Ayla Cardinal, a 25-year-old resident of Edmonton, Alberta, has recently shared her journey with a rare medical condition known as retrograde cricopharyngeus dysfunction (RCPD), which prevents her from burping. Cardinal’s story has gained significant traction on social media, particularly through her viral TikTok account, where she describes her experiences and newfound ability to burp following a Botox treatment.
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RCPD, often referred to as “no burp syndrome,” is a rare condition that hinders individuals from belching and can lead to a range of uncomfortable symptoms. Cardinal has noted feeling bloated and experiencing significant abdominal pain, conditions that have affected her quality of life for as long as she can remember. “I would often hear gurgling sounds from my throat and feel extreme discomfort, especially after consuming carbonated drinks or alcohol,” she explained in an interview.
Cardinal’s journey took a turning point when she began to connect with others who shared her condition on social media platforms. This led her to seek medical advice; however, her initial consultations with healthcare professionals led to a lengthy delay in receiving a proper diagnosis. After taking a swallowing test which revealed no apparent issues, it wasn’t until she discovered an Ear, Nose, and Throat (ENT) specialist familiar with RCPD that she received a definitive diagnosis.
During her visit to the ENT, Cardinal was informed that Botox injections in the cricopharyngeus muscle might alleviate her symptoms. This sphincter muscle, located at the throat’s base, plays a crucial role in regulating air passage. “Botox relaxes that muscle enough to allow air to escape,” Cardinal elaborated. After receiving her first treatment in September 2025, she experienced a profound change in her life.
Just four days following the first injection, Cardinal managed to produce her first burp, an event that triggered an emotional response. “I cried, and so did my best friend; it was such a relief,” she said. However, the excitement didn’t last long, as she soon found that the effects of the treatment did not endure. Cardinal was only able to belch occasionally and continued to experience gurgling noises.
During a follow-up appointment, her doctor advised that a second Botox injection would be necessary, increasing the dosage to enhance its effectiveness. By January 30, after receiving the second treatment, Cardinal experienced a remarkable transformation: “The day after, I began burping like crazy. It was incredibly exciting.” Her surgeon encouraged her to consume fizzy beverages regularly and practice burping to help train her muscles for the best results.
Documenting her progress on TikTok, where she adopted the moniker @theburpbarbie, Cardinal showcased her newfound abilities to her growing audience. Her videos resonate with many who have shared similar experiences with RCPD, and she emphasises the importance of awareness surrounding this condition. “I didn’t realise how many people out there struggled with this condition!” Cardinal reflected, noting that her online engagement revealed a community of individuals facing the same challenges.
Following her experiences, Cardinal reported a significant improvement in her daily life. No longer does she feel bloated or experience discomfort after meals, largely due to her newfound ability to release excess air through burping. There have been minor side effects, such as a temporary slow swallowing issue that developed after each procedure but typically resolved quickly.
As her TikTok videos garnered millions of views and likes, the reactions she received have highlighted the need for greater awareness around RCPD. Many comments on her posts belong to individuals expressing similar struggles, often noting the difficulty in obtaining treatment. “People underestimate how much not being able to burp affects your quality of life,” Cardinal asserted, advocating for others who may be living with RCPD in silence.
Through her journey, Ayla Cardinal has become more than just a patient; she has emerged as a spokesperson for those grappling with RCPD. Her advocacy has brought to light a condition that affects many yet receives little attention in medical discourse. With a mission to spread awareness, Cardinal aims to ensure that no one else suffers in silence, unburdened by the challenges that come with being unable to burp.