I Have Been Diagnosed With Zenker's Diverticulum And Have Been

Posted on Sun, 5 May 2019

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Sun, 5 May 2019 Answered on

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Question : I have been diagnosed with Zenker's diverticulum and have been symptomatic for about 14 months. I am bothered greatly by a throat irritation when I try to sleep, with frequent trips to bathroom to spit out regurgitated material during the night. I have also developed a sore elbow in the last 3 months, and am noticing an increase in urinary output for about the same timeframe. This may be the result of increased water intake at night, trying to force food down my esophagus so I don't have it come back to haunt me during the night. Is there a chance these newer symptoms could be related? The good news is I have a surgery scheduled for XXXXXXX 10 which will hopefully repair the diverticulum once and for all. Thank you very much for your thoughts.

Answered by Dr. Hari Charan Perigela (39 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Surgery will relieve the symptoms

Detailed Answer:
Hi
Symptoms of Regurgitation, throat irritation etc which are related to Zenker's diverticulum will be relieved by Surgery.
Sore elbow is not related to it.I prescribe Anti-inflammatory tablet to my patients with similar complaints.
You should drink enough water immediately after food intake.This may help to some extent.Once the food is diverted into Diverticulum,it may not go into stomach.
Nothing to worry.
Hope I answered your query.If you have any questions,I will clarify further.
Wish you good health
Regards

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Kampana