What are the common symptoms of diverticulitis. How is diverticulitis diagnosed and treated. What complications can arise from untreated diverticulitis. Who is at risk for developing diverticulitis.

Understanding Diverticulitis: A Comprehensive Overview

Diverticulitis is a condition characterized by the inflammation or infection of small, bulging pouches (diverticula) that can form in the digestive tract, most commonly in the colon. These pouches, when present but not inflamed, are referred to as diverticulosis. When they become infected or inflamed, the condition progresses to diverticulitis, which can range from mild to severe cases.

Why is understanding diverticulitis important. This condition affects a significant portion of the population, especially those over 40 years old, and can lead to serious complications if left untreated. By gaining knowledge about its symptoms, causes, and treatment options, individuals can better manage their health and seek timely medical intervention when necessary.

Recognizing the Symptoms of Diverticulitis

Identifying the symptoms of diverticulitis is crucial for early detection and treatment. While diverticulosis (the presence of diverticula) may often be asymptomatic, diverticulitis presents with more noticeable and often severe symptoms.

Common Symptoms of Diverticulitis:

• Severe abdominal pain, typically on the lower left side
• Fever and chills
• Nausea and vomiting
• Constipation or, less commonly, diarrhea
• Bloating and abdominal tenderness
• Changes in bowel habits
• Rectal bleeding (in some cases)

How can you differentiate between diverticulosis and diverticulitis. Diverticulosis is often asymptomatic or may cause mild discomfort, such as cramping on the left side of the abdomen that resolves after passing gas or having a bowel movement. In contrast, diverticulitis symptoms are more severe and persistent, often accompanied by fever and significant abdominal pain.

Exploring the Causes and Risk Factors of Diverticulitis

While the exact cause of diverticulitis remains unclear, several factors contribute to its development. Understanding these factors can help in prevention and management of the condition.

Potential Causes:

• Weakening of the colon wall, leading to the formation of diverticula
• Increased pressure within the colon
• Fecal matter becoming trapped in diverticula, leading to infection
• Imbalance in gut bacteria (dysbiosis)

Risk Factors:

1. Age: More common in people over 40
2. Obesity
3. Sedentary lifestyle
4. Diet low in fiber and high in fat and red meat
5. Smoking
6. Certain medications (e.g., steroids, opioids, NSAIDs)
7. Genetic predisposition

Can lifestyle changes reduce the risk of developing diverticulitis. Yes, adopting a high-fiber diet, maintaining a healthy weight, regular exercise, and avoiding smoking can significantly lower the risk of developing this condition.

Diagnosing Diverticulitis: From Symptoms to Confirmation

Accurate diagnosis of diverticulitis is essential for proper treatment and management. Doctors employ various methods to confirm the condition and rule out other potential causes of similar symptoms.

Diagnostic Procedures:

• Physical examination and medical history review
• Blood tests to check for signs of infection and inflammation
• Stool samples to rule out other digestive issues
• CT scan to visualize the colon and identify inflamed diverticula
• Colonoscopy (usually performed after acute symptoms subside)

Why is a CT scan preferred for diagnosing diverticulitis. CT scans provide detailed images of the colon, allowing doctors to identify inflamed or infected diverticula, assess the severity of the condition, and detect any complications such as abscesses or perforations.

Treatment Approaches for Diverticulitis: From Mild to Severe Cases

The treatment of diverticulitis varies depending on the severity of the condition and the presence of complications. Management strategies range from conservative approaches to surgical interventions.

Conservative Treatment for Mild Cases:

• Rest and temporary liquid diet
• Oral antibiotics to treat infection
• Pain management with acetaminophen
• Gradual introduction of low-fiber foods

Treatment for Severe Cases:

• Hospitalization for intravenous antibiotics and fluids
• Drainage of abscesses if present
• Surgical intervention for complications like perforation or fistulas

What is the “diverticulitis diet”. The diverticulitis diet is a temporary eating plan that starts with clear liquids and gradually progresses to low-fiber foods. This approach allows the digestive system to rest and heal during an acute flare-up. As symptoms improve, patients can slowly reintroduce fiber-rich foods into their diet.

