Jade discovers rare no-burp condition

Jade Thirlwall revealed she has retrograde cricopharyngeus dysfunction, or R-CPD, after seeing a TikTok video by campaigner Gemma Renwick. She commented that she finally feels seen and understood.

“Omg I finally feel so seen and understood.”

What is no-burp syndrome

R-CPD is a rare condition where the cricopharyngeus muscle in the throat fails to relax, making it physically impossible to burp. The condition is also known as no-burp syndrome.

Severe symptoms affect daily life

Symptoms include severe bloating, painful trapped air, chest pressure, abdominal pressure, and gurgling noises. These symptoms make social interaction very stressful.

Bloating causes weight criticism

Jade explained that while people knew she couldn't burp, it caused issues her whole life. She's tired of people commenting on her weight and body onstage when she's just bloated.

“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.”

Throtox offers possible treatment

A possible treatment is throtox, where Botox is injected into the cricopharyngeus muscle to relax it and help release trapped gas. The procedure takes thirty to sixty minutes under general anesthesia.

Jade worried about vocal impact

Jade expressed concern about getting throtox treatment, worried it might affect her singing voice. She hasn't yet decided to pursue the procedure.

“I want to get the throtox but worried it will affect my vocals.”

Gemma Renwick's NHS campaign

Gemma Renwick is petitioning the government to review access to NHS treatment for R-CPD. She asked Jade to help spread awareness, noting her petition only lasts until December.

“If I can at least help one person change their life by having this treatment, then you know my work here is done.”

Jade's 2023 TikTok revelation

Jade previously revealed she couldn't burp in a fun TikTok in 2023, writing that she's never burped in her life but is still stunning. The post went viral among her followers.

“I've never burped in my life but I'm still stunning.”

History of eating disorders

Jade has spoken openly about struggling with anorexia as a young teenager following the loss of her grandfather. She was only just discharged from hospital when she auditioned for The X Factor.

Daily battle with Ozempic temptation

Jade revealed she has a daily battle not to use Ozempic after years of struggling with eating disorders. She doesn't judge people who use it but worries where it would lead for her.

“I have a daily battle with myself not to go on Ozempic. I don't judge people that do, but because I have a history of eating disorders, I don't know where taking something like that would end for me.”

Now healthiest she's ever been

Jade said she's now in her thirties and the healthiest she's ever been. Despite this, she still receives constant comments about her weight online and in social media posts.

“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.'”

Pregnancy speculation from trolls

Every time Jade posts a picture, commenters speculate she's pregnant. She finds this particularly frustrating given her current health status and fitness level.

Women often lead the criticism

Jade noted that the sad thing is that most of the trolling comes from women. People are used to seeing her in Little Mix five to ten years ago when she was stick-thin due to her eating disorder.

“The sad thing is that it's usually women. But people are used to seeing me in a group environment five or 10 years ago when I was stick-thin because I was in my early 20s with an eating disorder.”

Little Mix era of body empowerment

Jade reflected that Little Mix fans were all about empowerment and celebrating your body however you look. The group's message contrasts sharply with the solo criticism she now faces.

“Little Mix fans were all about empowerment and celebrating your body however you look.”

Solo career brings different scrutiny

Jade explained that stepping into the spotlight as a solo artist has brought different and harsher scrutiny than her time in Little Mix. The trolling is a sad consequence of being visible as an individual.

R-CPD affects food and drink choices

People with R-CPD often have to watch what they eat or drink as certain foods may worsen symptoms. Carbonated beverages and beer are two things many patients must avoid.

Condition creates lifelong challenges

R-CPD is a lifelong condition with no natural cure. Sufferers must manage symptoms through diet and lifestyle choices, or pursue medical intervention like throtox.

Awareness raising through social media

Gemma Renwick uses TikTok to raise awareness about R-CPD and advocate for NHS treatment access. Her videos have reached celebrities like Jade and helped others recognize their own symptoms.

Finding community and validation

Jade's discovery of her R-CPD diagnosis through Gemma's content gave her a sense of community and validation. She finally understood why she experienced bloating and could connect with others facing the same condition.