Diverticular disease and diverticulitis are related digestive conditions that affect the large intestine (colon). In diverticular disease, small bulges or pockets (diverticula) develop in the lining of the intestine. Diverticulitis is when these pockets become inflamed or infected.
Intestinal inflammation from diverticulitis can lead to the development of fistulas that connect the large intestine with other organs. Fistulas usually form when an inflamed diverticulum in the large intestine is touching another organ (such as the bladder).
Pyogenic liver abscesses, despite being a rare complication of diverticulitis and inflammatory bowel disease, are potentially serious life-threatening pathologies.
Complications from diverticulitis such as perforations and abscesses develop at higher rates in patients with severely reduced kidney function. This is also consistent with results of previous reports.
About 25% of people with acute diverticulitis develop complications, which may include: An abscess, which occurs when pus collects in the pouch. A blockage in your bowel caused by scarring. An abnormal passageway (fistula) between sections of bowel or the bowel and other organs.
Probiotics combined with mesalazine have also emerged as an alternative potential therapeutic strategy in preventing recurrent attacks of diverticulitis. One series reported that treatment with mesalazine and/or lactobacillus casei induced remission in 88% of their patients at a median follow-up of 2 years.
CAUSES. The most commonly accepted theory for the formation of diverticulosis is related to high pressure within the colon, which causes weak areas of the colon wall to bulge out and form the sacs. A diet low in fiber and high in red meat may also play a role.
Symptoms of diverticulitis
It is most likely to occur if you have previously had symptoms of diverticular disease, and develops over a day or two. Other symptoms of diverticulitis can include: a high temperature (fever) of 38C (100.4F) or above. a general feeling of being tired and unwell.
Diverticulitis can lead to the inflamed part of the bowel being in contact with the bladder. This may cause urinary problems, such as: pain when urinating (dysuria) needing to urinate more often than usual.
If you don't treat it, diverticulitis can lead to serious complications that require surgery: Abscesses, collections of pus from the infection, may form around the infected diverticula. If these go through the intestinal wall, you could get peritonitis. This infection can be fatal.
Diverticulosis in the elderly was found to be a negative predictor of hepatosteatosis. Higher values of albumin and triglyceride in conjunction with the absence of diverticulosis may be suggestive of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease in the elderly.
Although small bowel diverticular disease is linked to chronic pancreatitis, evidence for association with acute pancreatitis is scarce. The authors believe this is the first reported case of jejunal diverticular disease causing acute pancreatitis, and it highlights micro-perforation as a potential disease mechanism.
A CT scan, which can identify inflamed or infected pouches and confirm a diagnosis of diverticulitis. CT can also indicate the severity of diverticulitis and guide treatment.
It's much less common — 1 or 2% — in patients less than age 30. How long could a person live with diverticulosis before it's detected? The vast majority of patients would live their whole lives without having any sort of complication.
Blood in your stools. Fever above 100.4°F (38°C) that does not go away. Nausea, vomiting, or chills. Sudden belly or back pain that gets worse or is very severe.
The abdominal pain of diverticulitis is usually lower and/or left-sided abdominal pain. The pain is usually sharp and constant, and the pain may seem to travel, or radiate, to the leg, groin, back, and side.
Taking Tylenol (acetaminophen) as directed can take the edge off your pain and help you feel better. Other pain relievers might be your preferred drugs of choice. But when it comes to diverticulitis, acetaminophen is your best bet.
How is diverticulitis treated? If your diverticulitis is mild, your healthcare provider will prescribe an oral antibiotic, such as metronidazole (Flagyl®), trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (Bactrim®), ciprofloxacin (Cipro®) or amoxicillin and clavulanic acid (Augmentin®).
Bed Rest. Along with dietary restrictions, bed rest has been part of the routine treatment of acute diverticulitis.
The prevalence of diverticulitis and diverticular bleeding has also been increasing[4]. Diverticulosis of the colon is often diagnosed during routine screening colonoscopy.
Diverticulosis may lead to several complications including inflammation, infection, bleeding or intestinal blockage. Fortunately, diverticulosis does not lead to cancer. Diverticulitis occurs when the pouches become infected or inflamed.
You can have diverticulosis and not have any pain or symptoms. But symptoms may include mild cramps, swelling or bloating, and constipation. These symptoms can also be caused by irritable bowel syndrome, stomach ulcers, or other health problems. These symptoms don't always mean that you have diverticulosis.
Mild cases of diverticulitis are usually treated with antibiotics and a low-fiber diet, or treatment may start with a period of rest where you eat nothing by mouth, then start with clear liquids and then move to a low-fiber diet until your condition improves. More-severe cases typically require hospitalization.
The inflammation causes increased pressure in the diverticulum and discomfort for you. In severe cases, the pressure can cause the diverticulum to burst.