Diverticulum of esophagus, acquired is a medical condition that affects the esophagus, which is the tube that connects the mouth to the stomach. It occurs due to the formation of pouches or sacs in the lining of the esophagus. These pouches can become enlarged and cause difficulty in swallowing food and liquids.
There are three types of diverticula that can occur in the esophagus:
Diverticulum of esophagus, acquired is typically seen in older adults and is more common in men than women. Other risk factors include smoking, alcohol consumption, and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).
Symptoms of this condition can include difficulty swallowing, regurgitation of food, chest pain, and weight loss. In severe cases, aspiration pneumonia can occur when food or liquid enters the lungs instead of the stomach.
Treatment for diverticulum of esophagus, acquired can vary depending on the severity of the condition. In mild cases, dietary changes such as eating smaller, more frequent meals and avoiding foods that are difficult to swallow may help. In more severe cases, surgery may be necessary to remove the diverticulum.
Prevention of diverticulum of esophagus, acquired involves avoiding risk factors such as smoking and excessive alcohol consumption. Managing conditions such as GERD can also help prevent the development of this condition.
Diverticulum of esophagus, acquired is a medical condition that can cause difficulty swallowing and other symptoms. It is more common in older adults and can be caused by risk factors such as smoking and GERD. Treatment can vary depending on the severity of the condition and may involve dietary changes or surgery. Prevention involves avoiding risk factors and managing underlying conditions.