The Mayo Clinic defines diverticulitis as the inflammation of one or more diverticula in the intestines. This can be a painful and serious condition, and prompt diagnosis and treatment is important, especially in severe cases. Although there is no cure for diverticulitis, there are many treatment options and ways to reduce the risk of recurrence or formation of new diverticula.
Features
Many individuals over the age of 40 have diverticula, or bulging pouches in the digestive system, according to the Mayo Clinic. These pouches are typically in the colon, says the National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse (NDDIC). This is a condition known as diverticulosis, and individuals may not even be aware they have it. The NDDIC states that 10 to 25 percent of individuals with diverticulosis end up developing diverticulitis; together, these conditions are called diverticular disease.
Risk Factors and Symptoms
The Mayo Clinic lists several risk factors for developing diverticulitis, including older age, having a diet very low in fiber, a sedentary lifestyle and being obese. In Asia and Africa, the condition is rare, due to the high-fiber diet consumed in these areas. When an individual is not getting enough fiber, constipation can occur. Straining to have a bowel movement during constipation causes increased pressure in the colon, possibly causing diverticula, says the NDDIC. Symptoms of diverticulitis can include abdominal pain, bloody stool, nausea and vomiting, fever or chills and constipation, according to the Baylor College of Medicine.
Diagnosis
Diverticulitis can have symptoms that occur with many other diseases, so accurate diagnosis is crucial to successful treatment. Physical examinations to evaluate abdominal tenderness, blood tests to evaluate white blood cell counts and CT scans to locate the inflammation are all diagnostic tools for diverticulitis, the Mayo Clinic says.
Treatment
Sometimes diverticulitis can be treated at home, taking antibiotics to treat any infection that is present, as well as following a liquid diet, according to the Mayo Clinic. If there is significant pain, painkillers may be prescribed. If the diverticulitis attack is more severe, hospitalization may be necessary for intravenous medications. Diverticulitis that is recurrent or that is accompanied by a fistula or perforation may require surgery. Surgical treatments include a primary bowel resection, a bowel resection with a colostomy and drainage of any abscesses.
Prevention/Solution
Regular exercise, drinking plenty of fluids and responding to bowel urges can all help encourage normal bowel functioning and health, according to the Mayo Clinic. A high-fiber diet will help minimize constipation and reduce straining and pressure in the colon. While these are not cures for the condition, incorporating these behaviors into daily life can help slow the progression of existing disease.
