This is the inflammation of small dilations in the wall of the colon, also known as diverticula. It most commonly affects older people.
Constipation and hard stools force the bowel wall to thicken in order to evacuate, leading to the formation of diverticula. When these fill with faeces, become infected or swell, diverticulosis occurs.
Symptoms include pain in the lower abdomen and fever. Other associated symptoms are: constipation or diarrhoea, nausea, vomiting, chills and rectal bleeding.
The diagnosis is made by interview and physical examination. It is confirmed by imaging tests such as an X-ray, ultrasound and/or CT-scan.
Treatment is based on painkillers, bowel rest and antibiotics. Emergency surgery may be needed if there are complications such as perforation.
Warning signs: very severe acute abdominal pain, blood in the stool, persistent fever.
- John H Pemberton. Colonic diverticulosis and diverticular disease: Epidemiology, risk factors, and pathogenesis. UpToDate. Jun 16, 2016.
- John H Pemberton. Clinical manifestations and diagnosis of acute diverticulitis in adults. UpToDate. Dec 15, 2015.
- Shahedi K, Fuller G, Bolus R, et al. Long-term risk of acute diverticulitis among patients with incidental diverticulosis found during colonoscopy. Clin Gastroenterol Hepatol 2013; 11:1609.
- Strate LL, Peery AF, Neumann I. American Gastroenterological Association Institute Technical Review on the Management of Acute Diverticulitis. Gastroenterology 2015; 149:1950.
- Ahmed R, Gearhart SL. Diverticulosis y trastornos anorrectales frecuentes. Harrison. Principios de Medicina Interna. Volumen 2. 19º Edición: 1971-1973.
