Zenker’s diverticulum makes swallowing difficult
You know that I’m a magnet for people telling me what’s wrong with them. Recently, I had two women tell me that they suffer from dysphagia, which is the medical term for having difficulty swallowing, and that they were going through tests to find out why. I was surprised to learn that after consults with their primary care providers, it was determined that they both suffer from Zenker’s diverticulum. Of course, I had to learn more.
This condition, which more often affects men than women, is estimated to occur in about two out of 100,000 people. It’s typically seen in people aged 70 to 90 and those who suffer from chronic reflux.
So, what exactly is it? Temple Health (a subsidiary of Temple University in Philadelphia) describes it as a small sac or pouch that forms in the digestive tract.
Become a Subscriber!
You have read all of your free articles this month. Select a plan below to start your subscription today.
Already a subscriber? Login
