Where is diverticulitis

However, other reports have debunked the link between increased dietary fiber and diverticulitis prevention, advising that it may actually increase the likelihood of the disease.

Previously, the consumption of nuts, seeds, and corn was thought to be a cause of diverticula development, but a study in found no link. Sometimes, a doctor will recommend that someone with diverticulitis goes on a special diet, to give the digestive system an opportunity to rest. Gastrointestinal problems often come with a list of foods to avoid.

It has been suggested in the past that nuts, popcorn, and seeds can cause symptoms to flare up. However, as the causes of diverticulitis are not known, the National Institutes of Health advise that there are no particular foods to exclude from the diet that will improve diverticulitis symptoms.

The high-fat, low-fiber diet that characterizes Western eating has been shown to increase the risk of diverticulitis in a recent study. It is best, therefore, not to eat red meat, deep-fried foods, full-fat dairy, and refined grains. Food should be excluded based on individual experience. If you find that a particular type of food aggravates the effects of diverticulitis, avoid it.

It is not fully understand why diverticulitis occurs. Bacteria in the stool may rapidly multiply and spread and cause the infection. It is thought that a diverticulum might become blocked, possibly by a piece of stool, which then leads to infection. Some studies have indicated that genetics may be a factor. Diagnosing diverticular and diverticular-related diseases can be challenging, and there are a number of tests that might be carried out to ensure correct diagnosis.

There are several illnesses and conditions with similar symptoms, such as irritable bowel syndrome IBS , so diagnosis of diverticular disease is not easy. A doctor can rule out other conditions by having some blood tests done. They may also use the following techniques:. Colonoscopy: The doctor has a look inside the colon using a thin tube with a camera at the end called a colonoscope.

The colonoscope enters through the rectum. Hours or a day before the procedure begins, people are given a laxative to clear their bowels.

A local anesthetic is given before the procedure starts. This test is not usually done during an acute episode of diverticulitis, but done around 6 weeks after resolution to ensure there are no signs of cancer. Barium enema X-ray: A tube is inserted into the rectum, and a barium liquid is squirted into the tube and up the rectum.

Barium is a liquid that shows up in X-rays. When organs that do not normally show up on an X-ray are coated with barium, they become visible. The procedure is not painful. If an individual has a history of diverticular disease, the doctor will be able to diagnose diverticulitis by carrying out a physical examination and asking some questions about symptoms and their medical history.

A blood test is useful because if it reveals a high number of white blood cells, it probably means there is an infection. However, many people without a high number of white blood cells may still have diverticulitis.

People who have no history of diverticular disease will need additional tests. Other conditions can have similar symptoms, such as a hernia or gallstones. A person with diverticulitis may also experience nausea, vomiting, shaking, chills or constipation.

Your doctor may order a CT scan to confirm a diagnosis of diverticulitis. Minor cases of infection are usually treated with oral antibiotics and do not require admission to the hospital. If left untreated, diverticulitis may lead to a collection of pus called an abscess outside the colon wall or a generalized infection in the lining of the abdominal cavity, a condition referred to as peritonitis. Usually a CT scan is required to diagnose an abscess, and treatment usually requires a hospital stay, antibiotics administered through a vein and possibly drainage of the abscess.

Repeated attacks of diverticulitis may require surgery to remove the affected portion of the colon. Bleeding in the colon may occur from a diverticulum and is called diverticular bleeding.

This is the most common cause of major colonic bleeding in patients over 40 years old and is usually noticed as passage of red or maroon blood through the rectum.

Most diverticular bleeding stops on its own; however, if it does not, a colonoscopy may be required for evaluation. If bleeding is severe or persists, a hospital stay is usually required to administer intravenous fluids or possibly blood transfusions. In addition, a colonoscopy may be required to determine the cause of bleeding and to treat the bleeding.

Occasionally, surgery or other procedures may be necessary to stop bleeding that cannot be stopped by other methods.

Intestinal blockage may occur in the colon from repeated attacks of diverticulitis. In this case, surgery may be necessary to remove the involved area of the colon.

Health Conditions Discover Plan Connect. Medically reviewed by Saurabh Sethi, M. Fast facts about diverticulosis. What are the symptoms of a diverticulitis attack? What causes it? What are the risk factors for developing diverticulitis? When to see a doctor. How is diverticulitis diagnosed? How is it treated?

Home remedies. The bottom line. Read this next. What to Eat on a Diverticulitis Diet. Medically reviewed by Gerhard Whitworth, R. Medically reviewed by Alana Biggers, M. Diverticulitis Surgery. Medically reviewed by Andrew Gonzalez, M. Everything You Need to Know About Diverticulitis Diverticulitis occurs when pouches in the wall of your colon become infected or inflamed.

What's Possible from Microbiome Testing at Home? Treatment may include antibiotics, pain relievers, and a liquid diet. A serious case may require a hospital stay or surgery.

The information on this site should not be used as a substitute for professional medical care or advice. Contact a health care provider if you have questions about your health. Diverticulosis and Diverticulitis Also called: Diverticular disease. Learn More Living With Specifics. See, Play and Learn No links available.

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