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Contents
  • What Causes Diverticulitis?
  • What Are the Symptoms?
  • How is it Diagnosed?
  • What's the Treatment?

What is Diverticulitis? Understanding the Painful Gut Condition

What is Diverticulitis? Understanding the Painful Gut Condition

The Basics

Diverticulitis is a painful condition where small pouches in the colon become inflamed or infected. It's a common problem that can cause severe abdominal pain and other uncomfortable symptoms.
Contents
  • What Causes Diverticulitis?
  • What Are the Symptoms?
  • How is it Diagnosed?
  • What's the Treatment?

What Causes Diverticulitis?

Diverticulitis occurs when small pouches called diverticula form in the colon wall and become inflamed or infected. These pouches can develop over time, especially in people over 40. While the exact cause isn't known, factors like a low-fiber diet, obesity, smoking, and lack of exercise may increase the risk. Think of the colon like a garden hose - too much pressure can cause weak spots to bulge out and form pouches.

What Are the Symptoms?

The main symptom of diverticulitis is abdominal pain, usually on the lower left side. The pain may come on suddenly and be constant. Other common symptoms include fever, nausea, vomiting, and changes in bowel habits like constipation or diarrhea. Some people may notice blood in their stool. In severe cases, complications like abscesses or perforations can occur.
Diverticulitis is a condition where small pouches in the colon become inflamed or infected, leading to severe abdominal pain and other symptoms.

How is it Diagnosed?

If your doctor suspects diverticulitis, they will likely order a CT scan of your abdomen. This imaging test can show inflamed diverticula and rule out other causes of abdominal pain. Blood tests may be done to check for signs of infection. In some cases, other tests like ultrasound or colonoscopy may be needed.

What's the Treatment?

Treatment depends on the severity. Mild cases may be treated at home with rest, a liquid diet, and antibiotics. More severe cases may require hospitalization for IV antibiotics and bowel rest. Surgery is sometimes needed for complications. Long-term management focuses on preventing future attacks through diet changes and lifestyle modifications.

FAQs

Is diverticulitis serious?

It can be, especially if complications develop.

Can diverticulitis be prevented?

A high-fiber diet and healthy lifestyle may help prevent attacks.

How common is diverticulitis?

About 5% of people with diverticulosis develop diverticulitis.

Can diverticulitis come back?

Yes, recurrence is common without preventive measures.

Is surgery always needed?

No, most cases can be treated without surgery.

The Bottom Line

While diverticulitis can be painful and concerning, proper diagnosis and treatment can help manage the condition effectively.
If you're experiencing severe abdominal pain, don't hesitate to consult Doctronic about the possibility of diverticulitis.
Additional References
  1. Jacobs DO. Clinical practice. Diverticulitis. N Engl J Med 2007; 357:2057.
  2. Shahedi K, Fuller G, Bolus R, et al. Long-term risk of acute diverticulitis among patients with incidental diverticulosis found during colonoscopy. Clin Gastroenterol Hepatol 2013; 11:1609.
  3. Stollman NH, Raskin JB. Diagnosis and management of diverticular disease of the colon in adults. Am J Gastroenterol 1999; 94:3110.
This article has been reviewed for accuracy by one of the licensed medical doctors working for Doctronic.