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Q: I Can't Burp

asked by: Bunchy on January 16th, 2006

New User

I don't know if this is the right place for this question, but i'll give it a shot.

I've had really bad gas problems (flatulence) for many years but it was about a year ago when the answer dawned on me: I have never been a functional burper. When I do burp they are really weak and practically unannounced and erratic. They happen so fast that I am not able to even understand what I did to make it happen. It is this involuntary nature of my burps that has always bothered me, because I am always bloated with gas but with no knowledge or expertise on how to manipulate my esophogus to release the buildup in my stomach.

But there is movement in my esophogus. I can feel the gas climbing up, but somewhere at the top it cannot escape and is forced back down. When I feel it coming up I try to flex and position my neck and mouth in diferent ways, but rarely with any success. I have seen a specialist about this but he has been less than helpful in finding the problem or a solution. I had a biopsy down the esophogus to test the pressure, but these tests showed that I had normal reflexes and a loose value. But I think the problem is farther up at the top of the esophogus where it joins my mouth cavity. I have not been able to arrange a nother follow up appointment, and someother people I talk to say there there is no valve up there so there shouldn't be a reason why the gas can't come up.

I might also add that I rarely vomit; in fact over the christmas break was the first time I threw up in years, brought on my a violent reaction to something I ate. I figure that my motility is somehow screwed up.

I have had trouble finding information about this problem on the internet. I fear that I am alone in the world with this problem, but hopefully someone here can offer some helpful information on the subject.

Users who thank Bunchy for this post: fraiserfanatic Benjamino sunset25

Replies(212)

klerik

replied on October 23rd, 2006

New User

You're not the only one. I can hear the gurgling noise in my throat. I think it's gas escaping into the esophagus - have no idea how. This causes me to bloat up. And since I can't burp, I have to force it by discretely going to the nearest restroom and stick a finger into the back of my throat. This causes the air to come rushing out, which makes me feel loads better. However, if you're not used to it, it may bring out much more than air.

This problem's been plaguing me for years. I haven't found any information regarding this and would really appreciate it if anyone can share. This predicament has caused me to be less sociable and is a nightmare. When the gas builds up, I become very tense and cannot carry an enjoyable conversation anymore. I believe it's connected to anxiety.

meells

replied on March 2nd, 2007

New User

I have the exact same thing! Doesn't matter what, how or when I eat/drink. Sometimes I don't have to do either for the throat noises to start, and they go on for ages. I really wish someone could teach me how to sort this out without resorting to sticking my fingers down my throat Wink

The worst part of it is how embarrassing it can be! For anyone else, they'll burp and done, for me the noises just keep going and they can be pretty loud! The bloating as well, I've tried all those pro-bacteria things that are meant to help bloating but it just seems that not being able to burp will always lead to me have a football sized load of air in my tummy. I love beer as well, and I can't get past 5 pints otherwise it just get painful and usually ends in violent hiccups. Ridiculous, there must be something?!

meells

replied on March 2nd, 2007

New User

Ah and Klerik, I wouldn't be so worried about it in the social context of things. Usually if you explain to the person you're having a conversation with that you can't physically burp, you can usually laugh it off! My throat noises are like a game for my friends now, they think its funny when they're the first one to hear them. Good luck though, let me know if you find any cures.

tinkinpink84

replied on March 4th, 2007

Especially eHealthy

I moved this to a somewhat more appropriate forum . You may get more answers there to your problem Smile

i put it in digestive and bowel disorders category. hope you get the answers your lookin for
Diane

sc78

replied on May 6th, 2007

New User

I have the same problem and would love to know if anyone gets any kind of diagnosis for this. I have never been able to burp my whole life. Not drinking soda and beer helps, but sometimes other food will cause the gas. It is an especially huge problem for me because I am a singer. I get that creaking and groaning noise in my throat and it interferes with my voice and makes it hard to sustain notes. Now it's a habit before all of my shows to go to the bathroom and stick my finger down my throat to get rid of any gas. It is a horribly embarassing and sometimes painful situation and when I try to explain it to people, they just laugh or look at me like I'm weird.

