The Medical Mystery Behind Trapped Gas

Imagine living for decades with trapped gas, painful bloating, and constant stomach discomfort — only to discover that the problem has a name and a possible treatment.

For 52-year-old Daryl, something most people take for granted became a life-changing experience: burping.

Since childhood, Daryl had been unable to burp. For years, he didn't think much of it. But by his mid-40s, the problem had become increasingly difficult to ignore.

He began experiencing daily bloating, trapped wind, abdominal pain, and constipation.

Certain foods and fizzy drinks made him feel as though his stomach was under enormous pressure. He also suffered from excessive gas as his body tried to release the trapped air another way.

At times, the discomfort became so severe that he made himself gag to try to relieve the pressure.

Daryl sought medical help, undergoing tests including an endoscopy and a colonoscopy.

Different doctors suggested conditions such as acid reflux and irritable bowel syndrome.

However, the treatments he received did not solve his problem.

Years passed, and the discomfort continued.

The surprising condition behind his symptoms

Daryl eventually discovered information online about a condition called retrograde cricopharyngeus dysfunction, or RCPD. It is also known as no-burp syndrome.

People with RCPD have difficulty releasing swallowed air through burping because a muscle at the top of the food pipe does not relax properly.

Normally, we swallow small amounts of air when eating, drinking, and talking. When gas builds up, the body allows it to travel back up the food pipe and escape as a burp.

But when that process fails, gas can become trapped, causing uncomfortable symptoms such as bloating, pressure, and excessive flatulence.

Daryl suspected this might explain what he had experienced throughout his life.

He continued searching for a specialist and eventually consulted Dr Leong Zhou Hao, an ear, nose and throat specialist at Singapore General Hospital, who confirmed the diagnosis.

After decades without answers, Daryl finally understood what might have been causing his symptoms.

How Botox helped him burp for the first time

The treatment involved an unexpected use of Botox.

Although Botox is widely associated with reducing facial wrinkles, it is also used medically to relax specific muscles.

In Daryl's case, Botox was injected into the muscle at the top of his food pipe. The goal was to help the muscle relax enough to allow trapped air to escape.

Before the injection, his doctor performed an endoscopy to check for a blockage.

Daryl then underwent the procedure under general anaesthesia in March 2026.

The result was remarkable for him: he could finally burp comfortably.

The effect of a Botox injection generally lasts around three months, according to his doctor.

However, many patients continue to burp after the medication wears off, possibly because the treatment helps them develop the burping reflex.

Individual results can vary, and treatment should be assessed by a suitably qualified specialist.

A simple bodily function became a life-changing relief

Six months after his treatment, Daryl was still able to burp without the painful bloating and abdominal discomfort that had troubled him for years.

He was also able to enjoy a latte again without worrying about the same symptoms.

For someone who had spent decades struggling with trapped gas, the improvement was about much more than burping. It meant greater comfort, fewer daily frustrations, and a better quality of life.

His experience also highlights an important lesson: persistent digestive symptoms deserve attention, even when routine tests do not reveal an obvious cause.

If you regularly experience severe bloating, trapped gas, or an inability to burp, speak with a healthcare professional. RCPD is one possible explanation, but these symptoms can have many causes.

The takeaway: Sometimes, a problem that seems unusual or embarrassing may have a medical explanation. If symptoms keep affecting your daily life, don't be afraid to ask questions and seek further advice.