In some cases, on the inner walls of the intestine (this may be another part of the digestive system), peculiar “bags” or diverticula are formed. There are many reasons for the appearance of such defects. However, there is always a risk of inflammation and suppuration - this is diverticulitis. Symptoms of the disease can be very different, but most often people complain of pain and digestive upsets. In any case, the disease requires treatment, since there is a high probability of developing an abscess and perforation of the intestinal wall.
Diverticulitis, diverticulosis - what is the difference?
Each of these diseases is associated with changes in the walls of the gastrointestinal tract. For one reason or another, special anatomical structures appear on the inner surface, which in modern medicine are called diverticula. They are protrusion of the walls, which in their form resemble small bags. It should be noted that diverticulums can be either single or multiple. The process of formation of protrusions is called diverticulosis. Quite often, if untreated or when certain factors are exposed, the walls of the diverticulum can become inflamed - this is diverticulitis. Symptoms in this case are more pronounced, and if you do not consult a doctor on time, the consequences can be extremely dangerous.
What are diverticulums and why are they formed?
According to statistics, most often, diverticulum inflammation is diagnosed in people living in developed countries. And in the first place is the USA, Japan and Western Europe. That is why the appearance of protrusion of the intestinal wall is most often associated with nutritional features, in particular the introduction of a large number of refined and specially processed foods into the diet.
In addition, the risk factors include muscle tissue weakness, which is often a congenital pathology. There is a theory that explains the protrusion of the walls by a violation of vascular circulation. In some cases, diverticulosis is associated with strong mechanical pressure on the intestinal wall, which is observed, for example, with constant constipation.
Risk factors can also include age and the aging process of the body. According to statistics, in the middle age group, diverticulosis is diagnosed in 7% of cases, but among people of 70 years of age, the number of patients increases to 60–75%.
Where do diverticulums form?
Immediately it is worth saying that there are a huge number of varieties of diverticula. For example, they can be congenital (formed during fetal development) or acquired. There are so-called true diverticula (protrusion of the mucous membrane, submucosal and muscle tissues), as well as false ones, which are formed exclusively by the mucous membrane.
Quite often, the disease affects the intestines, so often sigmoid colon diverticulitis is diagnosed in patients (treatment also depends on the location of the protrusions). On the other hand, bulging walls can occur in almost any part of the digestive tract. For example, patients often suffer from diverticula in the throat, esophagus and stomach. A protrusion in the diaphragm can lead to spasms of the heart muscle. In addition, the disease can affect all parts of the small and large intestines.
The main causes of diverticulitis
In fact, inflammation of the walls of diverticulums can occur for various reasons. For example, quite often particles of semi-digested food or feces accumulate around the “sacs” (depending on the location of the diverticulum). Such an accumulation of organic substances is an excellent substrate for the reproduction and vital activity of pathogenic bacteria - this is how the inflammatory process arises, which, by the way, remains localized in 75% of cases. Of course, the state of the immune system also matters. Inflammation can develop due to trauma or damage to the diverticulum.
Diverticulitis: symptoms of the disease
Of course, with such problems you should consult a doctor. And how to recognize diverticulitis? Symptoms are quite characteristic. Almost every patient with a similar diagnosis complains of abdominal pain, which can be of a different nature (sharp, aching), be constant, or occur periodically. If a person has diverticulitis of the large intestine, then it is likely that soreness will appear in the lower left abdomen.
Along with this, digestive disorders occur. Signs of the disease include nausea, vomiting, decreased appetite, up to anorexia. Quite often, the disease is accompanied by constipation or diarrhea. Sometimes there is an increase in body temperature.
Methods for diagnosing the disease
If the patient was previously diagnosed with diverticulosis, then inflammation can be diagnosed based on the clinical picture. Otherwise, some analyzes and studies will be needed. A sick person is often prescribed a colonoscopy, as well as CT with the introduction of contrast.
To make an accurate diagnosis, ultrasound methods are also used, in particular ultrasound of the abdominal cavity and small pelvis, as well as ultrasonography. In rare cases, laparoscopy is performed.
Conservative treatment of diverticulitis
In the initial stages of the disease, if there are no serious complications, conservative therapy helps patients. Some patients may be hospitalized (if there is a high probability of an abscess or perforation of the wall), while others are able to take drugs at home. In any case, patients should observe bed rest and take antibiotics. Antibacterial therapy lasts at least a week. Along with this sick person, an aqueous-salt solution is infused intravenously.
This is how diverticulitis is treated. Diet, by the way, is also important for therapy. In the first few days, patients are recommended fasting. In the future, the specialist draws up a special gentle power scheme.
Surgical treatments for the disease
In some cases, surgery is indispensable - sometimes this is the only way to forget about such an ailment as diverticulitis. Treatment in this case is reduced to resection (excision) of the affected areas of the intestine with subsequent reconstruction and restoration of patency.
Similar methods are used for intestinal perforation and inflammation of the abdominal wall, as these ailments pose a threat to the patient's life. Naturally, along with surgery, antibiotic therapy is also necessary.
What is the danger of diverticulitis?
Such a disease is extremely dangerous, and in the absence of adequate medical care can lead to a host of complications. For example, quite often diverticulitis provokes the development of acute intestinal obstruction. In addition, as a result of inflammation, abscesses can form, which can occur both next to the diverticulum and in another part of the intestine or even in a neighboring organ.
Another danger associated with the disease is damage or perforation of the intestinal wall. Often the formation of a gap leads to the release of intestinal contents (in particular, feces) and its exit into the abdominal cavity. In turn, a similar phenomenon is fraught with peritonitis and damage to neighboring organs. For example, perforation is often associated with peritonitis and other, no less dangerous, diseases.