Surgical Interventions for Complicated Diverticulitis

In some cases, particularly with recurrent or complicated diverticulitis, surgical intervention may be necessary. The type of surgery depends on the severity and extent of the condition.

Types of Surgical Procedures:

1. Primary Bowel Resection: Removal of diseased portions of the intestine and reconnection of healthy segments
2. Bowel Resection with Colostomy: Performed when extensive inflammation prevents immediate reconnection

When is surgery considered for diverticulitis. Surgery is typically recommended for patients with recurrent episodes of diverticulitis, those who don’t respond to conservative treatment, or in cases of severe complications such as perforations, fistulas, or abscesses that don’t respond to drainage.

Complications of Untreated Diverticulitis: Understanding the Risks

Untreated or poorly managed diverticulitis can lead to serious complications that may require urgent medical intervention. Recognizing these potential risks underscores the importance of prompt treatment and follow-up care.

Potential Complications:

• Abscesses: Collections of pus that can form around infected diverticula
• Perforation: Tearing of the intestinal wall leading to peritonitis
• Fistulas: Abnormal connections between the colon and other organs
• Strictures: Narrowing of the colon due to scarring
• Intestinal obstruction: Blockage of the colon
• Severe bleeding: May require blood transfusions in extreme cases

How can early detection and treatment prevent complications of diverticulitis. Timely diagnosis and appropriate treatment can significantly reduce the risk of developing severe complications. Regular check-ups, especially for those with known diverticulosis or risk factors, can help catch and manage the condition in its early stages.

Living with Diverticulitis: Lifestyle Changes and Long-term Management

Managing diverticulitis extends beyond treating acute episodes. Long-term lifestyle modifications can help prevent recurrences and improve overall digestive health.

Key Lifestyle Recommendations:

1. High-fiber diet: Aim for 25-35 grams of fiber daily
2. Adequate hydration: Drink plenty of water to support digestion
3. Regular exercise: Engage in moderate physical activity
4. Stress management: Practice stress-reduction techniques
5. Smoking cessation: Quit smoking to reduce risk of flare-ups
6. Maintain a healthy weight: Obesity is a risk factor for diverticulitis

Can probiotics help in managing diverticulitis. While research is ongoing, some studies suggest that probiotics may help maintain a healthy balance of gut bacteria, potentially reducing the risk of diverticulitis flare-ups. However, it’s essential to consult with a healthcare provider before starting any new supplement regimen.

Dietary Considerations for Diverticulitis Prevention:

• Increase intake of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains
• Choose lean proteins over red meat
• Incorporate legumes and nuts in moderation
• Avoid processed foods and excessive amounts of sugar

Is it necessary to avoid seeds and nuts if you have diverticulosis. Contrary to previous beliefs, current research does not support avoiding seeds, nuts, or popcorn for people with diverticulosis. In fact, these foods can be part of a healthy, high-fiber diet that may help prevent diverticulitis.

Emerging Research and Future Directions in Diverticulitis Management

The field of diverticulitis research continues to evolve, with new studies shedding light on potential risk factors, treatment approaches, and preventive strategies. Staying informed about these developments can help both patients and healthcare providers make more informed decisions about managing the condition.

Recent Areas of Research:

• Genetic factors influencing diverticulitis susceptibility
• Role of gut microbiome in diverticular disease
• Novel anti-inflammatory treatments
• Minimally invasive surgical techniques
• Predictive models for recurrence risk

How might understanding the gut microbiome impact diverticulitis treatment. Emerging research suggests that imbalances in gut bacteria may play a role in diverticulitis development. This insight could lead to new treatment approaches focusing on restoring a healthy gut microbiome through targeted probiotics or other interventions.

Potential Future Developments:

1. Personalized treatment plans based on genetic profiles
2. Advanced imaging techniques for earlier detection
3. Development of specialized diets for diverticulitis prevention
4. New medications targeting specific inflammatory pathways

As research progresses, the management of diverticulitis is likely to become more personalized and effective. Patients are encouraged to stay in close communication with their healthcare providers to benefit from the latest advancements in treatment and prevention strategies.

In conclusion, diverticulitis is a complex condition that requires a multifaceted approach to management. From recognizing symptoms and understanding risk factors to exploring treatment options and adopting lifestyle changes, individuals can take proactive steps to manage their health. As research continues to uncover new insights into this condition, the future holds promise for even more effective prevention and treatment strategies. By staying informed and working closely with healthcare providers, those affected by diverticulitis can look forward to improved outcomes and better quality of life.

