Description A condition in whic...
Description
A condition in which a part of the wall of the large intestine bulges out like a balloon. The multiple bulges are called diverticula. The complications of diverticulosis include infection (diverticulitis) and bleeding. The disorder is more common with advancing age: over 50% of patients older than 60 have diverticula. Other risk factors for acquiring diverticulosis include constipation, a diet that is low in dietary fiber content or high in fat and high intake of red meat. Many patients have diverticulosis without having any symptoms.
Symptoms
Most people with diverticulosis do not have any discomfort or symptoms. Symptoms may include: abdominal pain (usually in the lower left abdomen), bloating, constipation.
Tests
Common tests used for diagnosis and treatment
Workup:
A history and physical exam will be done. The following tests can diagnose diverticulosis: abdominal CT scan, colonoscopy, barium enema, or abdominal MRI.
Tests:
Colonoscopy
Other Specific Tests: barium enema, CT scan, MRI scan
Specialists:
Gastroenterology, Internal Medicine, Family Practice
Workup:
A history and physical exam will be done. The following tests can diagnose diverticulosis: abdominal CT scan, colonoscopy, barium enema, or abdominal MRI.
Tests:
Colonoscopy
Other Specific Tests: barium enema, CT scan, MRI scan
Specialists:
Gastroenterology, Internal Medicine, Family Practice
Treatment
Therapy depends on the severity of the symptoms and whether or not diverticulitis is involved. A high-fiber diet and pain medications help relieve symptoms in most cases of diverticulosis. Mild diverticulitis can be treated with oral antibiotics (levofloxacin/Levaquin, metronidazole/Flagyl), and pain medications. More serious cases require intravenous antibiotics and possible surgery.