People unable to burp left feeling anxious and depressed, study finds
R-CPD involves a malfunction of the cricopharyngeal muscle, whereby it cannot relax enough for patients to pass gas.
People unable to burp due to a rare health condition are left feeling anxious, depressed and embarrassed, a new study has found.
The research, published on 20 December and carried out by experts in Texas, looked at the social impact of retrograde cricopharyngeus dysfunction (R-CPD), known as “no-burp syndrome”.
Of the 199 people who took part in the study, 98% reported bloating, 93% “socially awkward gurgling noises”, 89% excessive flatulence, and 55% difficulty vomiting.
People with R-CPD often have to lie down or force themselves to be sick to ease painful symptoms.
It can be treated by injecting botox into the impacted muscle, but treatment in the UK has to be private as it is not available on the NHS.
The researchers found participants reported high levels of embarrassment, anxiety, and depression – as well as negative impacts on their relationships and work life.
They wrote: “R-CPD is unfamiliar to many healthcare providers, leaving patients underserved. It not only affects daily life but also personal and professional relationships.
