diverticulitis of colon

Diverticulitis of the colon, also known as colonic diverticulitis, is a condition where small pouches or sacs (diverticula) in the wall of the colon become inflamed or infected. This can cause a range of symptoms, including:

• Abdominal pain: Pain in the lower left quadrant of the abdomen, which may radiate to the pelvis or back [1].
• Fever: A high temperature, usually above 100.4°F (38°C) [12].
• Diarrhea and/or constipation: Changes in bowel habits, including diarrhea or constipation [12].
• Decreased appetite: A decrease in appetite due to discomfort or pain [12].
• Nausea and fatigue: Feeling queasy or tired due to the infection [12].

Diverticulitis can be caused by a variety of factors, including:

• Pressure on the colon: Pressure from spasms or straining may cause diverticula to form where the wall of the colon is weak [9].
• Bacterial disease: Bacteria can infect the diverticula and cause inflammation [10].
• Damage to diverticula tissues: Damage to the tissues surrounding the diverticula can lead to inflammation and infection [10].

In most cases, diverticulitis is a self-limiting condition that resolves on its own with rest, hydration, and antibiotics. However, in some cases, it may require more aggressive treatment, such as surgery.

References:

[1] Context result 1 [9] Context result 9 [10] Context result 10 [12] Context results 12

Common Signs and Symptoms of Diverticulitis

Diverticulitis can manifest in various ways, but some common signs and symptoms include:

• Abdominal Pain: A sharp, distinct pain usually located on the lower left side of the abdomen (left lower quadrant) [13][15]. In some cases, it may be felt on the right side due to right colon involvement.
• Fever: An elevated body temperature, often accompanied by chills and sweating [15].
• Loss of Appetite: A decrease in appetite or feeling unwell after eating [15].
• Nausea and Vomiting: Feeling queasy or vomiting, which can be a result of the inflammation and discomfort caused by diverticulitis.
• Abdominal Bloating and Cramping: Swelling and tenderness in the abdominal area, accompanied by crampy pains.
• Constipation or Diarrhea: Changes in bowel movements, such as constipation or diarrhea, which can be a result of the inflammation and irritation caused by diverticulitis [14].
• Blood in Stool: Presence of blood in the stool, which can be a sign of complications or severe inflammation.
• Bloating: Feeling bloated or uncomfortable due to gas buildup in the digestive system.

Important Note

It's essential to seek medical attention if you experience any of these symptoms, especially if they persist or worsen over time. Diverticulitis can lead to serious complications, such as abscesses, perforations, and peritonitis, which require prompt medical treatment.

References: [13] Symptoms and Signs of Colonic Diverticulitis [14] Symptoms of diverticular disease and diverticulitis [15] Know the signs of diverticulitis

Diverticulitis diagnosis involves a combination of medical history, physical examination, and various diagnostic tests to confirm the condition and rule out other potential causes.

Common Diagnostic Tests for Diverticulitis:

• Blood tests: To check for signs of infection and immune-system activity, such as elevated white blood cell count (WBC) and C-reactive protein (CRP) levels [1][2].
• Stool test: To rule out other conditions that may cause similar symptoms, such as colitis or appendicitis [10].
• Imaging tests:
  • Computed Tomography (CT) scan: The imaging modality of choice for acute diverticulitis and complicated diverticular disease, with a sensitivity of 98% [8][9].
  • Ultrasound: May be used to confirm the diagnosis and direct medical or surgical therapy [8].
  • Contrast enema: Historically used but largely replaced by CT scan.
• Colonoscopy: A common diagnostic test for diverticular disease, although contraindicated in acute diverticulitis [3][4].

Other Diagnostic Tests:

• Angiogram: May be used to find bleeding and treat it by injecting medications into the blood vessel [7].
• Full blood count, urea and electrolytes test, and C-reactive protein test: Offered for people with suspected complicated acute diverticulitis who have been referred for same-day hospital assessment [12].

It's essential to note that a combination of these tests may be used to confirm the diagnosis and rule out other potential causes. A healthcare professional will determine the most appropriate diagnostic approach based on

Treatment Options for Diverticulitis

Diverticulitis can be treated with a combination of medications and lifestyle changes to help manage symptoms and promote healing.

• Antibiotics: Antibiotics are often prescribed to treat bacterial infections that may accompany diverticulitis. The most commonly used antibiotics include:
  • Ciprofloxacin (Cipro) [7]
  • Levofloxacin
  • Metronidazole
  • Amoxicillin-clavulanic
  • Moxifloxacin [7]
• Pain Management: Over-the-counter pain medications such as acetaminophen may be recommended to help manage pain and discomfort. However, some medications like NSAIDs, opioids, and corticosteroids should be avoided as they can increase the risk of complications in people with diverticulitis [5].
• Anti-inflammatory Medications: Mesalazine (alone or in association with antibiotics) and probiotics have been developed as therapies for the treatment of diverticulitis [8].

