ESOPHAGEAL DIVERTICULA Meaning and
Definition
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Esophageal diverticula refer to outpouchings or bulges in the walls of the esophagus, which is the muscular tube that connects the throat with the stomach. These diverticula form when weak areas of the esophagus's muscular layers allow the inner lining of the esophagus to protrude outward.
There are different types of esophageal diverticula, including Zenker's diverticulum, which develops in the upper esophagus, and traction diverticulum, which occurs in the mid to lower esophagus. These diverticula can vary in size and may cause various symptoms depending on their location and severity.
Symptoms of esophageal diverticula can include difficulty swallowing (dysphagia), regurgitation of undigested food or saliva, halitosis (bad breath), coughing or choking when eating, chest pain or discomfort, and recurrent respiratory infections due to aspiration of food or liquid into the lungs.
The exact cause of esophageal diverticula is not fully understood, but certain factors may contribute to their development. These can include increased pressure in the esophagus due to repetitive swallowing or muscular disorders, structural abnormalities present from birth, inflammation or scarring in the esophagus, or age-related changes in the esophageal tissues.
The diagnosis of esophageal diverticula usually involves a combination of medical history assessment, physical examination, and diagnostic tests such as barium swallow X-rays, esophagoscopy, or esophageal manometry.
Treatment options for esophageal diverticula depend on the severity of symptoms and the size and location of the diverticula. Mild cases may be managed conservatively through dietary modifications or swallowing techniques. However, more severe cases may require surgical intervention
Common Misspellings for ESOPHAGEAL DIVERTICULA
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Etymology of ESOPHAGEAL DIVERTICULA
The word "esophageal" derives from the Latin "oesophagus", which comes from the Greek "oisophagos". "Oisophagos" is a combination of "oisos", meaning "relatively small", and "phagos", meaning "to eat".
The term "diverticula" comes from the Latin word "diverticulum", which is derived from "divertere", meaning "to turn aside" or "to deviate". In medical terminology, it refers to an abnormal pouch or sac-like protrusion branching off from a tubular organ, such as the esophagus. Therefore, "esophageal diverticula" describes the condition of having pouch-like outpouchings in the esophagus.
