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Diverticular disease is a condition where small bulges or pouches (diverticula) form in the wall of the colon (large intestine). Diverticulitis is the inflammation or infection that occurs when these pouches rupture or become irritated.
read more about diverticular diseasediverticulitis ...The cause is insufficient dietary fiber. Lack of fiber causes high pressure within the colon during bowel movements. This pressure pushes the inner lining of the colon through weak spots in the muscular wall, creating the diverticula.
Diverticulitis causes steady lower abdominal pain, most commonly on the left side, with fever and nausea. Bowel habit changes such as constipation or diarrhea can occur. Bloating and tenderness on exam are typical. Severe pain with high fever or vomiting suggests complications like abscess or perforation and needs urgent care.
Diagnosis is often made with a CT scan of the abdomen. Treatment for mild cases involves rest and antibiotics. Severe cases, or cases involving abscesses or perforation, require hospitalization and sometimes emergency surgery.
This condition does not directly impact vision. However, managing the disease often requires antibiotics. Long-term or repeated courses of antibiotics can sometimes lead to issues like ocular surface irritation or fungal infections in the eye.
Dietary management plays a central role in prevention. A high-fiber diet softens stool and reduces pressure inside the colon, preventing the formation of new diverticula. Fiber is necessary for healthy bowel function.
No, colitis is general inflammation of the colon. Diverticulitis is specific inflammation of small pouches (diverticula).
No, the old belief that seeds or nuts cause problems is false. They are safe to consume and can actually help prevent it.
Surgery is only needed for severe complications like perforation or recurrent, unmanageable infections.
If you experience sudden, severe pain in the lower left abdomen, see a doctor. Diverticulitis can cause "Abscesses" or "Peritonitis" (infection of the abdominal cavity). High-fiber diets are the best medical preventative for diverticulosis.
MedlinePlus. Diverticulitis (medlineplus.gov). 2024.
Mayo Clinic. Diverticulitis Symptoms (mayoclinic.org). 2024.
StatPearls. Colon Diverticulitis (ncbi.nlm.nih.gov). 2022.
StatPearls. Diverticulosis (ncbi.nlm.nih.gov). 2023.