Jade Thirlwall Reveals Rare Health Condition: 'No Burp Syndrome'

Singer Jade Thirlwall has publicly shared her diagnosis of a rare condition known as "no burp syndrome," scientifically termed Retrograde Cricopharyngeus Dysfunction (R-CPD). Thirlwall stated that she "finally feels seen and understood" after learning about the condition, which prevents the cricopharyngeus muscle in the throat from relaxing, making it impossible to burp.

This condition can lead to significant discomfort, including severe bloating, painful trapped air, and pressure in the chest and abdomen. Thirlwall noted that the physical symptoms have often led to public comments about her weight and body, particularly when she is visibly bloated onstage. "It's always been a fun fact that I can't burp but it's caused issues my whole life and I'm sick of people commenting on my weight and body onstage when I'm just bloated af," she explained.

A potential treatment for R-CPD is a procedure called "throtox," which involves injecting Botox into the cricopharyngeus muscle to help it relax and release trapped gas. However, Thirlwall expressed concern that the treatment might affect her vocal abilities. "I want to get the throtox but worried it will affect my vocals," she said.

Thirlwall's disclosure came after she saw a TikTok video by online campaigner Gemma Renwick, who is raising awareness for R-CPD and petitioning for improved access to National Health Service (NHS) treatment for the condition. Renwick shared that she was pleased Thirlwall also suffers from R-CPD and appealed to the singer to use her platform to help spread awareness for the petition before it closes in December.

Thirlwall had previously alluded to her inability to burp in a TikTok post in 2023, humorously stating, "I've never burped in my life but I'm still stunning."

Separately, Thirlwall has spoken about her ongoing struggles with eating disorders and her daily battle against the temptation to use weight-loss medication like Ozempic, due to her history. She stated that while she is currently healthier than ever, she continues to face negative comments about her appearance online. "Little Mix fans were all about empowerment and celebrating your body however you look. Now I'm in my 30s and the healthiest I've ever been, but every time I post a picture, there are comments saying, 'She must be pregnant,'" she recalled in an interview with The Guardian. She also noted that such comments are often made by women and contrast with the body positivity message of her former group.

Her struggles with food began in her early teens following the death of her grandfather, and she was hospitalized for anorexia before auditioning for The X Factor.

What is R-CPD?

Retrograde Cricopharyngeus Dysfunction, or "no burp syndrome," is characterized by a lifelong inability to burp. Common symptoms include chest pain and discomfort, stomach bloating, audible gurgling sounds from the throat, and flatulence. These symptoms can cause significant stress in social interactions, and individuals often modify their diet and fluid intake to manage them, frequently avoiding carbonated beverages and alcohol. Treatment options can include a Botox injection into the cricopharyngeus muscle, performed under general anesthesia as a day surgery procedure.