Esophageal Diverticula: Symptoms and When to Seek Help

Esophageal diverticulum?

On Wednesday, I felt a pressure in my nasal cavity and a scratchy, itchy throat.
It worsened after I woke up, accompanied by a headache and dizziness.
On Thursday, I saw a doctor who diagnosed me with allergic rhinitis and a mild cold, and prescribed medication.
Later, I started experiencing frequent runny nose and a sensation of swelling in my throat, feeling like food gets stuck when I swallow.
It feels like the medication and water aren't going down, as if they are stuck at the bottom of my throat.
When I exert a little force, it feels like I want to vomit.
The sensation extends from my throat to my collarbone, as if there is a balloon inside.
I'm unsure if it's post-nasal drip, and I keep wanting to suck mucus down with my mouth, but there isn't much mucus.
When I lie down at night, it feels like my throat is being constricted.
Today is Sunday, and I feel like I can't stop blowing my nose; the mucus is thick and white.
My throat is very itchy, and I have a persistent urge to cough.
In the evening, I feel like I need to burp, and there's also a sensation of acid reflux.
Could this be an esophageal diverticulum? Additionally, when I eat, I can hear a clicking sound, is it related to the temporomandibular joint? Which specialist should I see?

Yilun, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2019/08/19

Dr. Zheng Jueyi reply Otolaryngology

Hello, chronic pharyngitis commonly associated with post-nasal drip and gastroesophageal reflux is noted.
It is recommended to consult with an otolaryngologist and a gastroenterologist for examination.
Wishing you safety and health.
Sincerely, Dr.
Jue-Yi Cheng, Director of the Department of Otolaryngology, Taoyuan Hospital, Ministry of Health and Welfare.

Reply Date: 2019/08/19

More Info

Esophageal diverticula are pouches that can form in the esophagus, often leading to a variety of symptoms. Your description of symptoms such as a sensation of food being stuck in your throat, difficulty swallowing, and a feeling of pressure in your throat and chest raises concerns that could be related to esophageal diverticula or other esophageal disorders.

Symptoms of Esophageal Diverticula
The symptoms of esophageal diverticula can vary, but common signs include:
1. Dysphagia (Difficulty Swallowing): This is often the most prominent symptom. Patients may feel as though food is stuck in their throat or chest.

2. Regurgitation: This can occur when food or liquid comes back up from the esophagus, sometimes leading to aspiration.

3. Chest Pain: Some individuals experience discomfort or pain in the chest, which can mimic heart-related issues.

4. Chronic Cough: This may result from aspiration or irritation of the throat.

5. Halitosis (Bad Breath): Food can become trapped in the diverticula, leading to foul-smelling breath.

6. Weight Loss: Due to difficulty swallowing and eating, some may experience unintentional weight loss.

When to Seek Help
Given your symptoms, it is crucial to seek medical attention, especially if you experience:
- Severe Difficulty Swallowing: If you are unable to swallow liquids or solids.

- Persistent Chest Pain: Especially if it is severe or accompanied by other symptoms like shortness of breath.

- Signs of Aspiration: Such as coughing or choking when eating or drinking.

- Unexplained Weight Loss: This can indicate a more serious underlying condition.

Possible Causes of Your Symptoms
Your symptoms could be indicative of several conditions, including:
- Esophageal Diverticula: As mentioned, these can cause a sensation of food being stuck and may lead to regurgitation.

- Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD): This can cause similar symptoms, including a sensation of a lump in the throat and regurgitation of stomach contents.

- Allergic Rhinitis or Sinusitis: Your initial symptoms of nasal congestion and throat irritation could be related to allergies or a sinus infection, which can lead to post-nasal drip, contributing to throat discomfort.

- Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) Disorders: If you are hearing sounds when you eat, it could be related to jaw issues, which can also cause referred pain in the throat.

Recommended Actions
1. Consult a Specialist: Given the complexity of your symptoms, it would be advisable to see a gastroenterologist for an evaluation of your esophagus. They may recommend an endoscopy to visualize the esophagus and check for diverticula or other abnormalities.

2. Consider an Ear, Nose, and Throat (ENT) Specialist: If your symptoms of nasal congestion and throat irritation persist, an ENT may help assess for allergies or sinus issues.

3. Dietary Adjustments: In the meantime, consider eating softer foods and staying hydrated to ease swallowing difficulties.

4. Monitor Symptoms: Keep track of your symptoms, including any changes in swallowing, pain levels, or the presence of regurgitation, and report these to your doctor.

Conclusion
Your symptoms warrant further investigation to determine the underlying cause. Esophageal diverticula can lead to significant discomfort and complications if left untreated. Early intervention is key to managing symptoms effectively and improving your quality of life. Please make an appointment with a healthcare provider as soon as possible to discuss your symptoms in detail and undergo appropriate diagnostic testing.

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