A 20-year-old woman from Sheffield who was unable to burp for six years has finally found relief after undergoing Botox treatment. Caitlin Jones suffers from retrograde cricopharyngeal dysfunction, commonly known as no burp syndrome, a rare condition that prevents the throat muscles from releasing air properly.
Struggles with No Burp Syndrome
Ms. Jones first noticed the issue after the 2020 lockdown when she returned to school. Attempts to burp produced gurgling sounds resembling a frog instead of releasing air. She experienced pressure in her neck and chest, nausea after eating, and flatulence, especially after consuming carbonated drinks.
After discussing her symptoms with family, she turned to YouTube for answers. “I Googled and searched on YouTube to try and find out more. I found a video talking about it and all the symptoms of this condition they were describing were what I had,” she said.
Initial GP Visit Dismissed Concerns
In October 2020, Ms. Jones visited her GP but was told that being unable to burp was “normal” and that she likely had irritable bowel syndrome. “It really upset me when I left the doctors that they didn’t believe me – I knew something wasn’t right with me,” she recalled.
Determined to find a solution, she sought private treatment in 2023 and received a proper diagnosis. The first round of Botox, costing £800, involved 50 units injected into one side of the cricopharyngeal muscle but proved unsuccessful.
Successful Second Treatment
In April 2026, Ms. Jones underwent a second procedure costing £1,000, receiving 100 units of Botox injected into both sides of the muscle. This time, the treatment worked. “I’ve burped three times since then – the first time since 2020! I had a small burp, then a normal one, and then one lasted five seconds!” she said.
While the Botox effects may wear off, the treatment can help the body relearn how to burp naturally. Ms. Jones now hopes to continue improving her ability to burp properly.
Restored Social Life
The condition had severely impacted her social life, causing embarrassment and anxiety. “If I went out for a meal with friends I would always be gurgling and it was really embarrassing – everyone else could sit there and eat and I couldn’t. Sometimes I had to leave or go and sit in the car,” she explained.
Now, the treatment has restored her confidence. “I no longer have to hide away anymore,” she said. Ms. Jones, a commercial cleaner, shared her story to raise awareness about the rare condition.
