Causes of Diverticulitis

introduction

The Diverticulitis is a Colon diseasein which there are small protrusions of the intestinal lining. these can without symptoms stay (Diverticulosis) or catch fire. Only then does one speak of diverticulitis. In the western industrial nations to have 50-60% of those over 70 years of age develop diverticulosis, however only 10-20% also diverticulitis. Diverticulitis is one of the most common colon diseases at all.

causes

The Causes of this disease are diverse.

An important factor for that Formation of the intestinal protuberances is this Age. The connective tissue will over time weakerso that the Intestinal mucosa less firm is. By increased pressure The pouches can form in the intestine. They typically develop specified vulnerabilities the intestinal wall, namely in the places where the intestinal supplying blood vessels run away. There are small muscle gaps in the intestinal wall, which by nature weaker are called the muscular intestinal wall. Through the additional connective tissue weakness In old age, these weak points become even more sensitive and allow the intestinal mucosa to bulge out easily.

This results in a another factorwhich contributes to the development of diverticulosis: constipation. Older people suffer more often with constipation (Constipation), since the intestinal motor skills slow down with age, many medications also reduce the bowel motor skills and frequent lack of exercise prevails.
Also the Diet in Western Countries plays a big role, in general too little fiber to be consumed. Countries that eat more fruits, vegetables and whole grains have significantly lower numbers of patients with diverticulitis. Also vegetarian are considerably less often affected by diverticulitis.
Fiber stimulate bowel movement on. However, low fiber diet lowers it, so it does more common to constipation comes. In addition, the stool is very hard and firm with a low-fiber diet. In order to move this solid stool further, the intestine has to move very much contract much more and against one greater resistance work.

Of the Pressure in the intestines becomes thereby increased and this in turn promotes the formation of the diverticulum.
Through the constant contact with the excretions the diverticula can also become inflamed. The stool can settle in the sacs accumulate and cause the inflammatory reaction there by applying pressure to the mucous membrane. this will encouraged by constipation, as the stool then remains in the area of ​​the diverticulum longer.
In the worst case, this can local inflammation continue to one abscess (Accumulation of pus in the tissue) and even in the break through free abdominal cavity (Perforation). This can lead to a life threatening condition to lead.

Other causal factors of diverticulitis are considered Obesity, as well as certain genetic factors. Being overweight increases the pressure in the abdomen. This, like constipation, supports the Eversion of the intestinal mucosa.

Stress, psychological and emotional causes

Diverticulitis can also be favored by stress or other psychological causes, such as sadness or nervousness. Because, among other things, the psyche has a strong effect on bowel function. This can be explained well by the influence of the psyche on the development of diarrhea. Similar mechanisms also play a role in diverticulite, which is caused by stress or mental unrest.

If the body is under stress or is psychologically stressed, for example through nervousness, there is increased activity of the sympathetic system, which ensures that more adrenaline is released. Adrenaline increases the activity of the body, blood pressure and pulse increase. However, this is done at the expense of intestinal work.
Often there is then a sudden reaction of the opponent of the sympathetic nervous system, namely the parasympathetic nervous system. The parasympathetic nervous system promotes digestion. If the parasympathetic nervous system overreacts, this can manifest itself in the form of diarrhea.

Read more on the topic: Diarrhea from stress

Other hormones that are released during psychological distress make for one decreased absorption of fluids and electrolytes in the intestinewhich also promotes the development of diarrhea. The bowel activity is changed by stress or the like. This favors the development of diverticula. Diarrhea also causes a increased pressure in the intestine, which also increases the risk of developing diverticula.

In addition to the altered bowel function during psychological stress, stress of all kinds also has an impact on our immune system. Especially Constant stress throttles the immune system. If the immune system is weakened by prolonged stress, such as grief for the deceased partner, pathogens naturally have an easier time. Pathogens can therefore accumulate more easily in existing diverticula and lead to inflammation, i.e. diverticulitis, due to the lack of defense of the immune system.

In order to avoid these mechanisms, one should prevent unnecessary stress or avoidable psychological stress as a prophylactic measure in the case of known diverticulosis. This also applies to existing diverticulitis. So that the disease can heal well and the intestine can recover, you should try one stress-free and stress-free atmosphere build up. Which, unfortunately, is often easier said than done.