Summary: Coping With Diverticulitis

Coping With Diverticulitis: The What, the Why, the How

Diverticulitis is a common condition in the United States, though its prevalence is growing worldwide. In the developed world, greater than 65% of adults over the age of 65 have some form of diverticular disease (McGarry, 2011). Although the condition is extremely common, severe complications requiring surgery occur in approximately 1% of patients overall (McGarry, 2011). Diverticulitis is a condition that can be acute or chronic with many different treatment and management methods as well as different considerations with each treatment option. The traditional treatments available are surgery (in extreme cases), antibiotic therapy (in most cases, in addition to other
Diverticula are small pockets that form along the inside of the colon; when asymptomatic, this is referred to as diverticulosis (Venes, 2005). Although diverticulosis is present in approximately two thirds of the elderly population, the majority of patients will remain completely asymptomatic (McGarry, 2011). Pain, anorexia, vomiting, constipation or diarrhea, urge to void or defecate more than normal, bloody bowel movements, bloating, gas, and fever are all characteristic of diverticulitis (Truven, 2012); in severe cases patients will present with intestinal perforation, hemorrhage, abscess formation, peritonitis, and fistula formation. In extreme cases, death can occur. The pathogenesis of diverticulitis is uncertain, though it is widely agreed that a stasis or obstruction in the narrow neck of the diverticulum leads to overgrowth of the pathogens and local tissue ischemia (McGarry, 2011). The overgrowth of these pathogens commonly results in infection and inflammation resulting in
The first would be the signs and symptoms of infection. In patients with diverticulosis, the easiest way to tell something is wrong is by recognizing the signs, abdominal pain, anorexia, and fever. Diet control is a good point to educate on as a preventative measure. A high fiber diet will help things pass through the bowels and prevent stasis or obstructions from occurring. After an attack solid foods should be avoided to rest the bowels. The patient will also need to know about the chronicity of their condition and the progression of the disease (complicated or uncomplicated). They should be educated on the different tests that may need to be performed to confirm a diagnosis as well as the treatment options available to them. It is important to discuss the risks of anesthesia with elderly patients. The importance of taking antibiotics exactly as prescribed and that feeling better does not mean that they can be discontinued taking the prescription (Truven, 2012). Contact a primary caregiver if any of the following occur: pain upon urination, symptoms worsen or persist; or questions arise about the condition, treatment, or care. Contact emergency services if any of the following occur: severe diarrhea that does not improve, constipation or urinary retention, cramps or abdominal pain in conjunction with fever, new or increased blood in stool, and foul-smelling