Colonic Diverticulitis (Large Intestine Infection)
Description
Outpuches of the colon that develop as one ages. Diverticulitis occurs when the opening of these pouches become blocked and get inflamed or infected. The pain is in the lower abdomen and more likely on the left. If severe the pouches can perforate and lead to a life threatening infection.
Symptoms
Lower abdominal pain (more common on the left), diarrhea, fever, nausea, vomiting, low blood pressure.
Tests
A history and physical exam will be performed. Blood tests and a CT scan are performed to define the disease and determine the extent of the involvement. A CT scan is especially useful in identifying a perforation and/or abscess.
- CBC
- Chem 12
- UA
- X-Ray
- CT Scan
- MRI
Treatment
If not severe diverticulitis can be treated with oral antibiotics, More serious cases require intravenous antibiotics and bowel rest. Abscesses require drainage either percutaneously or surgically. If the infection is severe the effected colon will need to be removed surgically.
Related Videos
Share Your Experience
Do you have experience with this disease? Do you or someone
you know suffer from Colonic diverticulitis (Large intestine infection)?
Please share you experience with other members of the iTriage community.