Does diverticulitis affect the esophagus?

When symptoms of esophageal diverticula worsen, a person may be unable to swallow due to an obstruction near the diverticulum; rarely, the esophagus may rupture. An obstruction or rupture caused by an esophageal diverticulum is dangerous, and both complications require immediate attention.

What is the most common pathogen associated with infectious esophagitis?

The most common fungal infection causing esophagitis, and the most common form of infectious esophagitis overall, is Candida esophagitis. Viral esophagitis is generally caused by one of two viruses: herpes simplex virus or cytomegalovirus.

What causes infectious esophagitis?

The most common cause of swelling and irritation of the esophagus is stomach acid that flows back into your esophagus. But infections can also cause this swelling and irritation. Fungi, yeast, viruses, and bacteria can all set off the condition, called infectious esophagitis.

What is Zenker diverticulum?

A Zenker’s diverticulum is an outpouching that occurs at the junction of the lower part of the throat and the upper portion of the esophagus. The pouch forms because the muscle that divides the throat from the esophagus, the cricopharyngeal (CP) muscle, fails to relax during swallowing.

How long does infectious esophagitis last?

Most healthy people improve within two to four weeks with proper treatment. Recovery may take longer for people with a weakened immune system or infection.

Should I go to the ER for esophagitis?

Get emergency care if you: Experience pain in your chest that lasts more than a few minutes. Suspect you have food lodged in your esophagus. Have a history of heart disease and experience chest pain.

How do you relax an esophageal spasm?

Let foods and drinks that are very hot or very cold sit for a bit before eating or drinking them. Suck a peppermint lozenge. Peppermint oil is a smooth muscle relaxant and might help ease esophageal spasms. Place the peppermint lozenge under your tongue.

What are the symptoms of an esophageal diverticulum?

The symptoms of esophageal diverticula include: Dysphagia (difficulty swallowing, characterized by a feeling of food caught in the throat) Pulmonary aspiration (the entry of secretions or foreign material into the trachea and lungs) Some people may experience a gurgling sound as air passes through the diverticulum.

How is the treatment of diverticulitis generally empirical?

Treatment for diverticulitis is generally empirical as the infection is polymicrobial (Table I). Cultures can be obtained intra-operatively or from drains; some clinicians feel these are likely not helpful because of the large number of bacteria present at the site of infection. 2. Other key therapeutic modalities

When does diverticulitis occur in the small intestine?

When one or more of these pouches become inflamed or infected, the condition is called diverticulitis. Diverticula are small, bulging pouches that can form in the lining of your digestive system. They are found most often in the lower part of the large intestine (colon). Diverticula are common, especially after age 40, and seldom cause problems.

What are the side effects of chronic diverticulitis?

In chronic diverticulitis, inflammation and infection may go down but never clear up completely. Over time, the inflammation can lead to a bowel obstruction, which may cause constipation, thin stools, diarrhea, bloating, and belly pain.