Bella2007

replied on May 13th, 2007

New User

Oh my god, I cannot believe I have just come across this forum & there are others like me!! I have only ever burped on a few occasions..usually when I have been to the pub and had a few drinks, (alcohol is a muscle relaxant), and have a build up of gas in my chest so badly that I think I am going to be sick, and a (rather loud!) burp comes out. The only thing that relieves the pressure or painful hiccups I get, is when I lie down. I have had to do this many times on toilet floors and even in the street. I get that gurgling noise and uncomfortable feeling of wind in my chest but nothing comes out, whatever I do. The worst thing is the bloating. I wake up in the morning a size 8 and go to bed a size 14! I have had every medical test you can imagine. The Endoscope was the worst one. But, all tests come back normal. The Docs think it is the esophogeal sphincter valve not relaxing (I have tried all the muscle relaxants going). Does anyone else get an ache in their jaw/ears/chest when excercising? I have always had this too, not sure if it is related. Also I have been told that I have a slight hiatus hernia, but that this probably isn't causing the problem (?). Anyway, I will try the fingers on top of tongue thing and see if that works..maybe it is related to anxiousness as suggested by someone else (I am very anxious), but there must be a way to 'learn' how to burp? No-one I've met so far has been able to teach me..if anyone can somehow explain what to do in simple terms to force wind out I'd be really interested. Perhaps, once you have burped a few times and know how to do it, you can keep doing it?

mtrnin

replied on May 29th, 2007

New User

hello all,
i have this problem but not with burping, but after a meal i have to stick my finger down my throat to almost gag or make a different noise to make myself feel better. As soon as i stick my finger down my throat it seems like air comes out and i feel better. I also do have anxiety which somone mentioned. Anyone have help???
thanks,
joe

sing01

replied on June 18th, 2007

New User

I CAN'T BELIEVE IT. I HAVE ALL MY LIFE been searching for somebody with this problem and when I talk about it with any of my friends, they always make fun of me. I rarely release gas.. I burp maybe once a year a tiny tiny burp that most people can't even hear it. As a result, I regularly make these gurgly noises in the back of my throat.. that can sometimes occur every minute and can last for as long as two hours. I find that citric acid in juices, fruits, and tomatoes can sometimes make it worse but it's sometimes random. I also get very bloated. I've tried to learn how to burp.. to no avail. I've wondered if what I have is acid reflux, but I was beginning to think that it wasn't b/c I'm not in any pain.. and I don't think it's heartburn. As I've read these posts, I think it's a matter of not knowing how to burp. If anybody knows of any remedies, they would be life-savers. I would rather not have to stick a finger down my throat. I'm going to show this forum now to one of my buddies who has been making fun of my "can't burp.. but I'm making throat noises" problem for a while now.

goldiestar

replied on June 21st, 2007

Experienced User

I Can't Burp

Might I suggest you consult a naturopath. They might recommend a digestive enzyme for this. Something you take prior to eating. Just a suggestion.

Ralphyfly

replied on June 26th, 2007

New User

I have the same problem. I had a number of tests done. They determined that food entered my small intestines too slowly and prescrived metachlopramide to push the food into my intestines more quickly. This did nothing for me. I then went to another gastroenterologist who prescribed desipramine (an antidepressant) in 1/10 the normal dose after studies showed this sometimes helped. This had a number of wonderful side effects but did not relax the muscles, as he said it would do. So I'm at a loss again. Anyone have any luck? Until we do figure something else, I recommend the finger down the throat method.

west1rd

replied on July 4th, 2007

New User

same deal here. past year or so the noises or whatever have been worse.

i sit here now, chest burning haha. it is nuts that others got the same thing.....

goldiestar

replied on July 4th, 2007

Experienced User

Have you considered what you are eating and how it affects you system? Perhaps there are certain foods that your body is not compatible with. I would consider seeking out the advice of a naturopath to help find a solution. Chances are they will find the cause and help with a solution. Just a suggestion. The advice of a naturopath definately helped me.

mtrnin

replied on July 5th, 2007

New User

i dont think any different types of food make a difference any time i eat more than a couple of bits i am sticking my finger down my throat doing a little gag and burping. Than finally i feel better. What do natropath doctors do? Anyone figure this problem out yet? help its embarassing and uncomfortable

deltaninertango

replied on August 1st, 2007

New User

Like all of you, I couldn't burp. As a kid I didn't care, because I could fart so well and it was funny. Then it got bad, drinking beer is tough because you get so much gas inside. It would hurt. Maybe once a month i'd let out a small belch, but I couldn't control it and it wasn't satisfying.