Symptoms, Causes, Diagnosis, Treatment, Surgery

Written by WebMD Editorial Contributors

Medically Reviewed by Neha Pathak, MD on September 16, 2021

• What Is Diverticulitis?
• What Are the Symptoms of Diverticulitis?
• What Causes Diverticulitis?
• What Are the Complications of Diverticulitis?
• How Is Diverticulitis Diagnosed?
• How Is Diverticulitis Treated?
• More

Diverticulitis is the infection or inflammation of pouches that can form in your intestines. These pouches are called diverticula.

The pouches generally aren’t harmful. They can show up anywhere in your intestines. If you have them, it’s called diverticulosis. If they become infected or inflamed, you have diverticulitis.

Sometimes, diverticulitis is minor. But it can also be severe, with a massive infection or perforation (your doctor will call it a rupture) of the bowel.

You can have the pouches and not know it. The diverticula are usually painless and cause few symptoms, if any. But you might notice:

• Cramping on the left side of your abdomen that goes away after you pass gas or have a bowel movement
• Bright red blood in your poop

Diverticulitis symptoms are more noticeable and include severe abdominal pain and fever.

Diverticulitis can be acute or chronic. With the acute form, you may have one or more severe attacks of infection and inflammation. In chronic diverticulitis, inflammation and infection may go down but never clear up completely. Over time, the inflammation can lead to a bowel obstruction, which may cause constipation, thin stools, diarrhea, bloating, and belly pain. If the obstruction continues, abdominal pain and tenderness will increase, and you may feel sick to your stomach or throw up.

Doctors aren’t sure. Some studies suggest that your genes might play a role.

The pouches on your intestines get inflamed or infected when they tear or become blocked by feces.

If you have more bad germs than good ones in your gut, that might cause it, too.

Your chances of getting diverticulitis rise with age. It’s more common in people over 40. Other risk factors include:

• Being overweight
• Smoking cigarettes
• Not getting enough exercise
• Eating lots of fat and red meat but not much fiber
• Taking certain kinds of drugs, including steroids, opioids, and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatories like ibuprofen or naproxen
   

If you don’t treat it, diverticulitis can lead to serious complications that require surgery:

• Abscesses, collections of pus from the infection, may form around the infected diverticula. If these go through the intestinal wall, you could get peritonitis. This infection can be fatal. You’ll need treatment right away.
• Perforation or tearing in the intestinal wall can lead to abscesses and infection because of waste leaking into the abdominal cavity.
• Scarring can lead to a stricture or blockage of the intestine.
• Fistulas can develop if an infected diverticulum reaches a nearby organ and forms a connection. This most often happens between the large intestine and the bladder. It can lead to a kidney infection. Fistulas can also form between the large intestine and either the skin or the vagina.
• Stricture, which happens when the colon narrows in the affected area.

If you have severe bleeding, you may need a blood transfusion.

The symptoms of diverticulitis can also look like other problems. Your doctor will narrow things down by ruling out other issues. They’ll start with a physical exam. Women may get a pelvic exam, too. Your doctor may then order one or more tests, including:

• Blood, urine, and stool tests to look for infection
• CT scans to look for inflamed or infected diverticula
• A liver enzyme test to rule out liver problems

If your diverticulitis is mild, your doctor will suggest rest and a liquid diet while your intestines heal. They might also give you antibiotics to treat the infection.

Your doctor may also suggest that you take a mild pain reliever like acetaminophen.

You may go on a liquid or “diverticulitis diet.” You’ll start by drinking only clear liquids, such as water, broth, non-pulpy juices, ice pops, and plain tea or coffee. As you start to feel better, you can add low-fiber foods such as eggs, yogurt, and cheese, and white rice and pasta. These foods are gentle on your digestive system.

This treatment works well for most people who have clear-cut cases of diverticulitis.

In more severe cases, you might need to stay in the hospital and take antibiotics that are intravenous (injected into your veins). If you have an abdominal abscess, your doctor will drain it. If your intestine is ruptured or you have peritonitis, you’ll need surgery.

