Regurgitation of undigested foodstuffs
GGC - Primary Care
Warning
Pharyngeal pouch
Background: Regurgitation of foodstuff hours or days after eating, with or without dysphagia can be a symptoms of a pharyngeal pouch. There may be halitosis. Some complain of a “wet” sounding voice. This is a rare herniation of the pharynx where foodstuffs can accumulate.
Figure – Lateral view on barium swallow
How to assess:
Check for recurrent chest infections which may indicate recurrent aspiration and require expedited referral and management
Referral guidance:
Refer most patients with suspected pharyngeal pouch to ENT on a routine basis
If patients with suspected aspiration secondary to pharyngeal pouch, refer to ENT on an urgent basis