Diagnosis:
An individual with diverticular disease may present with cramping pain in the lower abdomen, diarrhea, constipation, distention or flatulence. The symptoms of diverticular disease can also be vague and may go unnoticed by the individual and is discovered during unrelated testing (McCance & Huether, 2014). Diverticulitis occurs when the diverticula become inflamed causing fever, leukocytosis, and left lower abdominal tenderness. An ultrasound of the abdomen, a sigmoidoscopy, or a barium enema are the most common diagnostic test to confirm presence of diverticulitis. A CT scan can be used if the diverticulitis is complicated to prevent further disruption of the intestinal tissue.
Treatment:
In uncomplicated diverticular disease, bowel rest and antibiotics are key components of treatment. Bowel rest gives the intestines time to heal by not ingesting food over a period of time. Antibiotics are used to eliminate the inflammation and prevent worsening complications if diverticular disease such as progressing to diverticulitis. A high fiber diet can help relieve symptoms and prevent diverticula formation. The presence of a high fiber diet will help reduce the pressure inside the colon by decreasing fecal transit time and increasing fecal motility out of the intestines (McCance & Huether, 2014). Adequate water intake of at least 64oz a day will help prevent bowel obstruction associated by a high fiber diet. If the diverticulitis becomes complicated such as when abscess formation, hemorrhage, obstruction, fistula formation or bowel perforation occurs, total parental nutrition, surgical intervention, and resection may be required.