digestive disorders
Diverticulitis
Introduction
Diverticulitis is inflammation of one or more balloon-like sacs (diverticula). Infection may or may not develop. Diverticulitis usually affects the large intestine (colon). Left lower abdominal pain, tenderness, and fever are the typical symptoms. The diagnosis is based on the results of a computed tomography (CT) scan, and colonoscopy is done after the episode of diverticulitis is over. People with mild diverticulitis symptoms may be treated with rest, whereas those with severe symptoms are hospitalized for treatment with antibiotics given by vein and sometimes surgery. Diverticula in the Large Intestine occur when a defect develops in the thick, muscular middle layer of the bowel. The thin inner layers of the bowel bulge out through the defect and create a small sac. One sac is a diverticulum. (See also Definition of Diverticular Disease .) Diverticulitis is more common among people over 40 years old. It can be severe in people of any age, although it is most serious in older people, especially those taking corticosteroids or other medications that suppress the immune system and thus increase the risk of infection, including colon infection. People who have HIV and those undergoing chemotherapy are at increased risk of developing diverticulitis. In people over 50 years old, diverticulitis is most common among women. In people under 50 years old, diverticulitis is most common among men. 