Then I went to denver, CO. for a few days (i'm from michigan).

Now I burp 10 times a day, mostly after meals. Still can't exactly control it, but i'm learning. They are nice, satisfying burps- it feels so good.

Was it the altitude that cured me? Not sure. Maybe it was timing, my Dad had the same problem, but started burping in his late 30's. I'm only 25 though. Maybe it was Denver.

lurk

replied on August 16th, 2007

New User

I can burp but my throat makes these gurgling noises all the time. I don't think it's air trapped trying to get out-- I think I must have a narrow throat opening or something like that so saliva doesn't drain out properly-- kinda like the sound your kitchen sink makes as it's draining the last of the water. To the people who can't burp, it's part throat action-- you have to kind of move your adam's apple downwards at the same time you squeeze upwards with your stomach, almost like the way your stomach heaves upwards when you're vomiting. That's an exaggerated motion, but you get the idea. Hope that helps.

goldiestar

replied on August 17th, 2007

Experienced User

mtrnin wrote:

What do natropath doctors do?

A naturopath can see what you are eating - they analyze your daily body habits and together you and the naturopath break everything down that could be associated with your problem. They tend to give you more time to find the cause - as my experience with doctors have been to treat the symptom and not resolve what causes the symptom.

Good Luck! I hope you find relief soon.

jto4

replied on October 5th, 2007

New User

Help Me!!!

im 20 years old and i have never been able to burp. i always fart so i didnt seem to be worried about it but now my gf says im a friek so im starting to panic. i can always here a sound coming but then nothing happens. i always try to burp but it just never happens! i need to seek medical advice asap cause im losing loads of weight and i am just skin and bone help me please.xx

WMFK

replied on October 5th, 2007

New User

What a relief to see so many fellow sufferers! I've gurgled my whole life (was bullied over it at school) and take frequent trips to the toliet on a night out to stick my fingers down my throat (although I've been doing it so long now I almost have to have my whole hand in my mouth to get a gag reflex). It's most embaressing after a meal out - I get so bloated I look pregnant and have difficulty breathing but going to the toliet looks and sounds like an eating disorder!
I've been to the doctors a few times and they just dismiss me out of hand, label me as having IBS and shove me out of the office. It's a genuine problem, why won't anyone take it seriously if this many people are suffering with it?!?!?!?!

sarzylou

replied on October 9th, 2007

New User

I cannot believe I have finally found people with the same thing as me!!

I have had this for about 2 years now almost every day no matter what i do, eat or drink and I cannot imagine having it for much longer. At some points it leaves me so frustrated it has left me in tears. I have had to cancel things and leave places early (including work) because of it.

I have never been able to burp and for me it starts out as small burping/gurgling noises which build up to louder ones that people can actually hear and eventually hiccups. Nothing seems to help it apart from sticking my finger down my throat (which makes me want to throw up but instead lets out a very loud burp like thing) which makes me feel better but does not take it away and laying down also stops it until i get back up again.

I find that if I let it bother me it gets worse but if I try and ignore it and keep busy it seems to go away for a bit. On most days I go without eating and drinking until I get home which you can imagine is not ideal but it helps. I have been to see doctors about it and they look at me as if I am MAD. I have also been given things for anxiety, IBS and acid reflex, none of which work.

My boyfriend has suggested acupuncture, yoga and other forms of stress relief as I do get quite wound up on a daily basis but it just seems weird that stress could be the cause of this? I am going to look into though, along with seeing a natropath.

I wonder why there are so few people out there with this and doctors have no idea about it. It is so frustrating!!!

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