Diverculitis & Diverticulosis

Bulging Pouches in the GI wall push the mucosal lining through the surrounding Tissue
Signs & Symptoms
1. Diverticulosis: Asymptomatic
  1. Dx. Usually in routine Colonscopy or Sigmoidoscopy & Barium Enema
2. Diverticulitis: Abdominal Pain of the LEFT LOWER QUADRANT
  1. Palpable Mass?
  2. Shift to the Left (WBC increased)
    1. Older Adults may be afebrile
Interventions
1. Medications
  1. Donnatol "Relieves spasm & Cramping"
  2. Bulk Laxatives
    1. Metamucil
  3. Anticholinergics
2. Prevention
  1. Prevention: Eat sufficient Dietary Fiber
3. Increase Fluid Intake
4. Weight Reduction
5. Avoid Increased Intrabdominal Pressure
  1. Straining at stool
  2. Vomiting
  3. Bending
  4. Lifting
  5. Tight Restrictive Clothing
6. Acute (In hospital)
  1. NPO status & Bed Rest
  2. Monitor for: Abcess, bleeding, peritonitis & WBC
  3. IV antibiotics & Mainting F&E balance
7. Flare up (At home)
  1. Clear Liquids
  2. Oral Antibiotics
8. Severe Cases Surgery
Complications
1. Hemmorrhage
2. Preforation
3. Obstruction
Understanding the Disease
1. Caused by: High Intraluminal Pressure on Areas in the GI wall where Blood Vessels Enter
2. Common: Descending & Sigmoid Colon (Can be anywhere in the GI tract)
3. Caused by: LOW Fiber diet

Resource summary

	Created by Ilana Kovach about 7 years ago