Causes and Risks:

Small protruding sacs of the inner lining of the intestine (diverticulosis) may occur in any part of the intestine but are most common in the colon. They occur with increasing frequency after the age of 40. When they become inflamed the condition is termed diverticulitis.

Diverticulitis is an inflammatory condition where the area with diverticulum becomes irritated and inflamed. It affects 10 to 20% of those with diverticula at some time. Infection can occur. Risk factors are older age and history of diverticula or prior episodes of diverticulitis. Eating a high fiber diet and avoiding seeds and nuts may prevent episodes.

Prevention:

A high-fiber diet may prevent development of the disease.

Symptoms:

• abdominal pain usually in the left lower abdomen but can be anywhere
• constipation or diarrhea may occur
• chills
• fever

Additional symptoms that may be associated with this disease:

• stools, bloody
• nausea and vomiting

Signs and Tests:

• tests showing diverticulitis:
  • CT scan revealing thickening of the inflamed area
  • colonoscopy
  • sigmoidoscopy
  • barium enema
• abdominal palpation showing left lower quadrant mass
• stool hemoccult test revealing blood
• elevated white blood cell count

Treatment:

Acute diverticulitis requires antibiotic therapy.

Recurrent attacks or presence of perforation (hole), fistula (abnormal tube-like passage), or abscess requires surgical resection of the involved portion of the colon.

After the acute infection has stabilized, diverticular disease is treated by increasing the bulk in the diet with high-fiber foods and bulk additives such as Metamucil.

Prognosis:

Usually cases are mild and respond well to treatment.

Complications:

• abscess formation
• perforation of the colon leading to peritonitis
• stricture or fistula formation

Call your health care provider if symptoms of diverticulitis occur.

Also call if you have diverticulitis and symptoms worsen or new symptoms develop.