Diverticulitis

 

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Definition/Description

Diverticulitis is the infection and inflammation of the diverticula in the stomach and intestines. The most common symptom is abdominal pain in the lower left quadrant. Possible complications include perforation, abscess formation, obstruction, fistula formation, and bleeding. Diverticulitis is the most common cause of lower intestinal bleeding.

Prevalence

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Characteristics/Clinical Presentation

• Abdominal pain usually in LLQ - cramping, bloating, tenderness
  

Associated Co-morbidities

Diverticulitis is more common as the person ages and if the person is overweight. Increasing the amount of exercise that is done each day has shown less of a risk for being diagnosed with diverticulitis. Patients who smoke and /or drink heavy amounts of alcohol have a higher chance of developing diverticulitis than those who do not. Certain medications, such as NSAIDS, steroids, and opiates put a person more at risk for developing this problem. When looking at diet, if people do not get enough fiber, this could lead to decreased bowel movements. In acute diverticulitis, one can get an abscess or blockage in their colon or small intestine from the scarring that took place during the episode. Fistula, an abnormal connection between two body parts, can also form between the colon and bladder or vagina, leading to a medical emergency. Another medical emergency is if a person gets peritonitis, which occurs when contents of the intestine get into the abdomen from a ruptured inflamed pouch. Quick attention is necessary for the patient to begin fighting a possible infection.

Medications

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Diagnostic Tests/Lab Tests/Lab Values

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Etiology/Causes

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Systemic Involvement

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Medical Management (current best evidence)

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Physical Therapy Management (current best evidence)

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Differential Diagnosis

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Case Reports/ Case Studies

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Resources

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Recent Related Research (from <a href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/">Pubmed</a>)

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References

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