digestive disorders
Esophageal Pouches (Diverticula)
Introduction
Esophageal diverticula are abnormal pouches or pockets in the esophagus. Rarely, they cause swallowing difficulties and Regurgitation and Rumination (the spitting up of food without nausea or forceful contractions of abdominal muscles). The cause depends on the type of diverticula. Symptoms include spitting up of food and difficulty swallowing. The diagnosis is based on the results of barium swallow x-rays and often upper endoscopy. When needed, treatment includes surgery. The Throat and Esophagus is the hollow tube that leads from the throat (pharynx) to the stomach. (See also There are several types of esophageal diverticula. Each has a different cause, but probably all are related to uncoordinated swallowing and muscle relaxation. Many of these diverticula are associated with Abnormal Propulsion of Food , such as 