There are two main types:

• Primary bowel resection. In this procedure, your surgeon will remove diseased parts of the intestine and reconnect the healthy sections. You can have normal bowel movements afterward.
• Bowel resection with colostomy. This needs to be done if there’s so much swelling that the surgeon can’t reconnect your colon to your rectum right away. Your doctor will create an opening in your abdominal wall so waste can flow into a bag. Surgeons can often reconnect the bowel after the inflammation has passed.

The kind of operation you need depends on the type of complication you have and how serious it is.
When you’re healed, your doctor might give you a colonoscopy to rule out colon cancer.

You can prevent diverticulosis and diverticulitis and their complications by eating plenty of fiber, drinking lots of water, and exercising regularly.

Top Picks

Symptoms, Causes, Diagnosis, Treatment, Surgery

Written by WebMD Editorial Contributors

Medically Reviewed by Neha Pathak, MD on September 16, 2021

• What Is Diverticulitis?
• What Are the Symptoms of Diverticulitis?
• What Causes Diverticulitis?
• What Are the Complications of Diverticulitis?
• How Is Diverticulitis Diagnosed?
• How Is Diverticulitis Treated?
• More

Diverticulitis is the infection or inflammation of pouches that can form in your intestines. These pouches are called diverticula.

The pouches generally aren’t harmful. They can show up anywhere in your intestines. If you have them, it’s called diverticulosis. If they become infected or inflamed, you have diverticulitis.

Sometimes, diverticulitis is minor. But it can also be severe, with a massive infection or perforation (your doctor will call it a rupture) of the bowel.

You can have the pouches and not know it. The diverticula are usually painless and cause few symptoms, if any. But you might notice:

• Cramping on the left side of your abdomen that goes away after you pass gas or have a bowel movement
• Bright red blood in your poop

Diverticulitis symptoms are more noticeable and include severe abdominal pain and fever.

Diverticulitis can be acute or chronic. With the acute form, you may have one or more severe attacks of infection and inflammation. In chronic diverticulitis, inflammation and infection may go down but never clear up completely. Over time, the inflammation can lead to a bowel obstruction, which may cause constipation, thin stools, diarrhea, bloating, and belly pain. If the obstruction continues, abdominal pain and tenderness will increase, and you may feel sick to your stomach or throw up.

Doctors aren’t sure. Some studies suggest that your genes might play a role.

The pouches on your intestines get inflamed or infected when they tear or become blocked by feces.

If you have more bad germs than good ones in your gut, that might cause it, too.

Your chances of getting diverticulitis rise with age. It’s more common in people over 40. Other risk factors include:

• Being overweight
• Smoking cigarettes
• Not getting enough exercise
• Eating lots of fat and red meat but not much fiber
• Taking certain kinds of drugs, including steroids, opioids, and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatories like ibuprofen or naproxen
   

If you don’t treat it, diverticulitis can lead to serious complications that require surgery:

• Abscesses, collections of pus from the infection, may form around the infected diverticula. If these go through the intestinal wall, you could get peritonitis. This infection can be fatal. You’ll need treatment right away.
• Perforation or tearing in the intestinal wall can lead to abscesses and infection because of waste leaking into the abdominal cavity.
• Scarring can lead to a stricture or blockage of the intestine.
• Fistulas can develop if an infected diverticulum reaches a nearby organ and forms a connection. This most often happens between the large intestine and the bladder. It can lead to a kidney infection. Fistulas can also form between the large intestine and either the skin or the vagina.
• Stricture, which happens when the colon narrows in the affected area.

If you have severe bleeding, you may need a blood transfusion.

The symptoms of diverticulitis can also look like other problems. Your doctor will narrow things down by ruling out other issues. They’ll start with a physical exam. Women may get a pelvic exam, too. Your doctor may then order one or more tests, including:

• Blood, urine, and stool tests to look for infection
• CT scans to look for inflamed or infected diverticula
• A liver enzyme test to rule out liver problems

If your diverticulitis is mild, your doctor will suggest rest and a liquid diet while your intestines heal. They might also give you antibiotics to treat the infection.

Your doctor may also suggest that you take a mild pain reliever like acetaminophen.

