Medical term:
Diverticulitis
diverticulitis
[di″ver-tik″u-li´tis]inflammation of a diverticulum, especially inflammation involving diverticula of the colon. Weakness of the muscles of the colon, sometimes produced by chronic constipation, leads to the formation of diverticula, small blind pouches that form in the lining and wall of the colon. Inflammation may occur as a result of collections of bacteria or other irritating agents trapped in the pouches.
Symptoms of diverticulitis include muscle spasms and cramplike pains in the abdomen, especially in the lower left quadrant. Diagnosis is confirmed by barium enema (see barium test), in which the diverticula are clearly shown.
Treatment consists of bed rest, cleansing enemas, a bland or low-residue diet, and drugs to reduce infection. In severe cases portions of the affected bowel may require surgical removal and a temporary colostomy.
Symptoms of diverticulitis include muscle spasms and cramplike pains in the abdomen, especially in the lower left quadrant. Diagnosis is confirmed by barium enema (see barium test), in which the diverticula are clearly shown.
Treatment consists of bed rest, cleansing enemas, a bland or low-residue diet, and drugs to reduce infection. In severe cases portions of the affected bowel may require surgical removal and a temporary colostomy.
Miller-Keane Encyclopedia and Dictionary of Medicine, Nursing, and Allied Health, Seventh Edition. © 2003 by Saunders, an imprint of Elsevier, Inc. All rights reserved.
di·ver·tic·u·li·tis
(dī'vĕr-tik'yū-lī'tis),Inflammation of a diverticulum, especially of the small pockets in the wall of the colon which fill with stagnant fecal material and become inflamed; rarely, they may cause obstruction, perforation, or bleeding.
Farlex Partner Medical Dictionary © Farlex 2012
diverticulitis
(dī′vûr-tĭk′yə-lī′tĭs)n.
Inflammation of a diverticulum in the intestinal tract, causing fecal stagnation and pain.
The American Heritage® Medical Dictionary Copyright © 2007, 2004 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.
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 remitsMcGraw-Hill Concise Dictionary of Modern Medicine. © 2002 by The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.
di·ver·tic·u·li·tis
(dī'vĕr-tik'yū-lī'tis)Inflammation of a diverticulum, especially of the small pockets in the wall of the colon that fill with stagnant fecal material and become inflamed; rarely, may cause obstruction, perforation, or bleeding.
Medical Dictionary for the Health Professions and Nursing © Farlex 2012
diverticulitis
Inflammation of abnormal outward protrusions (diverticula) of the inner lining of the large intestine (colon) through the muscular wall. Inflamed diverticula may perforate, causing the serious condition of PERITONITIS.Collins Dictionary of Medicine © Robert M. Youngson 2004, 2005
diverticulitis
inflammation of the diverticula of the colon causing acute pain.Collins Dictionary of Biology, 3rd ed. © W. G. Hale, V. A. Saunders, J. P. Margham 2005
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
Gale Encyclopedia of Medicine. Copyright 2008 The Gale Group, Inc. All rights reserved.
di·ver·tic·u·li·tis
(dī'vĕr-tik'yū-lī'tis)Inflammation of a diverticulum, especially of the small pockets in the wall of the colon that fill with stagnant fecal material and become inflamed.
Medical Dictionary for the Dental Professions © Farlex 2012
Patient discussion about diverticulitis
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. 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
You may read more here: http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/tutorials/diverticulosis/htm/index.htm
Q. how long is a patient diagnosed with diverticulitis stay in the hospital How long is the observation period a patient diagnosed with diverticulitis
A. Simple diverticulitis may be treated as outpatient without hospitalization. Complicated cases are usually admitted and treated with antibiotics for several days.
You may read more here:
www.nlm.nih.gov/MEDLINEPLUS/ency/article/000257.htm
More discussions about diverticulitisYou may read more here:
www.nlm.nih.gov/MEDLINEPLUS/ency/article/000257.htm
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