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Diverticulitis: Infections
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Diverticulitis disease is a serious disease and may involve anything from a small abscess in one or more of the pouches to a massive infection or perforation of the bowel. The symptoms are very similar to those of appendicitis, except the location of the pain may be different.
Diverticulitis can lead to complications such as infections, perforations or tears, blockages, or bleeding. These complications always require treatment to prevent them from progressing and causing serious illness. Treatment may include open or laparoscopic surgery. A colostomy is infrequently needed unless it is an emergency.
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Diverticulitis sometimes resolves without medical treatment, but it frequently requires antibiotics. Sometimes the infection is so severe that it is necessary to be admitted to a hospital for intravenous antibiotics and other supportive care. Rarely, a surgeon may need to remove the affected part of the bowel.
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Diverticulitis is believed to occur when a hardened piece of stool, undigested food, and bacteria (called a fecalith) becomes lodged in a diverticulum. This blockage interferes with the blood supply to the area, and infection sets in.
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Diverticulosis and diverticulitis, its more advanced form, begin with herniations of the intestinal mucous membrane, often because of lack of fiber in the diet. When waste matter collects in the herniated pockets -- again, a result of not eating enough fiber to scrub the system -- infection and inflammation cause ulceration and perforation. Symptoms can include abdominal pain and rectal bleeding.
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The symptoms of diverticulitis depend on the degree of inflammation and the presence of any complications. The most common signs and symptoms of the condition are tenderness, pain and an increased level of white blood cells. Other symptoms include constipation or diarrhea, nausea and vomiting. Peritonitis is the most serious complication of diverticulitis. It occurs when an abscess or sac ruptures or infection leaks out of the abscess and spills into the abdominal cavity.
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