what is the pathophysiology of diverticulitis course hero

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What is diverticulitis?

What is diverticulitis? The digestive system is essential in breaking down food and eliminating waste. Food passes through the stomach into the small intestine where the nutrients are broken down into absorbable carbohydrates, fats, and protein.

Does the microbiome play a role in the development of diverticulosis?

The development of diverticular disease, encompassing both diverticulosis and diverticulitis, is a result of genetic predisposition, lifestyle, and environmental factors, including the microbiome. Areas covered: Previous reports implicated genetic predisposition, environmental factors, and colonic dysmotility in diverticular disease.

What are the risk factors for diverticular disease?

The exact cause of diverticular disease is currently unknown, but risk factors include: Consuming a high-fiber diet is essential in reducing diverticular risks. Dietary fiber decreases intracolonic pressure by increasing fecal bulk and reducing elimination time.

Where do diverticula develop in the colon?

Diverticula usually develop in the left colon, although they can be found anywhere in the large or (more rarely) small intestines. They develop at weaker areas along the colon wall where arteries are usually found.

What is the pathophysiology of diverticular?

The pathophysiology of diverticulitis is the obstruction of the diverticulum sac by fecalith, which by irritation of the mucosa causes low-grade inflammation, congestion and further obstruction. Diverticulitis may be further classified as uncomplicated and complicated (Fig. 1).

Which of the following is part of the pathophysiology of diverticular disease?

The pathogenesis of the disorder involves three major areas: (1) structural abnormalities of the colonic wall, (2) disordered intestinal motility, and (3) deficiencies of dietary fiber. Additional factors have also been linked to diverticular disease.

What is the anatomy of diverticulitis?

What are diverticula? A gut diverticulum (singular) is an outpouching of the wall of the gut to form a sac. Diverticula (plural) may occur at any level from esophagus to colon. A true diverticulum includes all three layers of the gut; the lining mucosa, the muscularis, and the outer serosa.

What pathogen causes diverticulitis?

The infection in diverticulitis results from normal colonic flora released into the peritoneal cavity through a colonic perforation. This is, therefore, a polymicrobial infection. The most common organisms cultured include anaerobes, such as Bacteroides fragilis, and gram negatives, such as Escherichia coli.

What is pathophysiology of a disease?

Definition of pathophysiology : the physiology of abnormal states specifically : the functional changes that accompany a particular syndrome or disease.

What is the pathological difference between diverticulitis and diverticulosis?

Diverticulosis occurs when small, bulging pouches (diverticula) develop in your digestive tract. When one or more of these pouches become inflamed or infected, the condition is called diverticulitis.

What are the complications of diverticulitis?

Complications of diverticulitisPerforation. Perforation of diverticulitis occurs secondary to severe inflammation of bowel wall layers with subsequent necrosis and loss of intestinal wall integrity. ... Abscess. Diverticulitis may result in phlegmon and abscess formation. ... Pylephlebitis. ... Bowel obstruction. ... Bleeding. ... Fistula.

What causes diverticulitis flare?

Lifestyle remains the major culprit behind diverticulitis flare-ups. A high-fat, low-fiber diet commonly followed in Western countries can exacerbate diverticulitis symptoms. Lack of fiber in the diet can cause constipation and strain the bowel.

What is another name for diverticulitis?

DiverticulitisOther namesColonic diverticulitisSection of the large bowel (sigmoid colon) showing multiple pouches (diverticula). The diverticula appear on either side of the longitudinal muscle bundle (taenium) which runs horizontally across the specimen in an arc.SpecialtyGeneral surgery11 more rows

What type of illness is diverticulitis?

Diverticulitis: An inflammatory condition of the colon thought to be caused by perforation of one of the sacs. Several secondary complications can result from a diverticulitis attack, and when this occurs, it is called complicated diverticulitis.

What is the digestive system in diverticulitis?

What is diverticulitis? The digestive system is essential in breaking down food and eliminating waste. Food passes through the stomach into the small intestine where the nutrients are broken down into absorbable carbohydrates, fats, and protein. The substance not absorbed in the small intestine goes through the large intestine where fluid is ...

Where does diverticulitis develop?

Diverticula usually develop in the left colon, although they can be found anywhere in the large or (more rarely) small intestines. They develop at weaker areas along the colon wall where arteries are usually found. When these outpouches become inflamed, the condition is known as diverticulitis.

How does fiber help diverticular pressure?

Dietary fiber decreases intracolonic pressure by increasing fecal bulk and reducing elimination time. As pressure increases in the colon, weak spots along the muscular wall are more at risk to become herniated.

What is the term for a pouch of mucosa that extends into the peritoneum?

Along the muscular lining of the digestive system, particularly in the colon, herniations can develop. These small pouches of mucosa are called diverticula. The bulging sacs that are formed extend into the peritoneum. Those with such herniations in their gut suffer from diverticulosis.

What is it called when your intestines are inflamed?

When these outpouches become inflamed, the condition is known as diverticulitis. When inflamed, these sacs have the ability to cause abscesses, fistulas, GI obstruction, and perforation (resulting in peritonitis). Fortunately, these serious complications are rare. Figure 1.

Is diverticula asymptomatic?

Many individuals with diverticula remain asymptomatic. In fact, no more than 30% of people with the diverticular disease ever exhibit any specific symptom. However, those who develop diverticulitis often exhibit conditions such as:

What is the cause of diverticulosis?

Inflammation of diverticula, or outpouchings of the colonic mucosa and submucosa through the muscularis layer, leads to diverticulitis. The development of diverticular disease, encompassing both diverticulosis and diverticulitis, is a result of genetic predisposition, lifestyle, and environmental factors, including the microbiome.

Can diverticulosis be treated with antibiotics?

Although acute uncomplicated diverticulitis is treated with broad spectrum antibiotics, evaluation of the microbiome has been limited and requires further comprehensive studies. Evidence suggests that a deregulation of the host immune response is associated with both diverticulosis and diverticulitis.