Diverticulitis - Symptoms, Causes, Diagnosis, and Treatment

Introduction:

The formation of small, bulging pouches in the lining of the digestive system is called diverticula and is seen especially after 40 years of age. It is known as diverticulitis and may present with various symptoms when it gets inflamed or infected. Though it was rare before the 20th century, now it has become one of the most common conditions encountered. The symptoms associated with the condition may vary but often include sudden and severe abdominal pain. Diagnosis of the condition involves a thorough medical history review, physical examination, and imaging studies. Treatment involves antibiotics to manage antibiotics and pain. The article discusses diverticulitis, its causes, risk factors, symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, and complications.

What Are the Causes and Risk Factors of Diverticulitis?

When there is excessive pressure application on weak areas of the colon, this may develop as protrusion through the colon wall. The causes and risk factors include the following:

• Aging: The risk of diverticulitis increases with age. It is due to the weakening of the colon muscles.

• Obesity: An individual with excess weight is at high risk of developing the condition. This is due to the excess weight putting more pressure on the colon causing the condition.

• Smoking: Smoking is a high risk of developing a condition due to its effects on colon function and blood flow.

• Less Physical Activity: People engaging in less exercise contribute to sluggish bowel movements, constipation, and diverticulitis.

• Low-Fiber Diet: People consuming low-fiber foods may result in harder stools and an increase in pressure within the colon resulting in the formation of the condition.

• Medications: Medications like non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, steroids, opioids, etc may raise the risk of diverticulitis.

• Genetics: Individuals with a family history of diverticulitis are more likely to develop the condition.

What Are the Symptoms of Diverticulitis?

The symptoms can be categorized from mild to severe and either immediate or rapid in onset. The following signs and symptoms can be seen associated with diverticulitis:

• Constant chronic pain, usually in the left side of the abdomen.

• Vomiting or nausea.

• Fever.

• Chills.

• Tenderness in the abdomen.

• Diarrhea or constipation.

Among all these, abdominal pain is the most common, which is experienced in the lower left abdomen. But chances are that it may develop on the right side. An individual needs to immediately contact the physician in case they observe vomiting or blood in the stool as it may indicate some serious complication.

How Can Diverticulitis Be Diagnosed?

The diagnosis usually happens during an acute attack. Abdominal pain has various causes; proper examination is required to rule out the possible causes. The healthcare provider will initially take a detailed case history followed by a physical examination where the abdomen will be examined for tenderness. Then, the following tests will be done for confirmation:

• Blood and urine tests will help to check for infection.

• Pregnancy tests as abdominal pain can be associated with pregnancy also.

• A liver enzyme test is performed to check for liver disorders.

• Stool test in patients with diarrhea.

• Computed tomography (CT) scan to check for severity and location of the condition along with treatment plan.

• Colonoscopy to examine the gastrointestinal tract.

It can be noted that more than 75 percent of patients with diverticulitis are uncomplicated, whereas the rest may have some complications.

How Can Diverticulitis Be Treated?

The healthcare provider decides the treatment based on the severity of the condition related to signs and symptoms.

• Uncomplicated Diverticulitis: Mild symptoms can be managed at home and an individual will be prescribed antibiotics to cure the infection, a liquid diet for a short duration till the bowel heals, and over-the-counter analgesics.

• Complicated Diverticulitis: A severe attack or association with other health issues requires hospitalization. Treatment usually involves intravenous antibiotics and drainage of the abdominal abscess (if present) by inserting a tube.

• Surgical Management: This might be required when a severe complication occurs, such as the formation of a fistula, frequent episodes of diverticulitis, or an immunocompromised patient.

The two types of surgery followed are primary bowel resection where the damaged or infected segments of the intestine are removed and the healthy segments are joined, or bowel resection with colostomy in which the colon is removed and an opening in the abdominal wall is joined to the healthy part of the colon.

What Are the Complications of Diverticulitis?

Almost 25 percent of the patients tend to develop complications, which are as follows:

• Abscess (a cavity filled with pus due to infection).

• Colon blockage, small intestine blockage.

• Fistula (a connection between two organs or an organ and skin). It is an abnormal condition.

• Peritonitis (an emergency condition that needs immediate medical attention).

What Are the Ways to Prevent Diverticulitis?

Prevention of diverticulitis is possible using the following methods:

• Regular exercise helps maintain normal bowel functioning and thus leads to a reduction in pressure within the colon.

• Fibrous food consumption. Fresh fruits and vegetables and other fibrous foods help in softening the waste material and assist in easy passage of it through the colon.

• Consumption of adequate fluids.

• Intake of adequate vitamin D.

• Avoid smoking.

What Is the Difference Between Diverticulitis and Diverticulosis?

The presence of diverticula without any infection or inflammation is called diverticulosis. In most of the cases, diverticulosis does not show any symptoms, and in that case, treatment is not required. Although, in some cases, it may show some symptoms like abdominal pain and bloating sensation. This condition is called symptomatic uncomplicated diverticular disease. Facts show that a few people suffering from symptomatic uncomplicated diverticular disease eventually may develop diverticulitis.

Conclusion:

Diverticulitis is usually common in the Western world. Mostly, it can be managed through short-term changes in diet and medication. If complications occur, they might be serious. In case of complications of diverticulitis, the doctor might advise the patient to get treated in a hospital which might require surgery to repair damage to the colon. With proper care and lifestyle adjustments, the individuals can experience symptom relief and prevent future episodes.