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Diverticulitis: Diverticula
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Diverticulitis is an inflammatory condition where the area around the diverticula becomes irritated and attracts immune cells. It affects 10% to 20% of those with diverticula at some time. These areas can become infected. 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.
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Diverticulitis is diverticulosis when the diverticula have become inflamed. The inflammation occurs if bits of hard stool clog the neck of the diverticulum. Diverticula swell and their blood supply can be cut off. This brings on severe stomach pain, and it usually makes the person nauseated and provokes vomiting. Body temperature rises. Sometimes there is rectal bleeding.
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Diverticulitis occurs when small pouches bulge out from weak points in the intestines, forming 'diverticula', which then become infected or inflamed. It is sometime described as being similar to a balloon of air bulging out of a bicycle tire.
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Diverticulitis is a problem that can happen if you have diverticula in your intestine. Diverticula are tiny pouches or weak areas that bulge out from the lining of the wall of the intestine. They look like small thumbs poking out of the side of the bowel. When you have diverticula in your intestines, it is called diverticulosis. When these pouches become inflamed, it is called diverticulitis. You are more likely to have these pouches as you get older.
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The etiology of diverticulitis remains unclear, but a low-fiber diet can be considered a predisposing factor. Diets that are low in fiber lead to low-bulk stool, which, in turn, causes an increase in segmentation of the colon during propulsion. Intraluminal pressure is increased, and diverticula are created. Diets that are high in fat and beef content are thought by some to cause increased intraluminal pressure.
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DIAGNOSIS — The diagnosis of acute diverticulitis is often suspected based upon the history and the physical examination. In the acute stage, further studies are performed to confirm the diagnosis and to rule out other sources of acute abdominal signs. Computer tomographic scanning has become the optimal method of investigation in patients suspected of having acute diverticulitis. (See "Clinical manifestations and diagnosis of colonic diverticular disease").
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Diverticula