Which symptom would most likely accompany halitosis in a patient diagnosed with Zenker diverticulum?

In Zenker diverticulum, a pharyngoesophageal diverticulum, halitosis—an unpleasant breath odor—often results from stagnant food debris in the diverticulum. These pockets can trap food, leading to its breakdown by bacteria, which in turn produces foul-smelling compounds that cause halitosis.

Regurgitation of undigested food is closely associated with Zenker diverticulum due to the abnormal anatomical structure where food collects in the diverticulum. Patients often experience regurgitation of food that has not been digested, as it can sit in the diverticulum for prolonged periods before being expelled back into the esophagus. This symptom, therefore, correlates strongly with the presence of halitosis.

This condition may also lead to other symptoms but they are less directly related to halitosis. Dysphagia might be present, particularly for solids, but doesn't directly explain the halitosis. Chest pain during swallowing and odynophagia can occur as well, but again, they are not symptoms that are directly associated with the buildup of stagnant food causing bad breath. Instead, they tend to be symptoms of other esophageal issues or complications rather than a consequence of food entrapment as noted in Zenker diverticulum.