Diverticula are small pouches that most commonly form in the large intestine, though they also might be found in the esophagus, stomach and small intestine. They are particularly common in people over 40. Diverticulitis occurs when the diverticula become inflamed or infected, and while diverticulitis responds well to proper treatment, serious complications can occur.
Symptoms
Diverticulitis typically causes severe and sudden pain in the abdomen, usually on the lower left side; however, in some people, the pain appears gradually and intensifies over several days. Changes in bowel habits, including constipation or diarrhea might occur. The abdomen might be tender and hurt when it is examined. Nausea, vomiting and fever also are symptoms of diverticulitis. Less common symptoms include bloating and bleeding from the rectum, MayoClinic.com states.
Treatment
If symptoms of diverticulitis are mild, a liquid or low-fiber diet and antibiotics are used for treatment, and patients with mild diverticulitis can expect to see symptoms subside within three days. After the infection is treated, a person can slowly introduce whole grains, vegetables, fruits and other high-fiber foods into his diet. Pain is treated with over-the-counter pain relievers or prescription pain medications. Severe diverticulitis might require intravenous antibiotics, and even hospitalization to prevent complications.
Complications
Diverticulitis can cause small tears in the bowel, bleeding, serious infections and blockages in the intestines. Bleeding is rare, but can be severe. The National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse states that bleeding might stop without treatment, but a person who notices even a small amount of blood needs to see a doctor immediately to identify the cause. Infections can cause abscesses, which can be treated with antibiotics or might need to be drained. Peritonitis is an infection that can occur if diverticulitis causes a tear in the intestines, and surgery is necessary to clean out the abdomen and remove the damaged part of the bowel. Peritonitis is serious and can be fatal if it is not treated. Diverticulitis also can cause scarring of the intestines, which can lead to intestinal blockages.
Prevention
Eating high-fiber foods, drinking adequate amounts of water and exercising can help prevent diverticulitis. Fruits, vegetables and whole grain help soften fecal matter and help waste pass through the colon. Water is absorbed into the colon by the fiber and increases the bulk of of waste in the colon, which prevents constipation. Thirty minutes of exercise a day helps promote healthy bowel function and reduces the pressure in the colon. When a person waits to go to the bathroom, pressure inside the colon increases, which increases a person's chance of developing diverticulitis.
Misconceptions
Doctors originally thought that eating nuts, seeds, popcorn and corn lead to diverticulitis, but research has found that these foods do not put a person at higher risk of developing diverticulitis. The exact cause of diverticulitis is not known, but scientists speculate that increased pressure in the colon and blockages might play a role.
