Is R-CPD uncommon?

R-CPD is a relatively rare swallowing disorder so statistics on its exact prevalence are limited. However, studies estimate it affects between 1 and 10 out of every 100,000 people worldwide. Women are diagnosed with R-CPD more frequently than men. Onset often occurs in the 4th to 6th decade of life, with most patients developing symptoms between the ages of 50-70.

Part of the difficulty in establishing prevalence is that R-CPD remains underdiagnosed. Many patients suffer with dysphagia for years before an accurate diagnosis is made. R-CPD gets mistaken for other more common disorders like acid reflux or psychological causes. Greater awareness among medical providers is needed to catch more cases.

Given that a majority of people rely primarily on dietary intake for nutrition and hydration, impairment of swallowing has a huge impact on overall health. Even conservatively, a prevalence of 1 per 100,000 makes R-CPD a legitimate public health concern. Access to knowledgeable healthcare providers familiar with R-CPD is essential.

Prevalence also seems to be rising in recent decades. This could be due to increased lifespans and aging populations. It may also reflect evolving lifestyle factors that contribute to motility disorders. Higher environmental toxin exposures or greater dependency on processed foods may influence prevalence over time.

More research is still needed to firmly define R-CPD epidemiology. But current data indicates it is likely an underdiagnosed disorder affecting at minimum 1 million people globally. Greater recognition in the medical community combined with improved diagnostic tools can help better establish R-CPD prevalence and implement appropriate management strategies.