Diverticulitis Definition, Reason, Symptoms, Treatment & Prevention
Understanding
Diverticulitis is inflammation of the digestive tract diverticula. Diverticula are abnormal protrusions in the digestive tract, most commonly found in the large intestine.
This condition can develop into a serious infection or minor inflammation. Complications that can occur include bleeding from the large intestine, rupture of the colon wall, and intestinal obstruction.
In people with diverticular disease, some parts of the colon wall are weak. This weak part of the data bulges like small pockets. This part can then become inflamed (swelling) and infected.
Symptom
Patients with diverticulitis will show a variety of symptoms that are commonly found in gastrointestinal infections. Some of the symptoms found in people with diverticulitis are:
1. Abdominal pain. Usually, the pain is felt in the lower left abdomen.
2. Fever
3. Stomach feels bloated
4. Nausea and vomiting
5. Gastrointestinal bleeding
Reason
The cause of diverticulitis is still not known with certainty. However, it is suspected that this intestinal pouch is formed when there is intraluminal pressure pushing against a weak part of the colon wall.
Usually, a diet with sufficient fiber content causes leftovers to be soft enough to move along the intestines easily. However, when there is not enough fiber consumption, the leftovers will become harder and more pressure is needed to expel these digestive remains.
Pouches can form when this kind of pressure builds up and pushes against a weak point in the intestine. If the intestinal sac is inflamed or infected, then the condition is called diverticulitis.
Diagnosis
Diagnosis of diverticulitis begins with gathering information about the symptoms and signs experienced by the patient through a series of medical interviews. Apart from that, the doctor will also do a physical examination.
Some of the steps for diagnosing diverticulitis are:
- Medical interview. In medical interviews, complaints of abdominal pain and fever are generally found. In some circumstances, gastrointestinal bleeding can be found.
- Physical examination. On physical examination, abdominal pain may be found. This abdominal pain is more severe with pressure.
- Radiological examination. The radiological examination that is usually done to diagnose diverticulitis is a CT scan. This examination is very accurate for diagnosing diverticulitis.
- On a CT scan, you will see a thickening of the intestine with a thickening of the fat around the colon. In cases with complications, a CT scan can also show special conditions, such as an abscess in the intestine.
- Colonoscopy. A colonoscopy can show with certainty the presence of a pouch in the intestine. However, in the acute setting of diverticulitis, this examination is not recommended because of the high risk of tearing.
Treatment
In cases of uncomplicated mild diverticulitis, this disorder will respond to conservative therapy. Some of the therapies for diverticulitis are:
A diet with sufficient fiber content is necessary to reduce pressure in the intestinal lumen. Probiotics may also be used, although further evidence is needed.
- Antibiotics
Antibiotics can be given in cases with a severe degree and suspected bacterial causes.
- Surgery
In severe cases, in the presence of peritonitis (inflammation of the abdominal cavity), abscesses, and fistulas, surgery is required to clean the abdominal cavity and remove the abnormal bowel passages. Surgery may be needed immediately in cases where the intestine is perforated, there is a direct connection with the abdominal cavity, and causes infection in the abdominal cavity.
The operation that is usually performed is an intestinal recession in the part that has diverticulitis. This surgical procedure may be accompanied by the installation of a colostomy or a temporary drain on the abdominal wall.
Prevention
Diverticulitis can be prevented by reducing the potential for diverticula to develop. Prevention of intestinal pouches can be done in several ways, one of which is by adjusting your diet.
Foods with sufficient fiber content, such as fruits and vegetables are powerful helpers for digestion. Fiber will soften food debris so that it will be easier to remove later.