Diverticulitis Flashcards
1
Q
What is diverticulitis?
A
Inflammation of (diverticula) small poutch like protrusions in the wall of the colon
2
Q
What are signs and symptoms of diverticulitis?
A
- Abdominal pain (commonly at the LLQ)
- N/V
- Hematochezia
- Constipation/diarrhea
- Fever
- Tachycardia
- Hypotension
3
Q
What are risk factors of diverticulitis?
A
- Age 40+
- Obesity
- Sedentary lifestyle
- Smoking
- Alcohol use
- NSAID use
4
Q
What are complications of diverticulitis?
A
- Bowel obstruction
- Abscess
- Fistulae (abnormal connection with adjacent organ or structure)
- If the inflammed diverticula ruptures, it can cause peritonitis
5
Q
How do diverticula become inflammed?
A
Bacteria + undigested food can get stuck in the diverticula and cause an infection
6
Q
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7
Q
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