diverticulitis (redirected from Diverticulitis, colonic)

diverticulitis /di·ver·tic·u·li·tis/ (-li´tis) inflammation of a diverticulum.

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di·ver·tic·u·li·tis (dvûr-tky-lts)

n.

Inflammation of a diverticulum, especially of the small pockets in the wall of the colon that fill with stagnant fecal material and become inflamed.

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Diverticulitis

A condition of the diverticulum of the intestinal tract, especially in the colon, where inflammation may cause distended sacs extending from the colon and pain.

Mentioned in: Barium Enema, Bowel Training, Laxatives, Ostomy

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diverticulitis

[dī′vurtik′yoo͡lī′tis]

Etymology: L, diverticulare, to turn aside; Gk, itis, inflammation

inflammation of one or more diverticula. The penetration of fecal matter through the thin-walled diverticula causes inflammation and abscess formation in the tissues surrounding the colon. With repeated inflammation the lumen of the colon narrows and may become obstructed. During periods of inflammation the patient experiences crampy pain, particularly over the sigmoid colon; fever; and leukocytosis. Barium enemas and proctoscopy are used to rule out carcinoma of the colon, which exhibits some of the same symptoms. Conservative treatment includes bed rest, IV fluids, antibiotics, and abstaining from eating and drinking. In acute cases bowel resection of the affected part greatly reduces mortality and morbidity rates. Compare diverticulosis.

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diverticulitis,

n an inflammatory pouching of the intestinal wall.

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diverticulitis

inflammation of a diverticulum, especially inflammation involving diverticula of the intestine. Weakness of the muscles of the bowel leads to the formation of diverticula, small blind pouches lined by intestinal mucosa in the lining and wall, usually following blood vessels. Inflammation may occur as a result of collections of bacteria or other irritating agents trapped in the pouches and perforation may occur. In horses and pigs these are associated with muscular hypertrophy of the small intestine.

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diverticulitis and ileitis

see porcine intestinal adenomatosis.

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diverticulitis

Surgery Inflammation of one or more diverticula which, when acute, may rupture causing peritonitis Clinical More common in the elderly; ± abrupt onset with tenderness in left hypogastrium, pain of variable severity may radiate to the back, rebound tenderness, fever, anorexia, constipation, GI tract discomfort, N&V Lab ↑ WBCs, left shift of myeloid series, ↑ ESR Diagnosis Hx, barium enema, ultrasound, sigmoidoscopy, colonoscopy Management-medical Oral antibiotics, low-fiber foods; for severe diverticulitis with high fever and pain, hospitalization, IV antibiotics Management-surgical Excision of bleeding diverticula or resection for persistent bowel obstruction or abscesses not responding to antibiotics Prognosis Pain waxes, wanes, spontaneously remits

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Patient discussion about Diverticulitis, colonic.

Q. How to prevent diverticulitis? I am a 43 year old man. I just had colonoscopy and my Doctor said I have diverticulosis and am at risk in developing diverticulitis. How can I prevent developing diverticulitis?

A. You have Diverticulosis, which means you have diverticulas (small pouches) on your digestive system. These diverticula are permanent and will not go away. No treatment has been found to prevent complications of diverticular disease. Diet high in fiber increases stool bulk and prevents constipation, and theoretically may help prevent further diverticular formation or worsening of the diverticular condition. Some doctors recommend avoiding nuts, corn, and seeds which can plug diverticular openings and cause diverticulitis. Whether avoidance of such foods is beneficial is unclear. If you develop unexplained fever, chills or abdominal pain, you should notify your doctor immediately since it could be a complication of diverticulitis.

Q. My Grandmother was recently diagnosied with diverticulitis, do you think she should resume her job as a helper or should she stop working and stay home ,She is in her late seventies? if she should even return to work the day should be cut and the work as well don't you think so too?

A. Diverticulitis is definitely treatable. If your grandmother is of sound mind please let her be active as long as possible. I just retired at 70 but I feel like I could have worked another 10 years. Activity and being needed is the key to staying young.

Q. How can one manage severe diverticulitis and the infections and abccesses it causes? I have recently had bowl surgery for an abccess caused by diverticultis. I would like to find what I can do to prevent these infections in terms of diet and lifestyle.

A. Adding fibers to your diet can help prevent the development of new diverticula (the lesions in diverticulosis) and diverticulitis (the complication of this disease).

You may read more here: http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/tutorials/diverticulosis/htm/index.htm