|  | Conditions Treatments | Digestive Health

Diverticulitis in Children

Diverticulitis results when the tiny pouches in your child's digestive system become infected. These tiny pouches are called diverticula, and though they can form anywhere in the gastrointestinal tract, they are most common in the large intestine.

Most types of diverticulitis affect adults over 40. Meckel's diverculitis, however, is a congenital condition and thus affects children.

  1. Health Effects

    • Meckel's diverticulitis tends to cause problems in children under two, as it is congenital--but it is commonly outgrown. It occurs on the small intestine and can lead to intestinal obstruction, ulcers and bleeding. Bleeding, in turn, can cause anemia (a shortage of red blood cells) and shock.

    Symptoms

    • The most common symptom of Meckel's diverticulitis is painless rectal bleeding. The blood will appear bright red, maroon or blackish.

    Diagnosis

    • If your child has symptoms of Meckel's diverticulitis, doctors will perform diagnostic tests, such as blood tests, stool samples, X-rays and CT scans.

    Treatment

    • Treatment depends on the severity of your child's diverticulitis. Typically, treatment involves surgically removing the infected diverticulum and stopping the bleeding.

    Expert Insight

    • According to the Mayo Clinic (2009), a family doctor will generally refer children with diverticulitis to a specialist in gastrointestinal disorders. This specialist is called a gastroenterologist.

Digestive Health - Related Articles