Inability to belch or vomit

[pbrostrom]

I am a 43 year old woman and I have never been able to belch.  When I have become ill with the flu I am only able to vomit if I stick my fingers down my throat.  My stomach becomes upset several times a week but I do not suffer from heartburn. I believe my stomach becomes upset because I am unable to relieve the gas/pressure. I have tried changing my diet exercising more but nothing seems to help.  Is there a medical term for this condition and is there surgery or treatment available to fix this problem?

[midsummer]

I am 53 and had never belched in my life until about 18 months ago so it is some what of a novelty as well as a relief from the build up of pressure this causes. This I have always had to relieve by putting my fingers down my throat.
I had tests 2 years ago and it was discovered that I had a gross oesphageal motility disorder so well worth having the tests the Doctor has suggested.

[Kevin Pho, MD]

I am not aware of a medical term that would prevent you from belching.  If you are feeling an upset stomach and unable to relieve the gas or pressure, you can consider some tests to evaluate the upper GI tract to ensure there is no mass or tumor present that is blocking the digestive tract.  This can include an upper GI series or upper endoscopy.  Another more specialized test to consider would be an esophageal motility study which may reveal and hypomotility problems.  

The treatment depends on what is found during these tests.  

Followup with your personal physician is essential.

This answer is not intended as and does not substitute for medical advice - the information presented is for patient education only. Please see your personal physician for further evaluation of your individual case.

Thanks,
Kevin, M.D.

[yoshi]

over the counter medication ,some will neutralise the gas already in your system,some will prevent your body from producing more gas.
but you should find out if it is gas and why is your body producing gas??

[tessa0825]

Have you ever had fundoplication surgery? Alot of people that have had that surgery for reflux find they can't burp or vomit anymore...Most important, if you are nauseated several times a week you need referred to a GI Specialist for an evaluation....Tessa