Burping is a natural bodily process that expels gas from the esophagus and stomach into the throat, allowing it to exit through the mouth or nose. However, individuals with the inability to burp are unable to do so at all. This leads to a buildup of gas in the stomach and esophagus, causing symptoms such as an early sensation of fullness, bloating, abdominal or chest discomfort, and excessive flatulence.

Common symptoms include:

• Not being able to burp
• A sensation of tightness or pressure in the abdomen or chest when the urge to burp arises, but gas cannot be released
• When unable to burp, trapped air moves within the upper esophagus, causing a gurgling sound in the upper chest area near the throat
• Excessive flatulence; as accumulated gas in the stomach and esophagus must be expelled downwards instead
• Difficulty vomiting due to the upper esophageal sphincter being difficult to open

The inability to burp is caused by the failure of the upper esophageal sphincter muscle (cricopharyngeal muscle) to relax normally. The exact cause of this condition remains unknown.

The inability to burp can impact both a person’s physical and mental well-being. Beyond the physical discomfort and sensation of abdominal bloating, internal gurgling sounds in the chest, and excessive flatulence can cause anxiety in social situations.

Although most gastrointestinal disorders share similar symptoms, each often presents with distinct characteristics. Common gastrointestinal conditions that may share some symptoms with the inability to burp include the following:
 

Condition	Symptoms
Bloating	Bloating often occurs alongside other symptoms, such as abdominal pain and gas, and an early sensation of fullness; frequent bloating is often a primary indicator of an underlying gastrointestinal disorder
RCPD (Retrograde Cricopharyngeal Dysfunction)	Inability to burp; bloating; an early sensation of fullness; tightness in the abdomen and chest; a rumbling or gurgling sound in the upper chest; frequent passing of gas; difficulty vomiting
GERD (Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease)	Acid reflux, heartburn, chronic cough and hoarseness, difficulty swallowing, and chest pain
Peptic Ulcers	Abdominal pain, bloating, heartburn, nausea
IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome)	Abdominal pain and bloating associated with diarrhea or constipation; white mucus may be present in the stool
Gastroparesis	Nausea, vomiting, early satiety, bloating, and abdominal pain

Diagnosis involves reviewing a patient’s medical history, performing a physical examination, and conducting an esophageal manometry. Additional testing may also be performed by having the patient drink soda to observe whether gas rises into the esophagus, and if the upper esophageal sphincter fails to open, thereby triggering symptoms.

The specifics of each treatment approach depend on a physician's assessment. Generally, each treatment will aim to relax the esophageal sphincter muscle and alleviate symptoms that impact quality of life.
 

See the doctor if:

• You are unable to burp for an extended period
• You have chronic abdominal or chest tightness
• You experience a gurgling or rumbling sound in the upper chest near the throat when you are unable to burp
• You received treatment for a different gastrointestinal disorder, but your symptoms have not improved
• You experience symptoms that interfere with your daily life

• An accurate diagnosis enables the doctor to formulate an appropriate treatment plan

The Gastrointestinal Motility Center at Bumrungrad International Hospital provides quality care and treatment for patients unable to burp. A team of experienced gastroenterologists and multidisciplinary specialists, equipped with advanced medical technology, will identify the root cause, make a diagnosis, and develop a personalized treatment plan that effectively address the issue.

• ภาวะเรอไม่ออก (Retrograde Cricopharyngeal Dysfunction – RCPD) จากกล้ามเนื้อหูรูดหลอดอาหารทำงานผิดปกติ | โรงพยาบาลบำรุงราษฎร์
• What Is RCPD (or No-Burp Syndrome)?
• 10 Common GI Disorders & How to Treat Them