diverticulitis
DIVERTICULITIS
Treatment Guideline Chart
Diverticulitis is the inflammation of the diverticulum which is a herniation of the mucosa and submucosa of the colonic wall that may fill with fecal material or undigested food particles. 
Abdominal pain is usually localized, abrupt, steady and may worsen over time.
Other signs and symptoms are fever, anorexia, nausea without vomiting, and altered bowel movements, commonly constipation but may also present with diarrhea or tenesmus.

Diverticulitis Signs and Symptoms

Introduction

  • Inflammation of ≥1 diverticula
    • Diverticula: Herniation of the mucosa and submucosa of the colonic wall that may fill with fecal material or undigested food particles

Signs and Symptoms

  • Abdominal pain and tenderness which is usually localized, abrupt, steady and may worsen over time
    • In Asians, right-sided diverticulitis is more common and is an important differential diagnosis that may be confused with appendicitis
    • Left-sided diverticulitis commonly involves the sigmoid colon and presents as left lower quadrant pain and tenderness; more common in Western populations
  • Fever
  • Anorexia
  • Nausea without vomiting 
  • Altered bowel habits, commonly constipation but may also present with diarrhea or tenesmus

 

Risk Factors

Predisposing Factors 

  • A diet that is low in fiber and high in fat and red meat
  • Older age
    • The disease is rare in individuals <40 years old
  • Other factors which may predispose to diverticulitis are colonic motility disorders, colonic wall defects, use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and corticosteroids, genetic predisposition, obesity, smoking

 

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