Strange Throat Noises/Inability to burp

[16088]

I've put this under throat disorders but I honestly have no idea what this is. I have never burped, at least never in my adolescent and adult life. I've asked my parents about when I was a baby but they couldn't give me a definite answer. Anyway, instead of burping, I get these gurgling, growling noises in my chest and throat. I can't stop them, quiet them, or avoid them (by not eating certain foods, etc...). I have searched for similar cases but have not found any.

I am hoping someone can help me or at the very least, someone is somewhat familiar with this situation. Thank you for your time.

Btw, I am 20 years old, female, caucasian. No known illnesses or allergies.

[suddenlyme1234]

I know the solution!

I had the same problem for many years. Recently i started to take a medicine called Omeprazol which is for heartburn. You can buy it from a pharmacy whitout prescription. Since I've started to take this medicine my throat has stopped making these annoying noises.
And it has completely changed my life!

Really recommend it !

[r1331]

I, too, have suffered with strange throat gurgling noises my whole life, as has my brother, so its definitely genetic.  My mom says that both of us were very difficult to burp when we were babies, and now that we're older neither of us can burp voluntarily - I burp maybe a few times a year, completely unexpectedly.  I also don't throw up - haven't since I was young (though my brother seems to throw up just fine), and I have difficulty swallowing things whole (like pills).  Although I used to become really embarrassed by the throat gurgles (especially when they would happen in quiet places, like while taking exams in college), it seems to have gotten better in recent years.  I've never found any correlation between diet and throat gurgles, nor found any other correlation or any remedy that really stops it, other than breathing out deeply - it just stops on its own, when its ready, usually after a few minutes.

I do have an interesting note to add though - I recently became pregnant (18 weeks along now), and it has definitely affected it.  I'd read that when you become pregnant you often burp a lot more, and I wondered how that would affect me, since I can't burp.  It turns out that I do get the "gurgly throat" more (since the burps aren't being released), and if it gets really bad then I'll actually start dry heaving burps.  No food actually comes up (like I said, I don't vomit), but I dry heave nasty burps - I think it's the only way my body knows how to release the pent up air.

Female, 26 yo, Caucasian (Just an aside in relation to another commenter's post - I don't think posting ethnicity has any bearing on the validity of people's comments, but I do think it is interesting to hear what ethnicities seem to be affected by this.  The vast majority (at least the ones commenting here) are Caucasian).

[nlabean]

I have this exact same problem, have had it ever since i was little. unfortunately, nothing helps. i have tried just not eating at all, and that helps, but yeah it's super embarrassing :/ if anyone knows anything, it would be much appreciated!!
~Female, Caucasian, 16

[fromtheATX]

First of all - I am glad to know I am not the only one suffering from this. Most people and doctors either have no idea what I'm talking about or think I'm crazy when I try to explain it.

However, I think it's funny that everyone is posting that they are 'Caucasian.' lol  I'm not sure why it matters if you're white, brown or what ethnicity or background you are? If someone posts but says they are something other than "Caucasian" are you less likely to believe or trust what they are saying?

I'm almost 40 and I've been suffering from this for as long as I can remember. I can't burp (unless I'm really sick and about to vomit) and I know the noises are so loud they can be heard by other people (because I work in a spa where it's very quiet). I have tried altering my diet, but that didn't work or help. It does seem that at times the noises get worse if I'm hungry and especially if I'm hungry and decide to chew gum. And as someone in another post mentioned, laying on my left side also makes it worse, but switching to my right does make it stop.

I have not been to see an ENT about it. So I am curious about the "pocket in throat" surgery - another poster left. I have asked many of my other general doctors over the years and during my routine visits and check-ups my concerns have been dismissed. All that being said - I am NOT Caucasian. I am a well educated, working mother of 2, born to 2 parents that can burp just fine. Both of my children have no problem burping. Hopefully before I need a facelift, I can find an answer for this gurgling problem. :)

[Hallie1997]

People post their race as it provides more information on them to better determine the problem as different races are more or less susceptible to different risks, not because they think being caucasian makes others more likely to believe their symptoms. Just as gender and age is an important factor, so is race, the fact that you are "well-educated" however, is most likely an unnecessary comment in regards to these issues. Stop being so sensitive.

[sarah5159645]

I am also going through the same problem its very annoying ..but i have noticed that these weird growling sounds mostly start after having a meal usually after an hour or so i dont know the exact reason for this and have searched alot ...most people say it is due to gas and indigestion ...or after eating carbohydrates ...but these strange noises start and stop at their own and i have no control over them ....btw i have tried Mucaine suspension it has really helped alot ...and these embarassing noises usually stop after 5 to 10 mins of taking this syrup :) hope this helps some of u

[docdrummond]

Also i never vomit either, i think i did when i was a young child and the only other time i did was when i was really drunk and was underage.  Id mostly just dry heave if i was about to though.