Diverticular Disease

Question 1

Definition

Answer 1

Small pouches form in colon wall

Common

Question 2

Diverticulosis

Answer 2

Presence of asymptomatic diverticula

Question 3

Diverticulitis

Answer 3

Diverticular become inflamed/infected causing severe pain/fever/change in bowel habits

Question 4

Diverticular disease

Answer 4

When diverticular cause symptoms of abdo pain + diarrhoea
More common in western diet
Low fibre thought to be risk factor
Prevalence increases with age
Complications - abscess, fistulae, perforation, obstruction

Question 5

Diverticulitis treatment

Answer 5

Avoid foods that may irritate - F+V skin, seeds, nuts
Antibiotics, paracetamol
Fluid only diet until symptoms settle (2-3d)

Question 6

High fibre

Answer 6

May ease DD symptoms + prevent diverticulitis
Aim 30g/d
Make practical + achievable
Introduce slowly + with plenty fluids
Education of high fibre foods - F+V, wholegrains, linseed