Diverticulitis
Diverticulitis is an inflammation of diverticula, i.e. hernia-like protrusions of the wall of the large intestine. According to the accepted modern classification of diseases, diverticulitis of the sigmoid colon is considered as one of the possible complications of diverticular disease.
Causes and clinical signs of the disease
The development of the inflammatory process is provoked by stagnation of the contents of the diverticulum. The protrusions themselves, which outwardly resemble bubbles, appear as a result of the weakening of the muscles of the walls of the large intestine.
The most frequent causes of the formation of diverticula:
- intestinal gas pressure;
- tension during defecation;
- chronic constipation.
Small diverticula are dangerous in themselves, but they can accumulate waste products, that is, fecal masses. As a result, there is a possibility of infection, which provokes inflammation.
The risk factors include:
- age over 40 years;
- insufficient consumption of fiber;
- abuse of laxatives;
- obesity.
Clinical signs of diverticulitis:
- intense pain in the lower abdomen on the left;
- discharge of blood and mucus with fecal masses;
- increased temperature (within subfebrile values);
- flatulence;
- nausea;
- vomiting;
- rapid heartbeat (tachycardia);
- intestinal disorders (constipation);
- deterioration of the patient's general well-being.
Diagnosis of diverticulitis
When making a diagnosis, the data of anamnesis, general examination and additional examination methods are taken into account. During palpation of the abdomen, swelling, tension of the abdominal wall and its tenderness are noted.
Leukocytosis characteristic of inflammation is found in the blood, and hidden blood is often found in the feces.
The severity of the symptoms correlates with the severity of the pathological process. Differential diagnosis is carried out, in particular, with diverticulosis. Symptoms are generally similar, but fever and an increase in the number of leukocytes are characteristic of diverticulitis.
You will find more detailed information about the disease and methods of its diagnosis on our website Dobrobut.com.
Treatment of diverticulitis
During the mild stage, in most cases, recovery occurs in a fairly short period of time, sometimes even without medical help.
Probable complications include:
- spread of inflammation to the large omentum or loops of the small intestine;
- fistula formation;
- stenosis of the sigmoid colon.
In the case of timely and adequate treatment of diverticulitis of the sigmoid colon, the probability of developing complications is minimal.
In a number of cases, hospitalization of the patient in a specialized hospital is necessary. Conservative treatment of diverticulitis includes antibiotic therapy and prescription of strengthening drugs.
There is a possibility of relapse - repetition of periods of exacerbations. The frequency of their appearance increases with each new attack of the disease. During relapses, the question arises about surgical treatment of diverticulitis, which involves resection (removal) of a section of the large intestine. This is an extreme measure, it is resorted to when antibiotic therapy does not give the expected effect, and there is a risk of severe bleeding, perforation, abscess or peritonitis.
In case of exacerbation, it is important for patients to strictly follow a diet. At the same time, the diet should include foods with a reduced amount of fiber, and patients should consume more liquid (from 2 or more liters per day). 4 weeks after acute inflammation subsides, it is advisable to return foods with a high fiber content to the diet - this is necessary for the prevention of relapses.
If the first signs of diverticulitis appear, do not self-medicate! Only a qualified consultation of a specialist will help you determine the right treatment option and avoid serious complications of the disease.
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