diverticulitis

Diverticulitis is an inflammation of irregular bulging pouches in the wall of the large intestine, typically caused by a bacterial infection inside one or more of these pouches [1]. This condition can come on suddenly and may lead to serious complications if left untreated. The symptoms of diverticulitis include lower abdominal pain, feeling bloated, nausea, fever, and constipation [7].

Diverticulitis is characterized by inflammation in at least one of the diverticula, which are small pouches that bulge outward through weak spots in the colon [5]. This condition can be a complication of diverticulosis, which is when people have diverticula but do not experience any symptoms.

The symptoms of diverticulitis may include:

• Lower abdominal pain
• Feeling bloated
• Nausea
• Fever
• Constipation

It's essential to seek medical attention if you are experiencing these symptoms, as diverticulitis can lead to serious complications if left untreated.

Diverticulitis can cause a range of symptoms, which can vary in severity from mild to severe.

Common symptoms include:

• Severe abdominal pain, often on the lower left side of the abdomen [1]
• Fever, which can be high and persistent [2]
• Nausea and vomiting [3]
• Changes in stool habits, such as constipation or diarrhea [4]
• Bloating and gas [5]

Other possible symptoms:

• Abdominal tenderness, especially on the left lower side of the abdomen [6]
• Constipation or diarrhea [7]
• Cramping or pain in the lower abdomen (belly) [8]
• Feeling bloated [9]
• High temperature [10]

It's worth noting that some people may not experience any symptoms at all, while others may have mild symptoms that resolve on their own. However, if you're experiencing severe abdominal pain, fever, or other concerning symptoms, it's essential to seek medical attention promptly.

References: [1] - 8 [2] - 2 [3] - 2 [4] - 4 [5] - 5 [6] - 3 [7] - 5 [8] - 5 [9] - 9 [10] - 7

Diverticulitis diagnosis involves several tests to confirm the condition and rule out other potential causes of symptoms. Here are some diagnostic tests used for diverticulitis:

• Computed Tomography (CT) Scan: A CT scan is considered the best test to diagnose diverticulitis, as it can show inflamed diverticula, abscesses, fistulas or other complications [1]. It provides cross-sectional, two- and three-dimensional images of the abdomen, allowing doctors to determine the severity of the condition and guide treatment [2].
• Blood Test: A full blood test is often performed to check for signs of infection, such as an elevated white blood cell count [5].
• Urine Test: A urine test may be done to rule out other conditions that can cause similar symptoms.
• Digital Rectal Exam (DRE): A DRE may be performed by a healthcare provider to feel the abdomen and check for tenderness or other abnormalities.
• Stool Test: A stool test may be done to check for blood in the stool, which can indicate diverticulitis.
• Colonoscopy: While not always necessary, a colonoscopy may be performed to visualize the inside of the colon and confirm the diagnosis [8].
• Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI): In some cases, an MRI may be used as an alternative to a CT scan to diagnose diverticulitis.

It's worth noting that while these tests can help diagnose diverticulitis, a definitive diagnosis is often made based on a combination of clinical findings and test results.

Diverticulitis is a condition where small pouches in the wall of the colon become inflamed or infected. The treatment for diverticulitis typically involves a combination of medications and, in some cases, surgery.

Medications Used to Treat Diverticulitis

• Antibiotics: Antibiotics are often prescribed to treat diverticulitis, especially if the condition is caused by a bacterial infection. Common antibiotics used to treat diverticulitis include trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole (Bactrim, Septra), metronidazole (Flagyl), and ciprofloxacin (Cipro) [1].
• Antispasmodics: Antispasmodics such as hyoscyamine may be prescribed to help manage symptoms of diverticulitis, including abdominal pain and cramping [6].
• Acetaminophen: Acetaminophen is sometimes used to treat mild cases of diverticulitis, especially if the condition is not severe [3].

Other Treatment Options

• Surgery: In some cases, surgery may be necessary to treat diverticulitis, especially if the condition is severe or does not respond to medication. Surgery can involve draining an abscess or removing a portion of the colon [2].
• IV Medication: IV antibiotics or antivirals may be given through an intravenous line to help manage symptoms and prevent complications [5].

Commonly Prescribed Antibiotics

• Trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole (Bactrim, Septra)
• Metronidazole (Flagyl)
• Ciprofloxacin (Cipro)
• Levofloxacin
• Piperacillin/tazobactam
• Invanz

References:

[1] Consensus Antibiotic Treatment for Patients with Diverticulitis [7] [2] Surgery for Diverticulitis [8] [3] Medications for diverticulitis include antibiotics, acetaminophen, antispasmodics, and tricyclic antidepressants. [1] [4] IV medication. Your provider may give you antibiotics or antivirals through an IV line so that the medicine goes directly to your bloodstream. [5] [6] Drugs used to treat Diverticulitis; Generic name: hyoscyamine systemic; Brand names: Ed-Spaz, Hyosyne, Levbid, Levsin, Levsin SL, NuLev, Oscimin, Symax Duotab, ... [6] [7] Consensus Antibiotic Treatment for Patients with Diverticulitis; Trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (Bactrim, Septra) and metronidazole (Flagyl). [7] [8] Other alternate drugs suggested for IV therapy include cefoxitin, cefotetan, or a combination of ciprofloxacin and metronidazole. For the less severe (Hinchey I-III) cases, oral antibiotics are recommended. [8]

Note: The information provided is based on the search results and may not be comprehensive or up-to-date. It's always best to consult with a healthcare professional for personalized advice.

Diverticulitis is a condition where the diverticula (small pouches) in the wall of the colon become inflamed. When diagnosing diverticulitis, it's essential to consider other conditions that may present with similar symptoms. Here are some differential diagnoses for diverticulitis:

• Acute appendicitis: This is a common condition where the appendix becomes inflamed, and symptoms can include abdominal pain, fever, and nausea [3].
• Colorectal carcinoma: Cancer of the colon or rectum can cause symptoms such as weight loss, fatigue, and changes in bowel habits [6].
• Acute appendagitis: This is a condition where the appendix-like structure (epiploic appendage) becomes inflamed, causing abdominal pain and tenderness [6].
• Ischemic colitis: This is a condition where the blood supply to the colon is reduced, leading to inflammation and symptoms such as abdominal pain and bloody stools [7].
• Pseudomembranous colitis: This is an infection of the colon caused by bacteria, which can lead to symptoms such as diarrhea, fever, and abdominal pain [6].

According to a study published in 2015, frequent differential diagnoses for diverticulitis include inflammatory and non-inflammatory diseases of the gastrointestinal tract [2]. A CT scan may be used to establish a diagnosis of suspected colon cancer or colonic diverticulitis [8].

In terms of specific symptoms, acute diverticulitis is defined as inflammation in and adjacent to a diverticulum, which can cause abdominal pain, fever, and changes in bowel habits [5]. However, it's essential to consider other conditions that may present with similar symptoms.

References:

[1] Not provided [2] by B Lembcke · 2015 · Cited by 49 [3] by T WILKINS · 2013 · Cited by 148 [4] Not provided [5] by JH Pemberton · Cited by 1 [6] May 4, 2009 [7] Jul 29, 2020 [8] by B APGAR · 1999 · Cited by 1