Diverticulitis By Kiran Momin and Simbran Ali

Summary diverticul/itis: inflammation of the small pouches in the colon diverticul: diverticula (pouches in large intestine) itis: inflammation diverticula = small outcroppings which turn into pouches feces travel through the colon and some are trapped within the pouches which lead to inflammation and infection abdominal pain in left side of lower abdomen

Causes first recognized around 1900 dramatic change in the types of food people ate. amount of fiber eaten decreased amount of processed food eaten increased amount of fiber consumed decreases normal stool becomes more solid hard stool requires more intestinal contractions increase in pressure within the colon bulges in wall cause small outcroppings to turn into pouches (diverticula) feces get trapped bacteria grows leads to localized inflammation and infection

Signs and Symptoms fever malaise body aches chills nausea emesis (vomiting) bleeding is quite rare narrowing of diameter of colon leads to constipation and bowel obstruction

Treatment and Cures if mild pain start with clear liquids low in fiber and slowly increase amount of fiber until pain goes away increase fiber through fruits, vegetables, and wheat antibiotics Amoxicillin Flagyl Septra Cipro Augmentin

Treatments and Cures Continued if severe case of diverticulitis, hospital treatment includes: antibiotics given by vein fluid and nutrition only, nothing by mouth because bowel needs to rest suck contents out of stomach through nasogastric if vomiting and abdominal swelling surgery for repeated attacks of diverticulitis only in 6 out of 100 patients doctor sees you 2 days after treatment for follow up colonoscopy 6 weeks later to see if symptoms under control or if there are any additional problems

Diagram of Diverticulitis Inflamed Diverticulum

Sources overview