Cricopharyngeal Dysfunction

What is cricopharyngeal dysfunction?

Cricopharyngeal dysfunction occurs when the muscle at the top of the esophagus, sometimes known as the upper esophageal sphincter (UES), doesn't relax to allow food to enter the esophagus or it relaxes in an uncoordinated manner. This can cause dysphagia, or difficulty swallowing. Children with cricopharyngeal dysfunction may also experience symptoms such as aspiration, choking, noisy breathing and regurgitation when they try to eat or drink.

How we care for cricopharyngeal dysfunction

The skilled clinicians in the Aerodigestive Center at Boston Children's Hospital are experienced in diagnosing and treating children with a range of aerodigestive concerns, including cricopharyngeal dysfunction. Using high-resolution esophageal manometry with impedance, we are able to precisely determine the relationship between sphincter relaxation and food and liquid movement into the esophagus. As the only aerodigestive center with motility specialists as an integral part of the team, we are able to diagnose and treat patients with this sphincter dysfunction.

Symptoms & Causes

What are the symptoms of cricopharyngeal dysfunction?

Cricopharyngeal dysfunction can cause a number of symptoms in babies and children. These include:

dysphagia
aspiration
choking
coughing
cyanosis (blue spells)
recurrent pneumonia
nasal congestion

What causes cricopharyngeal dysfunction?

Cricopharyngeal dysfunction occurs when the UES doesn't relax properly.

Diagnosis & Treatments

How is cricopharyngeal dysfunction diagnosed?

Physicians typically diagnose cricopharyngeal dysfunction using high-resolution manometry with impedance.

How is cricopharyngeal dysfunction treated?

Depending on your child's unique situation, the physician will likely recommend less-invasive approaches to treat cricopharyngeal dysfunction. These approaches may include:

dilation
injections of botulinum toxin (Botox) to help relax the UES

Programs & Services

What is cricopharyngeal dysfunction?

How we care for cricopharyngeal dysfunction