Important Considerations

It is essential to consult a doctor before starting any medication regimen, especially if you have a history of diverticulitis. Your healthcare provider can help determine the best course of treatment based on your individual needs and medical history.

In some cases, hospitalization may be necessary for severe diverticulitis or complications such as abscesses or bleeding [3]. Treatment options may also include surgery to drain an abscess or stop bleeding related to diverticulitis [3].

References

[1] Some over-the-counter medications may worsen the condition, so it is important to contact a doctor for a treatment plan. (Search result 1) [2] Compare risks and benefits of common medications used for Diverticulitis. (Search result 2) [3] This common colon disease develops when small pouches form in the colon wall and become inflamed, causing pain, fever and abnormal stool function. Treatment depends on how serious the condition is. (Search result 3) [4] Treatments for diverticulitis may include antibiotics, although not all people with diverticulitis need these medicines. A clear liquid diet for a short time to rest the colon. (Search result 4) [5] Medications that can increase the risk of complications in people with diverticulitis include NSAIDs, opioids, and corticosteroids. These should be avoided. (Search result 5) [7] Ciprofloxacin, levofloxacin, metronidazole, amoxicillin-clavulanic, and moxifloxacin are typically prescribed to treat infections that may accompany diverticulitis. (Search result 7) [8] Mesalazine (alone or in association with antibiotics) and probiotics have been developed as therapies for the treatment of diverticulitis. (Search result 8) [10] Whatever the treatment, the chances for a full recovery are very good if you receive prompt medical attention. (Search result 10) [11] If you have a history of diverticulitis, you should discuss all drug treatment and alcohol use with your doctor. (Search result 11)

The differential diagnosis of diverticulitis of the colon involves considering various conditions that can present with similar symptoms, such as lower abdominal pain and fever. According to the provided context [6], diverticulitis must be differentiated from other diseases that cause lower abdominal pain and fever like appendicitis, inflammatory bowel disease, colon cancer, and others.

Some of the differential diagnoses for diverticulitis include:

• Appendicitis: This is a condition where the appendix becomes inflamed and can present with similar symptoms to diverticulitis [7].
• Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD): Conditions such as Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis can cause inflammation in the colon, leading to symptoms similar to diverticulitis [7].
• Colon cancer: This is a type of cancer that affects the large intestine and can present with symptoms like lower abdominal pain and fever [8].
• Acute appendicitis: Similar to appendicitis, acute appendicitis can cause inflammation in the appendix and lead to symptoms similar to diverticulitis [9].
• Epiploic appendagitis: This is a condition where the epiploic appendages (small pouches of tissue) become inflamed, leading to symptoms like lower abdominal pain and fever [8].
• Ischemic colitis: This is a condition where the blood supply to the colon is reduced, leading to inflammation and symptoms similar to diverticulitis [9].
• Pseudomembranous colitis: This is an infection of the colon that can cause inflammation and symptoms like lower abdominal pain and fever [8].

It's essential to note that the differential diagnosis for diverticulitis can vary depending on the location of the diverticulum in the colon. For instance, diverticulitis in the right colon may present similarly to acute appendicitis, while diverticula in the transverse colon may appear as peptic ulcer disease, pancreatitis, or cholecystitis [10].

In summary, the differential diagnosis for diverticulitis of the colon involves considering various conditions that can cause similar symptoms. A thorough evaluation and diagnostic workup are necessary to accurately diagnose diverticulitis and rule out other potential causes.

References: [6] Jul 29, 2020 — Differential Diagnosis · Diverticulitis · Perforation · Acute pancreatitis · Intra-abdominal abscess · colorectal carcinoma [7] 4 days ago — Differential diagnosis · colorectal carcinoma · acute appendicitis · epiploic appendagitis · ischemic colitis · pseudomembranous colitis. [8] The differential diagnoses include colon cancer, inflammatory bowel disease, ischemic colitis, and irritable bowel syndrome, as well as a number of urological ... [9] Differential Diagnosis. Diverticulosis presents with bleeding per rectum, and most of the time, that is the only presenting symptom. The differential diagnosis includes: ... which is a pouch-like structure that can form from the points of weakness through the muscular wall of the colon. [10] Acute diverticulitis is inflammation due to micro-perforation of a diverticulum. The diverticulum is a sac-like protrusion of the colon wall. Diverticulitis can present in about 10% to 25% of patients with diverticulosis.