Current Environment:

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:

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

Programs

Motility and Functional Gastrointestinal Disorders Center

Program

The Motility and Functional Gastrointestinal Disorders Center offers a unique combination of services covering all facets of motility and functional disorders.

Aerodigestive Center

Program

The Aerodigestive Center sees children who have trouble swallowing or breathing or who have related gastrointestinal issues in addition to respiratory symptoms.

Center for Communication Enhancement

Program

The Center for Communication Enhancement provides expert care for children with a variety of communication differences.
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