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Review
. 2024 Jan 11;13(2):413.
doi: 10.3390/jcm13020413.

Retrograde Cricopharyngeal Dysfunction: A Review

Mattea E Miller  1 , Ioan Lina  1 , Lee M Akst  1
Affiliations
Review

Retrograde Cricopharyngeal Dysfunction: A Review

Mattea E Miller et al. J Clin Med. .

Abstract

Retrograde cricopharyngeal dysfunction (RCPD), also referred to as retrograde cricopharyngeus dysfunction, is a condition characterized by the inability to burp. The pathophysiology of this condition is thought to result from failure of cricopharyngeal sphincter relaxation during periods of esophageal distension, which leads to patients' bothersome symptoms. RCPD negatively impacts patients' quality of life and is associated with bloating, gurgling, avoidance of carbonation, self-imposed dietary and lifestyle changes designed to minimize discomfort, and flatulence. Complaints often start during adolescence, and many patients search for a diagnosis for years before obtaining treatment. A recent increase in awareness through patient-led social media discussion boards describing the 'no burp' syndrome is leading to an increasing incidence of presentations, often with patients making a self-diagnosis. The increased incidence of RCPD is fueling a larger case series investigating treatment options and outcomes. In this review, we discuss what is known about the pathophysiology of this condition, the otolaryngologic perspective on diagnosis and treatment, the patients' lived experience of this condition, and the influence of social media on RCPD.

Keywords: inability to burp; quality of life; retrograde cricopharyngeal dysfunction; review; social media.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors declare no conflicts of interest.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Pathophysiology of RCPD (A) Normal anatomy, (B) Swallowing, (C) Normal Burping, (D) RCPD. Created with BioRender.Com.
Figure 2
Figure 2
Image from a modified barium swallow study highlighting relevant anatomy in the pharynx and esophagus.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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