Definition of Diverticulitis
Diverticulitis: Inflammation of the diverticula
(small
outpouchings) along the wall of the colon, the large intestine. (One
outpouching is a diverticulum;
two or more are
diverticula).
For diverticulitis to occur, there must be diverticulosis, the
presence of diverticula. Diverticulosis can occur anywhere in the
colon but it is most
typical in the sigmoid colon, the S-shaped segment of the colon
the left lower part of the abdomen. (Sides are from the
patient's perspective so the left lower part of your abdomen is
nearest your left hand).
The incidence of
diverticulosis increases with age. Age causes a weakening of the
walls of the colon
and this weakening permits the formation of diverticula. By age 80,
most people have
diverticulosis.
A key factor promoting the formation of
diverticulosis is elevated pressure within the colon. The pressure
within the colon is raised when a person is constipated and has to
push down to pass
small, hard bits of stool ("rabbit droppings").
Most patients
with
diverticulosis have few or no
symptoms although some have mild
symptoms including abdominal cramping and
bloating.
Diverticulosis sets the stage
for inflammation and infection of the outpouching, that is for
diverticulitis. (The "-itis" refers to
inflammation.) It is potentially serious and can result in pain in
the
left lower abdomen, fever, nausea, vomiting, constipation and,
paradoxically, diarrhea and frequent urination. Even graver
consequences such as perforation of the colon and peritonitis are
well known from diverticulitis.
The best way
to avoid developing diverticulosis in the first place (aside from the
impossibility of
staying young) is by eating
a proper healthy diet With plenty of fiber. A diet high in fiber
keeps the bowels moving, keeps the pressure within the colon within
normal limits, and slows or stops the formation of diverticula.
Diverticulitis can be diagnosed with barium x-rays of the
colon or with sigmoidoscopy or colonoscopy. Treatment of
diverticulitis is
designed to combat the inflammation and infection.
Last Editorial Review: 10/11/1998Common Misspellings: diverticulitus, diverticulits, diviculitis, divurticuli
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