Description

Diverticulitis is the inflammation of irregular bulging pouches in the wall of the large intestine.

Normally, the wall of the large intestine, also called the colon, is soft. Spot, swelling of the bursa in the colon wall is called a diverticulum. Multiple pouches are called diverticula.

Diverticula are common, especially after age 50. They are usually found in the lower part of the colon. More often, which does not cause problems. The presence of diverticula is called diverticulosis. Diverticulosis is not a condition of disease.

When these pouches become inflamed, the condition is known as diverticulitis. Inflammation is the immune system that increases the flow of blood and fluids to a site in the body and provides disease-fighting cells. The inflammation of the diverticula can cause severe pain, fever, nausea, and changes in stool habits.

Mild diverticulitis is usually treated with rest, changes in your diet and possibly antibiotics. Severe diverticulitis is often necessary antibiotic treatment in the hospital. Surgery may be required for severe or frequent diverticulitis.

Symptoms

A common symptom of diverticulitis is pain in the area below the chest called the abdomen. Most often, the pain is in the lower left part of the abdomen.

The pain of diverticulitis is usually sudden and intense. The pain may be mild and worsen over time or the intensity of the pain can vary over time.

Other signs and symptoms of diverticulitis may include:

  • Nausea.
  • Fever.
  • Tenderness in the abdomen when touched.
  • Changes in stool, including sudden diarrhea or constipation.

When to see a doctor

Receive medical attention at any time you have constant, unexplained abdominal pain, especially if you also have fever, and notable changes in the stool.

Causes

The diverticula develop gradually over time in the walls of the colon. Are common in older adults. The pressure in the colon — possibly cramps or constipation can cause diverticula that form when the wall of the colon is weak.

Diverticulitis is the inflammation of one or more diverticula. This can happen because of bacterial diseases of or damage to the diverticula tissues.

Risk factors

Diverticulitis is more common among people older than 50 years. Other factors that increase the risk of diverticulitis include:

  • Obesity.
  • The habit of smoking.
  • A diet of low-fiber foods.
  • A diet high in red meat.
  • The excessive use of alcohol.
  • The lack of exercise.
  • Low levels of vitamin D.
  • Certain medications, such as steroids, opioids, and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (Nsaids) such as ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin IB, others) and naproxen sodium (Aleve).

Complications

About 15 percent of people with diverticulosis develop complications. These may include:

  • A bag of pus of bacterial disease, called an abscess.
  • The obstruction of the colon.
  • A spot corridor, called a fistula between the intestine and another organ in the body.
  • A tear in the wall of the colon which allows the waste to spill over, causing serious diseases of the abdomen lining, called peritonitis.
  • The hemorrhage by rupture of blood vessels, also called diverticular bleeding.

Prevention

To help prevent diverticulitis:

  • Exercise regularly. Regular, vigorous exercise diminishes the risk of diverticulitis.
  • Eating a diet high in fiber. A high-fiber diet improves the movement of waste through the colon and reduces the risk of diverticulitis. Foods rich in fiber include fruits, vegetables, whole grains, seeds, and beans. Cut out red meat, and sweets.
  • Maintain a healthy weight. Talk with your healthcare provider or a dietitian about goals for a healthy weight for you and strategies to achieve your goals.
  • Drink plenty of fluids. Fiber works by absorbing water and increasing the softness of bulky waste in your colon. The intake of fluids, improves the circulation of the waste and prevents constipation.
  • Quitting smoking and limiting alcohol consumption. Smoking and excessive consumption of alcohol is associated with an increased risk of diverticulitis.

In the past, health professionals recommend that people with diverticulitis to avoid nuts, seeds, and popcorn. Studies have shown that these foods do not increase the risk of diverticulitis. Seeds and some nuts are good sources of fiber.

Diagnosis

A number of conditions that can cause pain and other symptoms related to diverticulitis. Your health care professional will do an exam and order tests to determine the cause of the symptoms.

During the physical exam, your healthcare provider will gently touch the different parts of the abdomen to learn where you have pain or sensitivity. The exam may also include a pelvic exam to test for diseases of the female reproductive organs.

