8. Coughing Fits: The Unwanted Disruption
For many, a cough is a fleeting inconvenience, often tied to a temporary cold or allergies. However, for those dealing with Zenker’s Diverticulum, it’s a recurring and troubling symptom.
It isn’t just an occasional throat clear. It’s a persistent, forceful disruption, turning heads in public places and causing personal distress.
Why does this pouch in the throat induce such violent coughing spells? The diverticulum’s location means it’s in close proximity to the windpipe.
As food or saliva stagnate and sometimes spill from this pouch, they can inadvertently enter the windpipe. This intrusion triggers the body’s defense mechanism – a cough – in an attempt to expel the foreign substance and prevent it from traveling into the lungs.
This isn’t just about coughing. Each fit can lead to a cascade of associated symptoms.
Consider the sudden jolt of a coughing bout during a meal, leading to choked bites or spilled drinks. There’s also the physical discomfort, from a sore throat to aching chest muscles, each episode leaving its mark. Over time, the continuous coughing can even strain vocal cords, leading to the aforementioned voice changes.(8)
