A high-fiber diet helps prevent constipation and provides a
number of other health benefits, including lower blood pressure,
reduced blood cholesterol, improved blood sugar, and reduced risk
of developing certain intestinal disorders.
Drinking eight 8-ounce glasses of water a day, monitoring
changes in bowel movements (from constipation to diarrhea), and
getting enough rest and sleep are other ways to prevent
diverticular disease.
What are the symptoms of diverticulitis?
- Painful cramps or tenderness in the lower abdomen
- Chills or fever
How is diverticulitis diagnosed?
If you are
experiencing the symptoms of diverticulitis, it is important to see
your doctor for the correct diagnosis. Some symptoms of irritable
bowel syndrome and stomach ulcers may be similar to those of
diverticular disease.
Your doctor will ask you questions about your medical history
(such as your bowel habits, symptoms, pain, diet, and current
medications) and perform a physical exam, including a digital
rectal exam.
One or more diagnostic tests may be ordered to help diagnose
your condition. Tests may include X-rays, CT scanning, ultrasound
testing, a sigmoidoscopy, colonoscopy, barium enema, and blood
tests to look for signs of infection or the extent of bleeding.
In people with rapid, heavy rectal bleeding, the doctor may
perform a procedure called angiography to locate the source of the
bleed. During this test, doctors insert the patient's
arteries with a harmless dye that will allow the doctor to view the
source of the bleeding.
How is diverticulitis treated?
Diverticulitis
sometimes resolves without medical treatment, but it frequently
requires antibiotics. Sometimes the infection is so severe that it
is necessary to be admitted to a hospital for intravenous
antibiotics and other supportive care. Rarely, a surgeon may need
to remove the affected part of the bowel.
During the active stage of the infection, many experts
recommended eating a low-fiber diet and drinking plenty of water. A
month or so after the infection resolves, fiber should be back on
the menu.
Emergency treatment including surgery may be needed when the
antibiotics do not work, and in cases of a large abscess,
perforation, peritonitis, or continued rectal bleeding.
What complications are associated with
diverticulitis?
Serious complications can occur as a
result of diverticulitis. Most of them are the result of the
development of a tear or perforation of the intestinal wall. If
this occurs, intestinal waste material can leak out of the
intestines and into the surrounding abdominal cavity, causing the
following problems:
- Peritonitis (a painful infection of the abdominal cavity)
- Abscesses ("walled off" infections in the abdomen)
- Obstruction (blockages of the intestine)
If an abscess is present, the doctor will need to drain the
fluid by inserting a needle into the infected area. Sometimes
surgery is needed to clean the abscess and remove part of the
colon. If the infection spreads into the abdominal cavity
(peritonitis), surgery is needed to clean the cavity and remove the
damaged part of the colon. Without proper treatment, peritonitis
can be fatal.
Infection can lead to scarring of the colon, and the scar tissue
may cause a partial or complete blockage. A complete blockage
requires emergency surgery, although a partial blockage does
not.
Another complication of diverticulitis is the formation of a
fistula. A fistula is an abnormal connection between two organs, or
between an organ and the skin. The most common type of fistula is
between the bladder and colon. This requires surgery to remove the
fistula and affected part of the colon.