Diverticulosis (cont.)
How is the diagnosis of diverticular disease made?
Once suspected, the diagnosis of diverticular disease can be
confirmed
by a variety of tests. Barium x-rays (barium enemas) can be
performed to
visualize the colon. Diverticula are seen as barium filled
pouches
protruding from the colon wall.
Direct visualization of the
intestine can
be done with flexible tubes inserted through the rectum and
advanced into
the colon. Either short tubes (sigmoidoscopes) or longer tubes
(colonoscopes) may be used to assist in the diagnosis and to
exclude other
diseases that can mimic diverticular disease.
In patients
suspected of
having diverticular abscess causing persistent pain and fever,
ultrasound
and CT scan examinations of the abdomen and pelvis can be done
to detect
collections of pus fluid.
What is the treatment for diverticular disease?
Medical treatment for diverticulitis
Many patients with diverticulosis have minimal or no symptoms,
and do
not require any specific treatment. A high fiber diet and fiber
supplements are advisable to prevent constipation and the
formation of
more diverticula.
Patients with mild symptoms
abdominal
pain due to muscular spasm in the area of the diverticula may benefit from anti-spasmodic drugs such as:
Some
doctors also recommend avoidance of nuts, corn, and seeds to
prevent
complications of diverticulosis. Whether these dietary
restrictions are
beneficial is uncertain.
When diverticulitis occurs, antibiotics are usually needed.
Oral
antibiotics are sufficient when symptoms are mild. Some
examples of
commonly prescribed antibiotics include:
Liquid or low fiber foods are advised during acute
attacks of diverticulitis. This is done to reduce the amount of material that
passes through the colon, which at least theoretically, might aggravate the
diverticulitis.
In severe diverticulitis with high fever and pain, patients are
hospitalized and given intravenous antibiotics. Surgery is
needed for
those with persistent bowel obstruction or abscess not
responding to
antibiotics.
Next: Surgery for diverticulitis »
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