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Diverticulitis Disease

Diverticulitis is a sometimes painful condition of the digestive tract. It is an infection that needs to be treated with antibiotics. You are more likely to develop the condition if you are overweight or lack sufficient fiber in your diet. If you do develop diverticulitis, there are treatments available as well as preventive measures you can take to avoid future attacks.

  1. What is Diverticulitis?

    • Diverticulitis occurs when diverticula form in your digestive tract and become infected. Diverticula are pouches or swellings that can form anywhere along the lining of the digestive tract where irritation has occurred. According to the National Institutes of Health, diverticula are most common in people: 1) over the age of 60; 2) who consume a diet low in fiber; and 3) who live in the United States and other industrialized countries, as these countries often have low-fiber diets.

      Often, you will not know that you have diverticula unless they become infected. Why the diverticula become infected is unknown. One theory is that weakened spots develop along the diverticula, allowing infections to occur. Another theory is that bacteria or stool gets caught in the divericula, causing the pouches to swell and become infected.

    Symptoms of Diverticulitis

    • Symptoms vary by person, but the most common symptom is lower left abdominal pain. Other symptoms include fever, nausea, a change in bowel movements, abdominal tenderness, bloating, vomiting, weight loss and sometimes rectal bleeding.

    Risk Factors

    • According to the Mayo Clinic, people older than age 40 are more likely to have a bout of diverticulitis, as are those who do not get enough fiber or exercise. You are also at an increased risk if you are overweight or obese.

    Possible Complications

    • Diverticulitis can become very dangerous if left untreated. Peritonitis, an infection of the abdominal lining, can develop. In addition, a blockage in the colon can form, or an abscess or fistula can develop. You can also develop rectal bleeding. Contact your doctor if you feel you may be suffering from diverticulitis.

    Treatment

    • For mild to moderate cases of diverticulitis, you will be closely monitored by your physician and should rest in bed. Typical treatment includes consuming a liquid diet for approximately three days, and then increasing your fiber intake. You can also use over-the-counter pain relievers for discomfort.

      Diverticulitis is a bacterial infection and needs an antibiotic that will be prescribed by your doctor. Severe attacks usually require hospitalization and more frequent monitoring.

      Doctors recommend surgery for any perforation, abscess, fistula or recurring cases of diverticulitis. There are three types of surgery: primary bowel resection, bowel resection with colostomy and abscess drainage. In primary bowel resection, the diseased part of the bowels are removed and the rest of the digestive tract is reconnected. The bowel resection with colostomy procedure occurs when the rectum is damaged. An opening is cut in the abdominal wall, where waste will pass through into an attached plastic bag. Abscess drainage procedures simply drain and clean the abscess.

    Lifestyle Recommendations

    • There are some lifestyle changes you can make to help prevent diverticulitis. Add more fiber to your diet, and drink plenty of fluids. Always use the restroom whenever you need to, and exercise on a regular basis.

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