Diverticulum are small, swollen sacs that can form on the lining of the digestive tract. They are most commonly found in the lower part of the large intestine.
Diverticulum, which is common especially after the age of 40, rarely causes problems. The presence of diverticulum is known as diverticulosis.
When one or more of the bags becomes inflamed or infected, it is known as diverticulitis. Diverticulitis can cause severe abdominal pain, fever, nausea, and marked changes in your bowel habits.
Mild diverticulitis can be treated with rest, dietary changes, or antibiotics. Severe and recurrent diverticulitis may require surgery.
What Are the Symptoms of Diverticulitis?
Pain that may be continuous and last for several days. The lower left part of the abdomen is the usual pain area.
Symptoms of diverticulitis include; nausea and vomiting, fever, abdominal tenderness and constipation or diarrhoea.
Diverticulitis Treatment
The choice of treatment is made according to the patient's general condition, age, medical history, comorbidities, prevalence and complications of the disease, tolerance to medical treatments, and treatment preference of the patient.
If symptoms are mild, home treatment may be sufficient. In this case, antibiotics are prescribed for the treatment of diverticulitis. However, new guidelines state that very mild cases may not require antibiotics.
A liquid diet is recommended for a few days for the intestines to recover and rest more easily. When symptoms improve, it may be recommended to gradually introduce solid foods into the diet.
Fiber nutrition is important in the long term and is recommended for patients.
If the patient's complaints are severe and have an additional disease, inpatient treatment may be recommended. In this case, close follow-up is performed with intravenous nutrition and antibiotic therapy.
If there is a complication such as abscess, fistula, obstruction, perforation in the intestinal wall or if there is more than one attack of diverticulitis in the intestines, surgical treatment can be applied depending on the patient's condition.