Description
A pouch that develops in the lining of the lower throat. With swallowing, some food enters the pouch. Food can sit in the pouch for many hours. This can cause bad breath, contents to spill into the lungs leading to aspiration pneumonia and/or spitting up undigested food. Pills can also become lodged in the pouch. The disorder is rare and generally occurs in people over age 50.
Symptoms
Spitting up undigested food many hours after eating, difficulty swallowing, weight loss, painful swallowing, cough, multiple bouts of pneumonia.
Tests
Common tests used for diagnosis and treatment
Workup:
A history and physical exam will be performed. An esophagram and/or EGD (esophagogastroduodenoscopy) is done to confirm the diagnosis.
Tests:
CT Scan
Other Specific Tests: Esophagram, EGD (Esophagogastroduodenoscopy)
Specialists:
Gastroenterology, Thoracic Surgery, Pediatric Gastroenterology
Workup:
A history and physical exam will be performed. An esophagram and/or EGD (esophagogastroduodenoscopy) is done to confirm the diagnosis.
Tests:
CT Scan
Other Specific Tests: Esophagram, EGD (Esophagogastroduodenoscopy)
Specialists:
Gastroenterology, Thoracic Surgery, Pediatric Gastroenterology
Treatment
Therapy depends on the severity of the defect and symptoms being experienced. Repair of the pouch can be done through an endoscope or with conventional surgery.