Science Quickly The curious case of the nonburpers
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Feb 4, 2026 
Robert Bastian, an otolaryngologist who helped define RCPD, explains the baffling condition where people cannot burp. He describes the relevant throat anatomy and how trapped air causes bloating and discomfort. Hear how a targeted Botox injection can temporarily relax the sphincter and let patients relearn burping, often transforming quality of life.
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Lifelong Inability To Burp
- Paras Dhamma describes lifelong inability to burp that caused extreme discomfort and even vomiting while driving.
- His story illustrates how RCPD can make routine activities unbearable and socially isolating.
Mechanics Behind The Problem
- The upper esophageal sphincter must relax both forward for swallowing and backward for burping or vomiting.
- In RCPD the sphincter relaxes normally for swallowing but fails to relax retrograde, preventing burps and sometimes vomiting.
Why Burping Matters
- People constantly swallow tiny air bubbles that form a gastric air bubble requiring venting as burps.
- Without burping, swallowed air accumulates, causing chest/abdominal discomfort and excess flatulence downstream.