NO-BURP SYNDROME (R-CPD)
Most people don’t think twice about burping. It’s a normal way for the body to release swallowed air. But for people with retrograde cricopharyngeal dysfunction (R-CPD), sometimes called “no-burp syndrome,” that simple reflex doesn’t work.
R-CPD is a condition in which the cricopharyngeal muscle—part of the upper esophageal sphincter in the throat—fails to relax properly. When this happens, air becomes trapped in the esophagus and stomach, causing uncomfortable symptoms such as:
- Inability to burp
- Abdominal bloating and pressure
- Chest or throat gurgling sounds
- Discomfort after eating or drinking
- Excessive flatulence or feeling “full of air”
Because R-CPD is not widely known, many people live with these symptoms for years before finding answers. The good news is that effective treatment is now available.
Treatment for no-burp syndrome
At Iowa ENT Center in West Des Moines, Dr. Simon Wright offers a specialized treatment for R-CPD using Botox® injections into the cricopharyngeal muscle. The procedure is performed under general anesthesia for comfort and precision.
Botox works by temporarily relaxing the overactive muscle, allowing it to open normally and release trapped air. Most patients experience significant relief within days—often describing the first burp as an immediate turning point.
What to expect with Botox for R-CPD
The treatment is typically done as an outpatient procedure at a hospital or surgery center. During the injection, Dr. Wright uses specialized instruments to accurately target the cricopharyngeal muscle. Patients go home the same day and can resume normal activities shortly after.
After the injection, some people notice mild throat soreness or temporary swallowing changes that improve as the muscle adjusts. The effects of the Botox injection usually last several months, and in many cases, the muscle “relearns” how to relax properly. This means some patients experience long-term improvement, even after the initial injection wears off.
Is Botox for R-CPD covered by insurance?
Because R-CPD is a relatively new diagnosis and the Botox injection for this condition is considered a specialized treatment, insurance coverage can vary. Some insurance plans may cover the procedure when it’s deemed medically necessary, while others may not.
Our team at Iowa ENT Center will work with your insurance provider to verify potential coverage and discuss any out-of-pocket costs before the procedure. We’ll help you understand your options so you can make an informed decision about your care.
When to see a doctor for R-CPD
If you’ve experienced persistent bloating, chest pressure, or the inability to burp despite normal digestive testing, R-CPD could be the cause. Iowa ENT Center can help you find answers and relief through a careful evaluation and discussion of your treatment options.
Dr. Wright has advanced training in laryngology and voice disorders and is one of few specialists in Iowa offering this procedure. His goal is to help patients breathe, speak, and swallow comfortably—without the discomfort and frustration that come from trapped air.
R-CPD Treatment in the Des Moines, Iowa, area
If you think you may have R-CPD, schedule an appointment with Dr. Simon Wright at Iowa ENT Center. He and his team will ask about your symptoms, conduct a physical exam, and explain your diagnosis and treatment options. To request an appointment, call us at 515-223-4368 or request an appointment online.