Diverticulitis is an infection/inflammation of pouches called diverticula that forms in the intestines. It can be a minor or severe infection leading to perforation(rupture) of the bowel.
Diverticulosis is a moderate condition when bulging pouches form on the wall of the bowel.
THERE ARE 4 TYPES OF DIVERTICULITIS
1. ACUTE: This form develops suddenly but goes away quickly with treatment. It may come and go throughout your lifetime. 2. Chronic: You may have episodes of chronic inflammation that may not have healed completely from previous episodes of flare-ups. 3. Uncomplicated: This type improves with treatment and is the most common form. 4. Complicated: This form can develop severe inflammation which can lead to a rupture of the diverticula, which may require surgery to repair it.
SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS OF DIVERTICULITIS
Left or right-sided abdominal pain in the left lower quadrant of the abdomen is the most common. The pain can be constant and lasts many days with a feeling of bloating. Nausea and/or vomiting, fevers, chills, tenderness of the abdomen, diarrhea and/or constipation can occur.
CAUSES OF DIVERTICULITIS
You can develop weak areas of your colon where pouches push through the colon wall, causing infection and swelling. Genetics may play a role since not everyone gets diverticulitis. Many people get it over the age of 40.
RISK FACTORS
Common habits that can increase our risk are: cigarette smoking, obesity, poor exercise habits, diets high in fat and red meats, consuming not enough fiber, and using anti-inflammatory medications such as Motrin and Naproxen.
COMPLICATIONS
● Abscesses are infected pouches full of pus that penetrate the colon wall. They cause peritonitis, which can lead to a fatal infection if emergent treatment is not received.
● Perforation or Tearing of the colon wall causing leakage of waste into the abdominal cavity.
● Scarring is caused by repetitive infections that can lead to colon blockages.
● Fistulas are caused when the infected diverticula attach themselves to the nearest organ.
● Strictures are caused by narrowing the colon passageway.
DIAGNOSIS OF DIVERTICULITS
Diverticulitis signs and symptoms are similar to other abdominal problems. After your primary physician or emergency room physician completes a physical exam, multiple tests will need to be done to help diagnose the problem. Some of these tests, including Blood, liver enzyme tests, urine and stool tests, are needed to rule out infection. Ct Scan of the abdomen and pelvis-looks for inflammation or rupture. Pelvic exam and pregnancy test for women. A stool specimen to rule out infection if you have diarrhea.
TREATMENT OF DIVERTICULITIS
Mild cases require rest and a clear liquid diet, such as water, soup, and broth(no noodles), Clear juices, popsicles, plain tea, or coffee. Slowly advance your diet when you feel better and tolerate the clear liquids without increasing your symptoms. Advance with low-fiber foods such as yogurt, cheese, eggs, pasta, and rice. Tylenol can be taken as needed for pain. Antibiotics will need to be taken for the infection. For more severe cases, you may require admission to a hospital to have antibiotics administered via intravenous. You may need surgery if you develop peritonitis or a rupture of the diverticula. Surgery may involve a bowel resection or a bowel resection with a colostomy until the inflammation clears up. Then, the colostomy will be reversed.
PREVENTION OF DIVERTICULITIS
You need to drink lots of fluids to stay hydrated, eat more fiber, exercise regularly and avoid smoking.
RESOURCES Submitted by Denise Clark RN BCEN CLNC WebMD.com
Assessed and Endorsed by the MedReport Medical Review Board