Diverticular disease

Question 1

Definition

Answer 1

Affects the large intestine

Small bulges or pockets that can develop in the lining of the intestine as you get older called diverticula

Question 2

Aetiology

Answer 2

Not exactly known why people get diverticular disease, but it seems linked to age, diet, and lifestyle, also genetics

A diet low in fibre and high in meat is the largest risk factor

Age:
– as you get older the walls of your large intestine become weaker and the pressure of hard stools passing through your intestine can cause diverticula to form

Diet and lifestyle:
– not eating enough fibre is thought to be linked

Genetic:
– if you have a relative with diverticular disease it may increase the risk

Question 3

Clinical presentation

Answer 3

Most people with diverticula do not get any symptoms:
– when there is no symptoms its known as diverticulosis

Diverticular disease:
– intermittent lower abdominal pain
– altered bowel habits
– feeling bloated
– iron deficiency anaemia

Diverticulitis (when the diverticula become inflamed and infected):
– severe left iliac fossa pain (acute diverticulitis)
– pyrexia
– mucus or blood in poo, rectal bleeding

Occasionally, erosion of a large submucosal vessel can cause severe rectal bleeding

Question 4

Prognosis

Answer 4

Acute attacks are treated with antibiotics.

Surgery is indicated rarely for complications and for frequent attacks of diverticulitis