A Zenker's diverticulum is a pouch or bulge that forms in the esophagus at the back of the throat. The esophagus is the tube that moves food and liquid from your mouth to your stomach. The pouch forms because of a weak spot in the esophagus where it joins the back part of the throat.
Food can get caught in the pouch. This can make it hard to swallow and can cause other problems. The trapped food may get breathed into the lungs and lead to pneumonia, an infection in the lungs.
What are the symptoms?
When you have Zenker's diverticulum, you may:
Get food or pills caught in your throat.
Have trouble swallowing.
Have a cough that doesn't go away.
Throw up or cough up undigested food that was trapped in the pouch.
Feel like there's a lump in your throat.
Have bad breath.
There may be no symptoms if the pouch is small.
How is it diagnosed?
Zenker's diverticulum is usually diagnosed with a barium swallow and an X-ray. You'll drink a chalky white liquid called barium. Barium coats the inside of your esophagus so any problems show up on X-ray. Or your doctor may look at your throat with an endoscope, which is a thin, flexible, lighted viewing instrument.
How is it treated?
A small diverticulum with no symptoms or mild symptoms may not need treatment.
A larger diverticulum is usually treated with surgery. The doctor can use an endoscope, which is a thin, flexible, lighted viewing instrument to fix the pouch. Or you may need surgery to fix the pouch.
After surgery you may need to stay in the hospital overnight or longer. If endoscopic treatment is used, you may be able to go home sooner. After you heal, you may need a follow-up barium swallow test.
Follow-up care is a key part of your treatment and safety. Be sure to make and go to all appointments, and contact your doctor if you are having problems. It's also a good idea to know your test results and keep a list of the medicines you take.
Clinical Review Board All Ignite Healthwise, LLC education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.
Clinical Review Board All Ignite Healthwise, LLC education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.
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The Health Encyclopedia contains general health information. Not all treatments or services described are covered benefits for Kaiser Permanente members or offered as services by Kaiser Permanente. For a list of covered benefits, please refer to your Evidence of Coverage or Summary Plan Description. For recommended treatments, please consult with your health care provider.
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