Pharyngo-oesophageal diverticula.
Asymptomatic or occasionally transient dysphagia in the early stages. As the diverticulum enlarges, the lumen of the oesophagus narrows and there may be a gurgling sound when swallowing. If food is trapped within the diverticulum, this can cause a sensation of pressure in the neck. The decomposition of food trapped in the diverticulum can produce a foul smell and lead to inflammatory oedema of the oesophageal mucosa, causing difficulty in swallowing. Sometimes a lump can be palpated in the neck and is soft in texture. A large diverticulum may compress the recurrent laryngeal nerve causing hoarseness. If regurgitated food is inhaled into the lungs, this can be complicated by lung infection.
Middle oesophageal diverticulum.
Often asymptomatic. When inflammatory oedema occurs, a painful sensation behind the sternum or back or a choking sensation in the throat may occur. Prolonged inflammatory infection can lead to the esophageal diverticulum communicating with the lung, forming a diverticulobronchial fistula, and the patient may present with recurrent infections in the same area of the lung and corresponding symptoms such as choking and coughing.
Supradiaphragmatic diverticula.
This is mainly pain behind the sternum or in the upper abdomen. Sometimes there is difficulty in swallowing or food reflux.