You may go on a liquid or “diverticulitis diet.” You’ll start by drinking only clear liquids, such as water, broth, non-pulpy juices, ice pops, and plain tea or coffee. As you start to feel better, you can add low-fiber foods such as eggs, yogurt, and cheese, and white rice and pasta. These foods are gentle on your digestive system.

This treatment works well for most people who have clear-cut cases of diverticulitis.

In more severe cases, you might need to stay in the hospital and take antibiotics that are intravenous (injected into your veins). If you have an abdominal abscess, your doctor will drain it. If your intestine is ruptured or you have peritonitis, you’ll need surgery.

There are two main types:

• Primary bowel resection. In this procedure, your surgeon will remove diseased parts of the intestine and reconnect the healthy sections. You can have normal bowel movements afterward.
• Bowel resection with colostomy. This needs to be done if there’s so much swelling that the surgeon can’t reconnect your colon to your rectum right away. Your doctor will create an opening in your abdominal wall so waste can flow into a bag. Surgeons can often reconnect the bowel after the inflammation has passed.

The kind of operation you need depends on the type of complication you have and how serious it is.
When you’re healed, your doctor might give you a colonoscopy to rule out colon cancer.

You can prevent diverticulosis and diverticulitis and their complications by eating plenty of fiber, drinking lots of water, and exercising regularly.

Top Picks

Medical portal for doctors uMEDp

Medical portal for doctors uMEDp

Medical portal for doctors

Please log in:

The page you requested was not found

Sorry, an error occurred while processing your request. The page may be outdated or has been moved.

To umedp.ru homepage

History

Distance learning

Professional retraining

Vocational training

Master classes

Training of teachers, educators

Public education

June 5 – World Environment Day

May 12 – International nurse’s day 2023

May 9 – Victory Day 2023

May 1 – Spring and Labor Day 2023

April 7 – World Health Day

March 8 – International Women’s Day

Our institution began its history in 1988, when the Rostov Regional School for Advanced Training of Workers with Secondary Medical and Pharmaceutical Education was established in the Rostov Region. In accordance with the ever-growing requirements of practical healthcare to the level and quality of training of specialists, the material and technical base and educational and methodological support of the school developed dynamically.

In 2004, the ROUPK was renamed into the state educational institution of additional professional education “Center for advanced training of specialists with secondary medical and pharmaceutical education” of the Rostov region, and in 2011 – into the state budgetary educational institution of additional professional education of the Rostov region “Center for advanced training of specialists with secondary medical and pharmaceutical education”

Currently, the center is a large educational institution in the South of Russia, with an educational building with an area of ​​1571 sq.m. and strong material and technical base.

The head of the advanced training center is the Honored Doctor of the Russian Federation Dimitrova L.V.

The purpose of the center is to provide educational services for advanced training at a modern and high quality level. Over 8,000 specialists in 32 specialties study at the center every year.

Created conditions for the provision of educational services:

• advanced material and technical base,
• team with high creative potential,
• modern pedagogical and health-saving technologies in education.

The educational process is being actively modernized:

• A unified information environment of the center has been formed
• Transition to multimedia technology 9 completed0017

Multimedia equipment for the lesson (using an interactive whiteboard, document camera, etc.)	In the emergency medicine class, trainees work with the training computer program for cardiopulmonary resuscitation
Computerized final testing of students is carried out	Multimedia presentations are in the arsenal of every teacher. Example: developments of Garlikov N.N.

The achievement of our center is the introduction of the latest developments in the educational process:

• In the field of safety of the professional environment of medical workers

• In training students in the section “Ambulance and emergency care”

• Nursing technology

Our contribution to the implementation of the Priority National Project “Health” goes in the following directions:

• Formation of a healthy lifestyle

In order to achieve the best results in this area, a study room “Health” was opened

Competitions are held among students for the best creative work to promote a healthy lifestyle

• Improving the provision of medical care to victims of traffic accidents

113 specialists trained to provide assistance to victims on the Federal Highway M-4

• Improving medical care for patients with cardiovascular diseases

422 specialists trained to work in new vascular centers for minimally invasive surgery and cardiosurgical departments

Particular attention is paid to cooperation with the International Committee of the Red Cross in the North Caucasus

74 medical workers have studied for five years of cooperation.