Cricopharyngeal dysfunction occurs when the muscle at the top of the esophagus, sometimes known as the upper esophageal sphincter (UES), doesn't relax to allow food to enter the esophagus or it relaxes in an uncoordinated manner. This can cause dysphagia, or difficulty swallowing. Children with cricopharyngeal dysfunction may also experience symptoms such as aspiration, choking, noisy breathing, and regurgitation when they try to eat or drink.
