Why can't I burp?

Question

It's not a practice thing. I really cannot burp no matter how much air I swallow. I only make gurgling noises that I cant control. I told my doctor and my family and they really think that I'm making this up. I'm eighteen years old! Why would I lie about something as rediculous as this? Does anybody have a medical answer for this?

Answer 1

Maybe you are in zero gravity. In zero gravity you can't burp as any spaceman or woman will tell you.

Answer 2

Not sure if this will help, But as a 48 year old, I have been inflicted with this inability as well for 40 some years.  Oh, occasionally I will burp, but not on purpose.  I have tried talking to my doctor as well, and they seem to think it has something to do with the diaphragm development while I was a child.  I hiccuped quite often as a child and thus lost some control of my diaphragm.  That alone was disruptive to developing the kind of diaphragm that would allow a person to belch on command, as well as, sing.  Can you sing with your diaphragm?  If not, then I would think you too do not have the ability to belch.  I can't sing - my brother can belch, but he can sing as well.  Anyway - you may want to chat with a gastrologist.