Experiences of Patients Living with Retrograde Cricopharyngeal Dysfunction.

[OBJECTIVES] Retrograde cricopharyngeal dysfunction (RCPD) is a newly described condition resulting from failure of cricopharyngeal sphincter relaxation during periods of esophageal distension that results in the inability to burp. Patients' perspectives on symptom experiences, barriers to care, and treatment benefits were investigated.

[STUDY DESIGN] Qualitative semi-structured interviews were conducted with patients diagnosed with RCPD who had been treated with botulinum toxin injection into the cricopharyngeus muscle. Interview questions centered on their experience living with RCPD. Conventional content analysis was performed on interview transcripts.

[RESULTS] Thematic saturation was reached with 13 participants. All participants were diagnosed with RCPD by an otolaryngologist and underwent botulinum toxin injection into the cricopharyngeus muscle with or without dilation of the upper esophageal sphincter in the operating room. Participants described having no memories of ever being able to burp, and all started experiencing RCPD symptoms during adolescence. Patients with RCPD experienced increased social isolation, lost productivity, and worsened mental health. Unanimously, participants first learned about RCPD on social media. All patients were seen by physicians in non-otolaryngology specialties regarding their symptoms prior to learning about their RCPD diagnosis and undergoing treatment by an otolaryngologist. Dilation and chemodenervation resulted in complete resolution of RCPD symptoms for 84.6% of participants. Participants emphasized a desire for more health providers to learn about RCPD and the impact it has on quality-of-life.

[CONCLUSION(S)] The lived experience of patients with RCPD significantly impacts quality of life and is often met with diagnostic barriers in the medical community. Although social media plays a significant role in increasing awareness of RCPD, physician education about the impact of RCPD is essential to improve diagnosis and treatment.

[LEVEL OF EVIDENCE] 4 Laryngoscope, 134:2136-2143, 2024.