Jade Thirlwall opens up about rare 'no-burp' disorder and its impact on her health
Little Mix singer Jade Thirlwall disclosed she suffers from Retrograde cricopharyngeus dysfunction, a condition that prevents her from burping and causes severe bloating.
Jade Thirlwall revealed she lives with Retrograde cricopharyngeus dysfunction (R-CPD), a rare ailment that stops the throat muscle from relaxing, making burping impossible and causing intense bloating and pressure. After seeing a TikTok video by awareness campaigner Gemma Renwick, Thirlwall posted that she finally feels seen and understood, noting the condition has fueled persistent remarks about her weight on stage. She explained that the constant bloating has been a lifelong issue and that she is exploring a Botox injection treatment, known as "throtox," to relax the muscle, though she fears it might impact her vocal performance.
Renwick, who is petitioning the government for NHS access to the treatment, asked Thirlwall to help publicise the cause. Thirlwall has previously spoken about battling eating disorders and resisting weight-loss drugs, highlighting the broader pressures she faces as a solo artist.
Why it matters
The story raises awareness of a little-known medical condition and its effect on a high-profile performer’s health and career.
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