Cricopharyngeus Dysfunction: Difficulty Swallowing, Especially Solid Foods

Dr. Robert Bastian of Bastian Voice Institute explains this progressive swallowing problem, and presents options for treatment.

Cricopharyngeus dysfunction is caused by failure of relaxation of the upper esophageal sphincter—cricopharyngeus muscle—during eating. Typically it is solid foods that tend to lodge in the mid-neck area where this muscle is located. The disorder is described in detail within this short instructional videotape.

http://www.bastianvoice.com

Category:

Education

Tags:

• medicine
• achalasia
• cricopharyngeus
• dysfunction
• sphincter
• muscle
• esophagus
• swallowing
• trouble
• Bastian
• Voice
• Institute

[redbutterflynine]

i am on a fluid diet only - no soilds at all -- solids wont go down at all for some time now please help me

[BVI03]

@redbutterflynine Verification of diagnosis comes first from your personal physician. If the diagnosis is verified with a videofluoroscopic swallow study, the primary option is cricopharyngeus myotomy. Find someone who deals with this problem a lot and go from there.

[gallantsword4u]

i have had the barium done and they found a mass just in side the esophagus .but when they do the scope (or the light that goes down the throat )they see nothing but they told me my throat was closing but the docters i have went to do not go any further with it where can i go to get help? oe what do i do? my email is mcgilllawrencena@yahoo.com

[BVI03]

@gallantsword4u Cricopharyngeus dysfunction (non-relaxation) creates a projection into the lumen and this narrows the barium stream. That's because the muscle won't "let go" so you see this asymmetrical hourglass contour of the esophagus exactly where the muscle is located. If this dx is verified, then primary option is cricopharyngeus myotomy. There are others, so check with a physician who does this kind of problem a lot. Be sure to take the barium images (not just the report) with you.

[vhanix18]

If not treated immediately, will this get worse?

[BVI03]

@vhanix18 IF the diagnosis is cricopharyngeus dysfunction (and your doctor would have to verify), it tends to get worse very slowly, often across months or even several years.

[tosh395181]

very intresting it may help my condition

[1rocknroy]

I think I've had that from time to time. It comes and goes.

[Darwinianmedicine]

Dr. Bastian:

based on decades of experience that you have with patients and the medical literature, what are some noteworthy mechanisms responsible for sudden-onset dysphagia? A short interval under a 24 period, to be more precise. I read a few vague references related to esophagitis from the AAFP, but nothing sufficient. Also, have you heard of eosinophilic esophagitis disturbing upper esophageal motility? By the way, some people here actually appreciate your expertise and videos. Take care.

[la324k]

3:44

THATS TRUE ..

AND IM GETTIN A XRAY THIS SEP30

IWANNA GET BETTER HOPEFULLY THEY HELP ME OUT

[redbutterflynine]

ty so much for your reply - i am a lot betetr today i went to the dr and he said to eat slow - chew all the way etc -- so i am now eating again

[redbutterflynine]

please keep me in prayers i had a dilation done bc of acid reflux thing on the bottom of my esophogus but am no better soilds get stuck every time i am desperate please help me - i have to go back to the dr tomorrow but in the mean time i am very afraid

[qmoney000]

I can only swallow normal when im very very very very hungry

[IronCobra22]

Could laser surgery (cricopharyngeus myotomy) be used to treat crico spasm as well?