Discussion Questions: 1.Compare and contrast the pathophysiology between diverticular disease (diverticulosis) and diverticulitis

 . Diverticular disease (diverticulosis) occurs when saclike outpouchings or herniations of the mucosa in the muscle lining of the colon develop. Diverticula form due to age-related mucosal wall deterioration and segmental increases in colonic pressure, resulting in bulging at weak places in the colon wall, where the colonic mucosa herniates through the smooth muscle layers (McCance & Huether, 2019). Wall thickening of the lining contributes to increased intraluminal pressure and herniation. A low-residue diet reduces fecal bulk which leads to the reduction of the diameter of the colon (McCance & Huether, 2019). In addition, the pressure within the lumen may cause local ischemia and rupture the diverticula. Although this disease can occur anywhere in the gastrointestinal tract, it is most commonly seen in the left colon and right colon. Individuals from Western countries
experience diverticular disease in the left colon and individuals from Asian countries experience the disease on the right side of the colon (McCance & Huether, 2019). According toRezapour et al. (2018), the pathogenesis of diverticular disease is not completely understood and is multifactorial as several factors have been studied and thought to influence this specific disease, such as altered colonic wall structure, abnormal colonic motility, genetics, poor fiber intake, low vitamin D levels, obesity, and lack of physical activity. Diverticulitis is the most common complication of diverticulosis as this results due to a primary infection of the diverticulum or diverticula that is accompanied by gross or microscopic perforation (Piscopo & Ellul, 2020). According to Barbaro et al. (2022), diverticulitis appears to be related to the obstruction of the diverticulum by fecal material, which leads to inflammation of the mucosa lining, congestion, mucosa trauma, and ischemia. Diverticulitis can be classified as uncomplicated and complicated. Individuals with complicated diverticulitis are characterized to have the formation of abscesses, fistulas, obstruction, and/or perforation (Rezapour et al., 2018).