Diabetic Retinopathy and Gonorrhea: Pathophysiology and Treatment

This report delves into the pathophysiology of two distinct health conditions: diabetic retinopathy and gonorrhea. Diabetic retinopathy, a complication of diabetes, is discussed in terms of its pathophysiology, encompassing the initial and advanced stages, along with its associated symptoms and treatment options such as photocoagulation, vitrectomy, and anti-VEGF therapy. The report also highlights preventive measures like maintaining healthy blood sugar levels through diet. Furthermore, the report analyzes gonorrhea, a sexually transmitted infection caused by Neisseria gonorrhoeae. It covers the disease's symptoms, pathophysiology, diagnostic methods involving urine tests and swabs, treatment with antibiotics like Azithromycin and ceftriaxone, and preventive strategies such as abstinence and condom use. The report references key literature supporting the information presented.

Running head: PATHOPHYSIOLOGY 1
Pathophysiology
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PATHOPHYSIOLOGY 2
Pathophysiology
1. Discuss Retinopathy to include its pathophysiology and incidence, specifically related to
diabetes. Include prevention and treatment options.
Retinopathy is a diabetic complication that affects the eyes. Its common signs and
symptoms include impaired color vision, blurred vision, and loss of vision (Solomon et al.,
2018). The pathophysiology of diabetic retinopathy can be classified into two stages, that is the
initial and the advanced stage. The initial stage is portrayed by the growth of new blood vessels.
The main process that occurs includes increased vascular permeability and capillary occlusion.
Although, the patient may be asymptomatic during the initial stage of retinopathy, retinal
pathologies such as hard exudates and hemorrhages can be detected by fundus photography. The
pathophysiological process that occurs during the advanced stage is neovascularization. The
condition can be treated through the process of photocoagulation, vitrectomy or injection of anti-
VEGF therapy in the eyes. It can be prevented by eating healthy diet which can regulate blood
sugar levels.
2. Choose one sexually transmitted disease and discuss its pathophysiology, diagnosis,
treatment and prevention.
Gonorrhea is a sexually transmitted disorder induced by Neisseria gonorrhea. Its common
signs and symptoms include pain during urination, pain during intercourse, increased vaginal
discharge, and swelling. The pathophysiology of gonorrhea incorporates the irritation of the
urethra and the discharge of bodily fluid or mucus, which is secreted by the infected epithelial
cells. To determine whether a patient is suffering from gonorrhea, the doctor can analyze the

PATHOPHYSIOLOGY 3
sample of cells by urine test or a swab of the infected area. A urine test can help the doctor
determined the bacteria in urethra whereas a swab of the affected areas such as urethra, throat or
vagina may have the bacteria that can be determined in the laboratory (Creighton, 2014).
Gonorrhea can be treated with antibiotic medications such as Azithromycin or ceftriaxone. The
condition can be prevented through abstinence and the use of a condom.

PATHOPHYSIOLOGY 4
References
Creighton, S. (2014). Gonorrhoea. BMJ clinical evidence, 2014.
Solomon, S. D., Chew, E., Duh, E. J., Sobrin, L., Sun, J. K., VanderBeek, B. L., ... & Gardner, T.
W. (2017). Diabetic retinopathy: a position statement by the American Diabetes
Association. Diabetes care, 40(3), 412-418.