Diverticulitis is swelling (inflammation) of an abnormal pouch (diverticulum) in the intestinal wall. These pouches are usually found in the large intestine (colon). The presence of the pouches themselves is called diverticulosis.
Causes, incidence, and risk factors:
Small, protruding sacs of the inner lining of the intestine (diverticulosis) can develop in any part of the intestine. They are most common in the colon, especially the sigmoid colon.
These sacs, called diverticula, occur more often after the age of 40. When they become inflamed, the condition is known as diverticulitis. Diverticula are thought to develop as a result of high pressure or abnormal pressure distribution in the colon. High pressure against the colon wall causes pouches of the intestinal lining to bulge outward through small defects in the colon wall.
Diverticulosis is very common. It is found in more than half of Americans over age 60. Only a small percentage of these people will develop the complication of diverticulitis.
Diverticulitis is caused by inflammation, or (sometimes) a small tear in a diverticulum. If the tear is large, stool in the colon can spill into the abdominal cavity, causing an infection (abscess) or inflammation of the abdomen wall (peritonitis).
Direct risk factors for diverticulitis are not known. Risk factors for diverticulosis may include older age or a low-fiber diet.
Symptoms:
Abdominal pain , usually in the left lower abdomen but can be anywhere
After the acute infection has improved, diverticulitis is treated by increasing the bulk in the diet with high-fiber foods and bulk additives, such as psyllium.
Support Groups:
Expectations (prognosis):
Usually, this is a mild condition that responds well to treatment.
Complications:
Abscess formation
Perforation of the colon leading to peritonitis
Stricture or fistula formation
Calling your health care provider:
Call your health care provider if symptoms of diverticulitis occur.
Also call if you have diverticulitis and symptoms worsen or new symptoms develop.
Prevention:
A high-fiber diet may prevent development of diverticulosis. Many people, including doctors, tell patients with a history of diverticulitis to avoid nuts and seeds in the diet. However, there is no evidence that this is helpful to prevent the disease.
Review Date: 2/20/2008 Reviewed By: Christian Stone, MD, Division of Gastroenterology, Washington University in St. Louis, School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.
