Zenker diverticulum is a type of common outpouching back of the throat in the esophagus resulted from an increased pressure causing mucous membrane of the esophagus to herniate through the esophagus wall.

This condition is uncommon and usually occurs in elderly people. Patients usually experience no symptoms however symptoms such as difficulty swallowing, pnemonia, bronchitis and difficulty swallowing may occur when saliva or food fills up the pouch.

Diagnosis is determined by a barium solution that fills the pouch in the esophageal wall in order to be seen on an x-ray. Zenker Diverticulum are usually not treated unless symptoms occur. If symptoms happen from this condition, surgery is performed to cut the muscle between the throat and esophagus removing the pouch.

This entry was filed under Diseases and Conditions.

Tags: bronchitis, diverticulum, x-ray