inside the body, leading to bloating, pain, and discomfort. Patients who receive Botox injections into the affected muscle are finding relief, finally able to burp for the first time.
A Growing Online Community
The no-burp syndrome gained traction after patients shared experiences on Reddit, where a subreddit community has grown to over 31,000 members. Many members report experiencing gurgling sounds and chest pain, describing the trapped air as feeling like “an alien trying to escape.” Others suffer from chronic bloating and flatulence, with no relief from conventional treatments.
The Botox Procedure and How It Works
The procedure involves injecting 50-100 units of Botox into the upper cricopharyngeal muscle. The treatment helps the muscle relax, allowing air to escape through burping. Dr. Robert Bastian, a Chicago-based laryngologist who developed the procedure, has treated around 1,800 patients since 2019. Although Botox wears off within a few months, many patients continue to burp even after its effects diminish.
Michael King, a laryngologist in Denver, was introduced to the condition when a teenager asked him to perform the procedure after learning about it on Reddit. “It’s very odd,” King admitted, noting that doctors still don’t fully understand why the treatment works long-term.
Patient Experiences: From Suffering to Relief
Patients like Daryl Moody experienced years of discomfort before discovering the procedure. Moody, a car technician from Houston, saw more than 10 doctors before finding Dr. Bastian. Moody’s painful bloating disrupted his new hobby—skydiving—forcing him to seek out-of-pocket treatment, as insurance classified it as “experimental.”
After his treatment, Moody posted, “This is honestly going to change everything,” and it did. He has since made over 400 skydiving jumps and even helped break a national record for group wingsuit flying.
Similarly, Lucie Rosenthal, a Denver resident, underwent the procedure and shared her progress online. She now enjoys social activities like drinking beer without the nausea and discomfort she once experienced. “It’s really rocking my mind that I am fully introducing a new bodily function at 26 years old,” Rosenthal told KFF Health News.
Skepticism and the Role of Reddit
While many patients report life-changing results, some doctors express caution. Dr. André Smout, a gastroenterologist in Amsterdam, initially doubted the syndrome’s existence but later confirmed its legitimacy after conducting tests. However, he also warns that placebo effects may influence outcomes, with some patients experiencing symptom relief through psychological mechanisms rather than medical intervention.
Smout and other experts also highlight the potential risks of “cyberchondria”, where online communities encourage unnecessary medical treatments. Despite these concerns, Reddit has played a pivotal role in connecting patients with doctors and raising awareness of the syndrome.
A Long History of Belch Troubles
The inability to burp has plagued people for centuries. Historical accounts, including writings from Pliny the Elder and Johannes de Hauvilla, mention individuals suffering from the same mysterious condition. However, it wasn’t until the 1980s that the medical community documented cases in the U.S., using manometry tests to show that some patients’ esophageal muscles wouldn’t relax even after meals or air injections.
Thanks to Reddit, no-burp syndrome is finally getting the attention it deserves. While some skepticism remains, patients who undergo Botox treatment report significant improvements in their quality of life.
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