Jade Thirlwall, former singer of the music group Little Mix, has recently revealed a rare condition she has struggled with for years. The 33-year-old artist felt comforted after encountering a community on the social media platform TikTok where others also suffer from this disorder.
Reverse Cricopharyngeal Dysfunction
Reverse Cricopharyngeal Dysfunction, or R-CPD, means that Jade cannot burp because a muscle in her neck does not function properly. She has spoken about the impact of this disorder on her body, with other symptoms including pressure in her chest, severe bloating, and painful trapped air.
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Jade realized this issue after watching a video shared by Gemma Renwick, who is raising awareness about the condition. She wrote in the comments, "I finally feel seen and understood. I'm really happy that my story has helped you."
Everyday Challenges and Awareness
The singer mentioned the challenges this disorder has created in her life, stating, "It was always said as a fun fact that I can't burp, but this has caused problems throughout my life, and I’m tired of people commenting on my weight and body on stage."
Gemma Renwick is also gathering signatures for a petition urging the government to address the needs of those suffering from R-CPD. This petition, which runs until December 22, has collected over 4,800 signatures.
While Jade has recently spoken about her condition, she has previously alluded to her struggles and thanked her fans for their support in a TikTok video. She has also discussed her battle with an eating disorder and its challenges in her daily life.
Jade Thirlwall has had a busy summer performing at festivals. She has also recently addressed her breakup with Jordan Stephens, with whom she had a relationship for six years.
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