Diverticulitis

Overview

Diverticulitis (die-vur-tik-yoo-LIE-tis) is a condition where one or more of the small, bulging pouches (diverticula) that form in the lining of the digestive system become inflamed, sometimes accompanied by infection. These pouches, called diverticula, are most commonly found in the lower part of the large intestine (colon). The presence of diverticula is known as diverticulosis (die-vur-tik-yoo-LOE-sis). Diverticulitis can cause severe abdominal pain, fever, nausea, and changes in bowel habits.

Understanding the disease

Symptoms

The symptoms of diverticulitis include pain in the lower left side or right side of the abdomen, nausea, vomiting, fever, abdominal tenderness, constipation, and sometimes diarrhea.

Risk Factors

The risk factors for developing diverticulitis include: aging, obesity, smoking, lack of exercise, a diet high in animal fat and low in fiber, and taking certain medications such as steroids, opioids, and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs like ibuprofen and naproxen sodium.

Development

The document describes different conditions and their related complications, but it does not provide a clear answer to how various diverticulitis develop.

Assessment and Diagnosis

Diagnosis

Diverticulitis is usually diagnosed during an acute attack. The following tests are likely to be performed by a doctor:

1. Blood and urine tests to check for signs of infection.
2. Pregnancy test for women of childbearing age to rule out pregnancy as a cause of abdominal pain.
3. Liver enzyme test to rule out liver-related causes of abdominal pain.
4. Stool test to rule out infection in people who have diarrhea.
5. A CT scan to identify inflamed or infected pouches and confirm a diagnosis of diverticulitis. CT can also indicate the severity of diverticulitis and guide treatment. The diagnosis is typically made based on a combination of physical examination, symptoms, and test results.

Management and Treatment

Complications

Potential complications of diverticulitis include an abscess, bowel obstruction, abnormal passageways (fistula), and peritonitis. It's essential to seek medical attention if you experience constant abdominal pain, fever, and changes in bowel habits.

Prevention

diverticulitis can be prevented to some extent. To reduce the risk of developing diverticulitis, you can:

1. Exercise regularly: Engage in regular physical activity to promote normal bowel function and reduce pressure inside your colon.
2. Eat a high-fiber diet: Include fiber-rich foods in your diet, such as fresh fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. Fiber helps soften waste material and speeds up its passage through the colon.
3. Drink plenty of fluids: Adequate hydration is essential to prevent constipation, as fiber absorbs water and can make stool more bulky.
4. Avoid smoking: Smokers have a higher risk of developing diverticulitis, so quitting smoking may help reduce this risk. By following these lifestyle changes, you can help lower your risk of developing diverticulitis. Always consult with a healthcare professional for personalized advice and recommendations.

Treatment

The treatments for diverticulitis include rest, changes in your diet, and antibiotics for mild cases. For severe or recurring diverticulitis, surgery may be required. It is important to manage symptoms like pain, fever, nausea, and changes in bowel habits. Drinking plenty of fluids and avoiding smoking can also help prevent complications. To prevent diverticulitis, maintain a high-fiber diet, exercise regularly, and seek medical attention if you experience unexplained abdominal pain, fever, and changes in bowel habits.

Preparing for medical consultation

To prepare for an appointment for diverticulitis, you should:

1. Avoid solid food on the day of the appointment, if your doctor advises you to do so.
2. Make a list of your symptoms, including any that may seem unrelated to diverticulitis.
3. Compile a list of all your current medications, vitamins, and supplements.
4. Jot down any key medical information, such as other existing health conditions.
5. Note any recent changes or stressors in your life that may be relevant.
6. Bring along a relative or friend to help you remember the information discussed during the appointment.
7. Prepare a list of questions to ask your doctor, such as the causes, tests required, treatments, and any dietary changes.
8. Be prepared to undergo tests like blood and urine tests, a CT scan, or a stool test to help with diagnosis.
9. Inform your doctor about any other health conditions you have, and ask for advice on how to manage them together with diverticulitis. Remember to follow any pre-appointment instructions provided by your doctor and be open about your symptoms and concerns during the appointment.