Colonic diverticulitis is inflammation and swelling of pockets in the large intestine, which can cause pain, fever, and diarrhea. It is common in people over 40 and can be managed with antibiotics and dietary restrictions. Surgery may be needed in severe cases. Causes are not fully understood, but aging is a significant risk factor. Diagnosis is made through imaging scans and blood tests. Treatment includes rest, hydration, and pain relief. Surgery may be necessary in serious or recurring cases.
Colonic diverticulitis refers to irritation, inflammation, and swelling of pockets of tissue in the large intestine. The pouches, called diverticula, commonly develop in people over the age of 40 and usually don’t cause any health problems. Diverticulitis typically develops when the pouches become infected with bacteria or collapse from excessive pressure or internal injury. The resulting symptoms of pain, fever, and diarrhea can become very uncomfortable. Most cases of colonic diverticulitis can be managed with oral antibiotics and special dietary restrictions put in place by a doctor. Rarely, surgery may be needed to repair damage to the colon walls or surrounding tissue.
Doctors don’t fully understand the causes of diverticula development in the colon, although pouches are thought to form when part of the colon wall is weakened and gives way to pressure. Aging is the most significant risk factor as the muscles surrounding the colon naturally weaken over time. Infection can occur if fecal matter becomes trapped inside the diverticula or if the pressure becomes intense enough to cause the tissue to rupture.
In most cases, the symptoms of colonic diverticulitis come on suddenly. A person may notice sharp pain in the lower abdomen which may induce nausea and vomiting. Chronic bloating, diarrhea, or constipation can also develop within hours to days. Some people also experience fever and flu-like symptoms of joint pain and muscle weakness. It’s important to visit a doctor or emergency room whenever digestive problems, pain, and fever become chronic.
A doctor can screen for colonic diverticulitis by assessing the site and severity of the abdominal tenderness, analyzing blood tests, and taking imaging scans of the colon. The blood is tested for specific bacteria to confirm the presence of infection. Computed tomography and ultrasound are often helpful in identifying diverticula and measuring the amount of inflammation and swelling present. After confirming a diagnosis, your doctor can explain your different treatment options in detail.
Most patients with mild to moderate symptoms are prescribed antibiotics and instructed to get plenty of rest for about two weeks. Drinking water and sports drinks can help prevent diarrhea-related dehydration, and taking over-the-counter pain relievers can help ease symptoms during recovery. Once patients begin to feel better, it is usually recommended to increase the amount of fiber in their diet to promote softer, easier-to-pass stools.
Serious or recurring problems may require surgery to relieve symptoms and prevent serious complications. A bowel resection procedure involves removing a damaged section of the colon and reconnecting the healthy upper and lower sections. If colonic diverticulitis causes damage to the entire colon, it may need to be removed completely and the stomach attached to an artificial pouch to collect waste. Surgery can be risky and require patients to make significant lifestyle changes, but it may be the only option to ensure full recovery from severe colonic diverticulitis.
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