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Symptoms of Diverticulitis in the Esophagus

Diverticulas are pocket-like pouches that develop on the inside walls of the digestive tract, usually in the colon or esophagus. For those who have the condition--generally three times more in men than women (and people ranging in age from 30 to 50)--it's called diverticulosis. These pouches aren't usually a problem medically and may even go unnoticed due to a lack of symptoms. However, once two or more of these pouches become infected or inflamed, symptoms can develop and the condition is then called diverticulitis.

  1. Esophagus Diverticulitis

    • Diverticulitis (infection or inflammation) generally occurs in one of three different locations when it's present in the esophagus: Zenker's diverticulum (the esophageal upper neck area), traction diverticulum (esophageal mid-section) and ephiphrenic diverticulum (lower esophageal section, near the opening into the stomach from the esophagus).

    Zenker's (or Pulsion) Diverticulum Symptoms

    • Bad breath (halitosis) and regurgitated saliva and food are all possible symptoms of this type of upper neck esophageal diverticulitis. In addition, with this most common type of esophageal diverticulitis, throat irritation may also be experienced, as well as regurgitation during sleep.

    Traction Diverticulum Symptoms

    • There are usually no symptoms with this type of diverticulitis.

    Ephiphrenic Diverticulum Symptoms

    • Swallowing problems result from this type. The esophagus may also rupture, causing the contents in the esophagus to move into the chest and/or neck. There could even be pain experienced that mirrors that of a heart attack.

    Additional Symptoms

    • Other symptoms might include: an internal noise when swallowing liquids, hoarseness, a chronic cough and a bad mouth taste.

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