Where is diverticulitis located

Mayo Clinic; Swanson SM, et al. In the clinic: Acute diverticulitis. Annals of Internal Medicine. Diverticulosis and diverticulitis. American College of Gastroenterology. Brown AY. Allscripts EPSi.

Mayo Clinic. March 27, Related Diverticulosis and diverticulitis. Associated Procedures Colectomy CT scan. Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minn. Learn more about this top honor. Diverticulosis is unusual in people under 40 years of age. In addition, it is uncommon in certain parts of the world, such as Asia and Africa. Because diverticulosis is uncommon in regions of the world where diets are high in fiber and rich in grains, fruits and vegetables, most doctors believe this condition is due in part to a diet low in fiber.

A low-fiber diet leads to constipation, which increases pressure within the digestive tract with straining during bowel movements. The combination of pressure and straining over many years likely leads to diverticulosis. Most people who have diverticulosis are unaware that they have the condition because it usually does not cause symptoms. It is possible that some people with diverticulosis experience bloating, abdominal cramps, or constipation due to difficulty in stool passage through the affected region of the colon.

Because most people do not have symptoms, diverticulosis is often found incidentally during evaluation for another condition or during a screening exam for polyps. Gastroenterologists can directly visualize the diverticula more than one pouch, or diverticulum in the colon during a procedure that uses a small camera attached to a lighted, flexible tube inserted through the rectum. One of these procedures is a sigmoidoscopy, which uses a short tube to examine only the rectum and lower part of the colon.

A colonoscopy uses a longer tube to examine the entire colon. Diverticulosis can also be seen by other imaging tests, for example, computed tomography CT scan or barium x-rays. Once diverticula form, they do not disappear by themselves. Fortunately, most patients with diverticulosis do not have symptoms, and therefore do not need treatment.

As you get older, your colon wall can become weaker. This can cause small pockets or pouches to form in weakened areas of your colon. If these pouches get infected, it can cause a diverticulitis attack or flare-up. The most common symptom of diverticulitis is a sharp cramp-like pain, usually on the left side of your lower abdomen. Other symptoms can include fever and chills, nausea, vomiting, and constipation or diarrhea.

Diverticulitis can be a painful and uncomfortable condition, but with the right treatment and preventive measures, it can be well controlled. Diverticulitis is a condition that affects the digestive system. Learn which foods to eat and to avoid to reduce symptoms, and what to eat during…. Diverticulitis is a disease of the intestines in which small, often painful pouches form. These pouches may become infected and can be a medical….

John McCain was treated for diverticulitis. Experts say this serious gastrointestinal disorder is on the rise in the developed world. Abdominal pain can develop for numerous reasons. Here's what may be causing pain in your lower left abdomen. Diverticulitis surgery is performed if your condition is severe or life-threatening. Here's how to decide if surgery is right for you and how to…. Diverticulitis occurs when pouches in the wall of your colon become infected or inflamed. Learn more here.

The jejunum is one of three sections that make up the small intestine. In hospital, you'll probably get injections of antibiotics, and be kept hydrated and nourished using a tube directly connected to your vein intravenous drip. You may also be prescribed a stronger painkiller if paracetamol is not helping. In rare cases, surgery may be needed to treat serious complications of diverticulitis.

Surgery usually involves removing the affected section of your large intestine. This is known as a colectomy. This is the treatment for rare complications such as fistulas , peritonitis or a blockage in your intestines. After a colectomy, you may have a temporary or permanent colostomy , where one end of your bowel is diverted through an opening in your tummy. The most common complication of diverticulitis is developing abscesses. These are usually treated with a technique known as percutaneous drainage, which is done by a radiologist.

If surgery is being considered, your doctor should discuss the benefits and the risks very carefully with you. It's not known exactly why some people get diverticular disease, but it seems to be linked to age, diet and lifestyle, and genetics. As you get older, the walls of your large intestine become weaker and the pressure of hard stools passing through your intestines can cause diverticula to form.

The majority of people will have some diverticula by the time they're 80 years old. Not eating enough fibre is thought to be linked to developing diverticular disease and diverticulitis. Fibre helps to make your stools softer and larger so they put less pressure on the walls of your intestines. You're more likely to develop diverticula if you have a close relative with diverticular disease, especially if they developed it before they were Page last reviewed: 29 September Next review due: 29 September Diverticular disease and diverticulitis.