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What is diverticulitis? — Diverticulitis is a disorder that can cause belly pain, fever, and problems with bowel movements.
The food we eat travels from the stomach through a long tube called the intestine. The last part of that tube is the colon. The colon sometimes has small pouches in its walls. These pouches are called "diverticula." Many people who have these pouches have no symptoms. Diverticulitis happens when these pouches develop a small tear also known as a "microperforation," which then becomes infected and causes symptoms (figure 1).
What are the symptoms of diverticulitis? — The most common symptom of diverticulitis is pain, which is usually in the lower part of the belly. Other symptoms can include:
●Fever
●Constipation
●Diarrhea
●Nausea and vomiting
Is there a test for diverticulitis? — Yes. There are a few tests your doctor can do to find out if you have diverticulitis. But tests are not always needed. If you do have a test, you might have a:
●CT scan – A CT scan is a kind of imaging test. Imaging tests create pictures of the inside of your body.
●Abdominal ultrasound – This test uses sound waves to create pictures of your intestines.
How is diverticulitis treated? — If your disease is mild and you are otherwise healthy, you might be treated at home. This usually involves a liquid diet and medicine to relieve pain. In this case, be sure to follow up with your doctor or nurse to make sure your symptoms improve.
If you have severe disease, you are not in good health, or your symptoms do not get better in 2 to 3 days, you might need to stay in the hospital. In the hospital, treatment usually includes fluids and antibiotics. These are given through a thin tube that goes into your vein, called an "IV." That way you can avoid eating and drinking until you get better.
In addition, if you have a serious infection, the doctor might put a tube into your belly to drain the infection. In very bad cases, people need surgery to remove the part of the colon that is affected.
A few months after your infection has been treated, your doctor might recommend that you have a procedure called a colonoscopy (figure 2). During a colonoscopy, the doctor can look directly inside your colon to check for signs of cancer.
Should I change my diet if I have had diverticulitis? — If you have had diverticulitis, it's a good idea to eat a lot of fiber after your symptoms have gotten better. Good sources of fiber include fruits, oats, beans, peas, and green leafy vegetables. You do not need to avoid seeds, nuts, popcorn, or other similar foods. Be sure to follow all of your doctor or nurse's instructions about diet while they are treating you for diverticulitis.
Patient education: Stomach ache and stomach upset (The Basics)
Patient education: Diarrhea in adolescents and adults (The Basics)
Patient education: Constipation in adults (The Basics)
