Diverticulitis
Diverticulitis is a gastrointestinal disease characterized by inflammation of abnormal pouches, diverticula, which can develop in the wall of the large intestine. Symptoms typically include lower abdominal pain of sudden onset, but onset may also occur over a few days.
In North America and Europe the abdominal pain is usually on the left lower side (sigmoid colon), while in Asia it is usually on the right (ascending colon). There may also be nausea and diarrhea or constipation.
The causes of diverticulitis are uncertain.
Risk factors may include obesity, lack of exercise, smoking, a family history of the disease, and use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).
Diagnosis is typically by CT scan, blood tests, colonoscopy, or a lower gastrointestinal series may also be supportive.
Signs and symptoms of Diverticulitis can include one of the following:
- Left lower quadrant abdominal pain of sudden onset
- Fever
- Nausea
- Diarrhea
- Constipation
- Blood in the stool