What are diverticular disease and diverticulitis?

Question 1

What are diverticular disease and diverticulitis?

Answer 1

• These are both conditions affecting the large intestine (bowel), causing abdominal pain and other symptoms. They’re caused by small pouches and bulges in the walls of the intestines, called diverticula.
• Diverticulosis is when there is diverticula in the bowel but no symptoms.

Question 2

What are symptoms of diverticuar disease?

Answer 2

• Symptoms of diverticular disease : pain In the lower left of the abdomen, abdominal aches worsening after eating, constipation, diarrhoea, blood in stools, bloating and constipation.

Question 3

What are symptoms of diverticulitis (inflammation)?

Answer 3

• Symptoms of diverticulitis (inflammation): severe and constant abdominal pain, high temperature, bleeding or passing mucus in stools.

Question 4

What tests do you need for diverticular disease?

Answer 4

• Tests: colonoscopy, CT scan

Question 5

Treatment for diverticular disease etc?

Answer 5

• Treatment: PRN, bulk-forming laxatives for constipation and diarrhoea, antispasmodics, antibiotics

Question 6

What nursing advice can you give the family?

Answer 6

• Help: eat a balanced and healthy diet, slowly increase the amount of fiber, stop smoking and maintain a healthy weight

Question 7

What should pts with diverticular disease avoid?

Answer 7

• Don’t help: Take NSAIDS like ibuprofen or opioids PRN like codeine as it can cause stomach problems and constipation, and increase chances of perforation of bowels.

Question 8

What are some possible complications of diverticulitis/ diverticular disease?

Answer 8

• Complications: build up of abscess in bowel, blockages, fistulas, bowel perforation which can lead to peritonitis. These can all be treated with antibiotics and surgery including draining and comostomies.