Diverticulitis is an abdominal infection that occurs when pouches off the large intestine are inflamed. These pouches are called diverticula and can arise at any part of the digestive tract, including the esophagus, small intestine, or large intestine. Diverticula in the large intestine commonly occur in persons over age 40 secondary to abdominal strain. A low-fiber diet and constipation can lead to abdominal strain. Diverticulitis can be treated by antibiotics or surgery.
Definition
According to the Mayo Clinic, diverticulitis is inflammation of a diverticula of the bowel. Diverticula form after frequent constipation and straining during bowel movements. This can lead to "outpouching" of the bowel, or a condition called diverticulosis. These pouches can get infected and lead to diverticulitis.
Abdominal Strain
Straining during bowel movements is usually due to hard, dry stools. Constipation can be prevented by drinking at least eight glasses of water daily and increasing fiber in the diet. If symptoms do not improve, an over-the-counter fiber supplement or stool softener can help ease bowel movements.
Other Symptoms
Inflamed bowel may cause a fever in many patients. Patients may also complain of nausea and vomiting secondary to abdominal tenderness. Patients with inflamed bowel often have changes in their bowel habits leading to either constipation or diarrhea.
Complications
The Mayo Clinic reports there are several complications that can occur from diverticulitis including peritonitis, a fistula, or abscess. Inflamed diverticula can rupture and lead to infection of the peritoneum, which is the lining of the abdominal cavity. Infection of the peritoneum, or peritonitis, is a medical emergency and requires immediate evaluation. This infection can also progress and form a fistula as it heals. A fistula is an abnormal connection between two organs, for example, the bowel to rectum, or bowel to vagina. Lastly, an abscess, or pus pocket, can occur in the bowel. All of these complications may necessitate surgical intervention.
Treatment
For mild diverticulitis, a liquid diet and antibiotics can treat the infection. For more severe infections, it must be treated in the hospital with IV antibiotics and hydration. The Mayo Clinic says that for some cases, surgery may be necessary to help cure the infection. A fistula or recurring diverticulitis can require bowel resection or a colostomy. Bowel resection removes the diseased bowel and reconnects the healthy colon to the rectum. During a colostomy, a hole is made in the bowel connecting to an opening that is to the outer abdominal wall. Waste products are excreted through the pouch and allows the colon to rest and heal. A colostomy can be temporary or permanent.