Lab tests can be used to rule out other conditions and to make a diagnosis:

  • Blood tests to look for signs of infection and immune system activity.
  • Urine test.
  • Of fecal matter.
  • Pregnancy test.
  • Liver enzyme test to rule out disease of the liver.

A computed tomography (CT) scan may show diverticula are inflamed, abscesses, fistulas, or other complications.

Treatment

The treatment depends on the severity of the condition.

Uncomplicated diverticulitis

When the symptoms are mild and there are no complications, the condition is known as diverticulitis is not complicated. If your symptoms are mild, they can be treated at home.

Your healthcare provider is likely to recommend a liquid diet. When symptoms begin to improve, you can gradually increase the solid food, starting with low-fiber foods. When you're fully recovered, you can resume the diet with foods rich in fiber. A fiber supplement can also be recommended.

You can also have a prescription for antibiotics. You will have to take all of the pills, even when you feel better.

Complicated Diverticulitis

If you have severe symptoms or signs of complications, it is likely that you will have to be in the hospital. Antibiotics are administered with an iv, also called an IV.

Surgery

Relatively simple procedures can be used to drain an abscess or stop the bleeding related to diverticulitis.

In the surgery of the colon may be needed if:

  • You have had complicated diverticulitis.
  • The complications include rupture in the wall of the colon, fistulas, or other serious damage to the tissue.
  • He has had several episodes of diverticulitis is not complicated.
  • You have a weakened immune system.

The surgery is often done through small holes in the abdomen. This procedure is known as laparoscopic surgery. In some cases, the surgery through a single large opening is required. In general, there are two procedures for the treatment of diverticulitis:

  • The diseased section of the colon is removed. The rest of the healthy tissues that are connected to re-create a full colon.
  • The section of health and diseased section are separated. The health section is directed to an opening in the wall of the abdomen. The waste is collected in a bag called a colostomy bag. This gives the diseased section time to heal. When cured, the two sections are reconnected, and the opening in the abdominal wall is closed.

Other surgical procedures may be needed to treat complications such as peritonitis and fistulas.

The follow-up care

Your health care professional may recommend a colonoscopy to six weeks or more after you no longer have the symptoms of diverticulitis. A colonoscopy is a test used to find spot of tumors or cancer in the colon or in the rectum. A recommendation for this procedure depends on when was the last time you had a colonoscopy and the severity of the diverticulitis was.

Alternative medicine

A few small clinical trials found evidence that probiotic supplements to increase good bacteria in the colon may reduce the risk of new episodes of diverticulitis. But there is not enough scientific evidence to show that probiotics should be used. Talk with your health care professional before taking a probiotic or other supplements.

Preparing for your appointment

You may be referred to a doctor who specializes in disorders of the digestive system, called a gastroenterologist.

What you can do

  • Be aware of any pre-appointment restrictions, such as not eating solid foods on the day before your appointment.
  • Write down your symptoms, including any that may seem unrelated to the reason for the appointment.
  • Make a list of all the medications, vitamins and supplements, as well as the dose and the reason for each one.
  • Write down your key medical information, including other conditions.
  • Write down key personal information, including any recent changes or stressors in your life.
  • Ask a relative or friend to accompany you, to help you remember what the health care professional says.
  • Write questions to ask their health professional.

Questions to ask your doctor

  • What is the most likely cause of my symptoms?
  • What kinds of tests do I need? Do these tests require any special preparation?
  • What treatments are available?
  • How can I prevent diverticulitis of return?
  • Should I remove or add any kind of food in my diet?
  • I have other health conditions. How can I best manage these conditions?

In addition to the questions that you've prepared to ask your health care professional, do not hesitate to ask questions during your appointment.

What to expect from your doctor

Your healthcare provider is likely to ask a series of questions. You may ask:

  • When did you first begin to experience the symptoms, and how severe are they?
  • The symptoms been continuous or occasional?
  • What, if anything, seems to improve or worsen your symptoms?
  • Have you had a fever?
  • What medications and pain relievers do you take?
  • Has had any pain with urination?
  • Have you ever had a screening test for cancer of the colon called a colonoscopy?
Symptoms and treatment of Diverticulitis