Summary about Disease
Jejunal diverticulitis is a rare condition involving the formation and inflammation of diverticula (small pouches) in the jejunum, which is the middle section of the small intestine. While diverticula can occur throughout the small intestine, they are most common in the duodenum and jejunum. Most people with jejunal diverticulosis (the presence of diverticula) have no symptoms. However, when these pouches become inflamed or infected (diverticulitis), it can lead to abdominal pain, bloating, and other complications. Serious complications include bleeding, perforation, and abscess formation.
Symptoms
Symptoms of jejunal diverticulitis can vary and may include:
Abdominal pain (often in the mid-abdomen)
Bloating
Nausea
Vomiting
Diarrhea or constipation
Fever (if infection is present)
Gastrointestinal bleeding (leading to blood in stool or anemia)
Causes
The exact cause of jejunal diverticula is not fully understood, but several factors are thought to contribute:
Weakness in the intestinal wall: Areas of weakness in the jejunal wall may allow the mucosa to bulge outward under pressure.
Increased intraluminal pressure: High pressure within the small intestine, possibly due to abnormal intestinal motility or obstruction, may contribute to diverticula formation.
Abnormal intestinal motility: Dysfunctional muscle contractions in the small intestine can lead to increased pressure and diverticula development.
Connective tissue disorders: Certain conditions affecting connective tissue may weaken the intestinal wall.
Medicine Used
Treatment for jejunal diverticulitis depends on the severity of the condition.
Antibiotics: For mild to moderate cases, antibiotics are prescribed to treat infection. Common antibiotics include those that cover gram-negative bacteria and anaerobes, such as ciprofloxacin and metronidazole.
Pain relievers: Over-the-counter or prescription pain medications may be used to manage abdominal pain.
IV Fluids: Necessary if patient becomes dehydrated through vomiting or diarrhea.
Surgery: In cases of severe complications like perforation, abscess, or uncontrolled bleeding, surgery may be necessary to remove the affected section of the jejunum.
Is Communicable
Jejunal diverticulitis is not communicable. It is not an infectious disease that can be spread from person to person.
Precautions
There are no specific precautions to entirely prevent the formation of jejunal diverticula, but the following may help:
High-fiber diet: A diet rich in fiber can promote regular bowel movements and reduce pressure in the intestines.
Adequate hydration: Drinking plenty of water helps prevent constipation and supports healthy bowel function.
Avoid straining during bowel movements: Straining can increase pressure in the intestines.
Manage underlying conditions: If you have a condition that affects intestinal motility or connective tissue, work with your doctor to manage it effectively.
How long does an outbreak last?
The duration of a jejunal diverticulitis outbreak can vary depending on the severity of the infection and how quickly treatment is initiated. With appropriate antibiotic treatment, symptoms may improve within a few days to a week. More severe cases requiring hospitalization and/or surgery may take several weeks or months to recover.
How is it diagnosed?
Diagnosis of jejunal diverticulitis typically involves:
Medical history and physical examination: The doctor will ask about your symptoms and perform a physical exam.
Imaging studies:
CT scan: This is the most common and effective imaging technique to visualize diverticula and signs of inflammation, perforation, or abscess.
Small bowel series: This involves drinking a contrast solution and taking X-rays to visualize the small intestine.
Capsule endoscopy: A small camera is swallowed to visualize the small intestine, but this is less common for diverticulitis diagnosis.
Blood tests: Blood tests may be performed to check for signs of infection (e.g., elevated white blood cell count) or anemia (if bleeding is present).
Exploratory surgery: In some cases exploratory surgery is used to diagnose the condition.
Timeline of Symptoms
The timeline of symptoms can vary, but a general progression might look like this:
Early stage: Mild abdominal discomfort, bloating, or changes in bowel habits (diarrhea or constipation).
Progressive stage: Increasing abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, and potentially fever if infection develops.
Complicated stage: Severe abdominal pain, high fever, signs of peritonitis (if perforation occurs), and potential for sepsis. Blood in stool or vomit might also be present.
Important Considerations
Jejunal diverticulitis is a rare condition, so it is important to consider other more common causes of abdominal pain.
Prompt diagnosis and treatment are crucial to prevent serious complications.
Surgery may be necessary in complicated cases, but minimally invasive approaches are often possible.
Long-term follow-up may be needed to monitor for recurrence or other complications.
It is important to maintain a healthy lifestyle with a high-fiber diet and adequate hydration.