Retrograde Cricopharyngeal Dysfunction (RCPD) is a condition that often begins in childhood and continues into adulthood. Its hallmark symptom is the inability to burp, accompanied by bloating, chest discomfort, and gurgling noises in the upper chest and lower neck caused by air rising into the upper esophagus being unable to escape. Many people wonder whether biological sex is associated with the development of this condition or if one sex is at greater risk than the other.
 
Because RCPD has only recently been recognized and become more widely known, most of the available medical evidence comes from a relatively small group of patients. Currently there is an insufficient amount of evidence to determine whether the condition is truly more common in one sex than the other.
 

Who Can Develop RCPD?

RCPD can occur in both women and men. Many patients begin experiencing symptoms during childhood, or only later realize that their symptoms are abnormal but were never diagnosed. These symptoms typically include abdominal discomfort and bloating caused by trapped air in the upper digestive tract that cannot be released through burping. Patients who seek medical attention for this condition are usually between 20 and 30 years of age.
 

Is RCPD More Common in Women or Men?

Some studies have reported that RCPD appears to be slightly more common in men than women. However, several factors may have affected these results, including access to healthcare, awareness of the condition, and an individual's desire to seek medical treatment.
Therefore, it is still not possible to conclude with certainty that RCPD truly occurs more frequently in men than in women.
 

Do Symptoms Differ Between Women and Men?

Currently there is no evidence that women and men experience significantly different symptoms of RCPD. The most common symptoms in both sexes include: the inability to burp, bloating, gurgling noises in the upper chest, excessive flatulence, and difficulty vomiting. However, the severity of symptoms can vary from person to person.
 

What Factors May Be Associated with RCPD?

In addition to sex, which has not been shown to be a definitive risk factor, the exact cause of RCPD remains unknown. It is generally believed to be a functional disorder rather than a structural one, as no anatomical abnormalities or physical damage have been identified.
 
There is also no evidence linking RCPD to diet, lifestyle, or other underlying medical conditions.
Although some patients report having family members with similar symptoms, there is currently no confirmation that RCPD can be inherited. Current theories instead focus on abnormalities in the neural control of the upper esophageal sphincter muscle.
 

What Should You Do If You Suspect You Have RCPD?

If you are unable to burp and experience chronic bloating or excessive flatulence, you should consult a specialist for an accurate diagnosis, as these symptoms may have several possible causes. Early diagnosis and appropriate treatment can help improve your quality of life.
 

RCPD Care at Bumrungrad

At the Gastrointestinal Motility Center at Bumrungrad, our specialists are equipped to evaluate patients of all ages who may have RCPD. We focus on identifying the underlying cause of each patient's symptoms and developing an individualized treatment plan to help them regain comfort in their daily lives.

Sources

Retrograde Cricopharyngeal Dysfunction | Sydney Voice & Swallowing
Retrograde cricopharyngeal dysfunction (R‐CPD): What do we know so far?
Retrograde Cricopharyngeal Dysfunction (RCPD) ‘No Burp Syndrome’ — Wiltshire ENT Surgery | Mr Joseph Sinnott
Is Retrograde Cricopharyngeus Dysfunction Genetic? - Biology Insights