Do I have medical options to treat R-CPD?

For those struggling with R-CPD (Retrograde Cricopharyngeus Dysfunction), medical therapies are available that can provide relief from the frustrating swallowing difficulties involved. Depending on symptom severity, the following medication-based and minimally invasive treatments may help manage R-CPD:

Muscle Relaxants

Medications like diazepam, baclofen, or clonazepam work to relax the muscles of the upper esophageal sphincter. This can allow food and liquids to pass through more easily. These relaxants can be used short-term or as needed.

Botox Injections

Injecting botulinum toxin directly into the cricopharyngeus muscle paralyzes it temporarily, enabling the sphincter to open more readily during swallowing. Botox effects last about 3-6 months before re-injection is required.

Balloon Dilation

Endoscopically inserting and inflating a balloon to stretch and expand the upper sphincter opening is another minimally invasive approach. It widens the passageway without surgery, though multiple dilations may be needed.

Nerve Blocks

Injecting a numbing medication into nerves supplying the throat and esophagus is sometimes used short-term to help retrain the swallowing mechanism and provide temporary symptom relief.

Antidepressants

Tricyclic drugs or SSRIs may be prescribed to help treat any accompanying anxiety and depression associated with R-CPD difficulty swallowing. This can complement other therapies.

The risks and benefits of any treatment should be fully discussed with your doctor. While not cures, adding medical therapies to dietary changes and swallowing exercises can provide substantial improvement in managing R-CPD. Finding the right interventions tailored to your situation gives you the tools to live well with this condition.