6. Silent Burping: Merycism’s Understated Signal
There’s burping, and then there’s silent burping — a peculiar characteristic of rumination syndrome. Most of us are familiar with the kind of burps that follow a fizzy drink or a hearty meal. But the burps associated with Merycism are different. They’re quieter, almost stealthy.
These burps are typically not caused by the usual suspects — carbonated drinks or gulping air while eating. They’re born out of the rumination process. As food makes its unexpected ascent, it brings along with it tiny air pockets. This air, when expelled, manifests as silent burps.
Unlike regular burps, these don’t provide relief. They’re not a sign of a satisfied belly or a digestive system working overtime after a large meal. Instead, they’re a quiet reminder of the body’s struggle with the food it’s just been given.
The very nature of these burps — soft and almost secretive — can make them easy to overlook. They’re not the loud, attention-grabbing eruptions we’re familiar with. Instead, they’re subtle, and to the untrained ear, might even go unnoticed. (6)
