Medical Conditions of the Esophagus
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Zenker’s Diverticula
- Zenker’s diverticula is a medical condition of the esophagus, the tube that passes food between the pharynx and the stomach. Zenker’s diverticula is a type of esophageal diverticula or herniation of the muscular wall of the esophagus. When the interior space of the esophagus protrudes into the surrounding walls, pouches or pocket-like structures can develop. Esophageal diverticulum medical conditions of the throat are described according to where esophageal pouches form along the length of the esophagus. Zenker’s diverticula are pharyngeal pouches that occur near the top of the esophagus near the pharynx, whereas epiphrenic diverticula are located at the bottom of the esophagus near the stomach. Difficulty swallowing (dysphagia) or bad breath (halitosis) are symptoms that doctors look for when diagnosing this medical disorder of the throat.