1. Compare and contrast the pathophysiology between diverticular disease (diverticulosis) and diverticulitis. a. Diverticulosis is described by the presence of sac-like protrusions, diverticula, which form when colonic mucosa and submucosa herniated through defects in the muscle layer of the colon ...
Compare and contrast the pathophysiology of diverticular disease (diverticulosis)
and acute diverticulitis.
Diverticulosis and acute diverticulitis are conditions that affect the colon. Altogether
they are known as diverticular disease. Both share the common feature of diverticula. Diverticula
are one or more pockets or bulges forming in the colon’s wall (McCance & Huether, 2019).
Diverticula can be described as expanded areas or bubbles when you fill the inner tube of a bike
tire with too much air. The increased pressure from too much air pumped into the inner tube
causes the bubble to form where the rubber is the weakest. Similarly, increased pressure inside
the colon causes pockets or bulges (diverticula) to include in weakened areas of the colon's
walls. Diverticulosis commonly develops because of naturally occurring soft pouches in the
colon that give way under pressure, causing marble-sized pouches that protrude through the
colon wall (Mayo clinic, 2022).
They can range from pea-size to much more significant. Although they can form
anywhere in the inner lining of your colon, they are primarily found in your lower left side, in the
S-shaped segment of your colon called the sigmoid colon. Diverticulosis is simply the presence
of these tiny bulges or pockets (diverticula) in your colon. They usually do not cause any
symptoms or need to be treated. However, diverticulosis can lead to diverticulitis. Diverticulosis
exists when multiple diverticula are present without inflammation or symptoms. Diverticular
disease (diverticulosis) of the colon is quite common in developed countries, and prevalence
increases with age: More than 50% of Americans older than 80 years have diverticulosis
(McCance & Huether, 2019). The predisposing factor is a low-fiber diet, but the exact cause is
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