A pharyngeal pouch appears as a bulge or pocket. This is essentially an outward protrusion or sac that forms from the wall of a specific part of the digestive tract.
Location and Nature
This characteristic bulge or pocket develops in the top of your oesophagus. The oesophagus is the muscular tube that connects your throat to your stomach, and the pouch forms in its upper section. While it can occur at any age, it usually develops in older patients.
Indirect Signs of a Pharyngeal Pouch
Although the direct visual appearance of a pharyngeal pouch is internal, its presence is often indicated by a range of symptoms that result from this bulge. These symptoms are key to understanding its impact and identifying its presence:
- A feeling of a lump in your throat.
- Difficulty swallowing (medically known as dysphagia).
- Bringing up food after a meal, often undigested.
- Bad breath.
These symptoms arise because the pouch can collect food and liquids, leading to irritation, obstruction, and fermentation.
