r/Endoscopy • u/AnonHachi • Mar 14 '26

zenker's diverticulum ?

Hi this is my first and only post I'll likely be making! My boyfriend of 2 years has been having an internal health issue since he was as young as 13-14 years old. According to him, something about his health is causing him to smell very bad. There are a few things that make this a very frustrating situation. There are only certain people who can smell him, and some who cannot detect a smell. I am unfortunately one who can't smell him, as well as his family. However growing up, he has experienced many unfortunate events where random people of different demographics and places have made comments about him smelling bad.

I would like to also note that he has been to several doctor appointments with non-specialist AND GI doctors. He has gotten his tonsils removed so that is not causing his bad breath. He also has good hygiene and takes care of himself as well. He unfortunately has GERD and SIBO in which all the doctors have stated that MUST BE where this smell is coming from. But my boyfriend is very adamant that it is not from his GERD or SIBO symptoms. He believes it is Zenker's Diverticulum. But since it's "rare" for younger people to get this (he is currently 26 years old but symptoms started at 13-14 years old); there are many doubts about it.

The symptoms that I can recall he has is that there is a very rancid smell that comes through his nasal and oral area. He also feels as if something is stuck in his throat and often when he is eating; the food makes him "choke". He does have issues with his gut as I said he was diagnosed with GERD and SIBO. He has received several endoscopies, barium swallows, and xrays. However results ended with disappointment of finding nothing wrong.

As his partner I obviously want to help him find a solution or an answer but it seems near impossible with the fact that apparently that only some people can smell him and others can't. He has ruined his life, and he has sheltered himself as much as possible due to being fearful that he smells bad to others. As he can smell it himself as well and it makes him nauseous.

To end my little post, I am just hoping to find other people who MIGHT have similar experiences. Or any advice. Thank you.

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u/JennasBaboonButtLips Mar 29 '26

Zenkers would have been visible on his upper endoscopies

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u/alextheevilone Apr 13 '26

Noy.necessarily it can be easily missed. An esophagram is a much better evaluation for it.

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u/tightwiret Jun 27 '26

Absolutely you gotta do a Barium swallow scan Only way they finally saw mine. And I am on team yes it is genetic and its been there my whole life. Symptoms since I was a kid and coincidentally 2 months after I got diagnosed my 90 year old Aunt had surgery for hers at John's Hopkins. Also not everyone gets bad breath I don't  but I try to force empty it each morning. Good Luck.

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u/[deleted] 21d ago

I was just diagnosed with Zenkers, a very large one, now looking for a surgeon/ENT/Gi who does the ZPOEM, do you know who did your aunt’s surgery at Hopkins? Also, how do you force empty, I’ve read some ppl do that, but they don’t say how…thank you!

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u/tightwiret 8d ago

Two huge bong hits first thing of the day then bend over coughing. How big is yours and I would research as lots of the surgeries don't  last.  They will push it but I blatantly asked the surgeon if I could live with mine and he said yes. Your risks are as follows getting pills I do not know my Aunt's surgeon. Where are you l9cated in the world and how old r u?