WHAT IS IT?

In diverticular disease small bulges and pockets develop in the lining of the intestine called diverticular. When they become inflamed and infected this is called diverculitis.

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CAUSES

The exact cause of the disease is unknown, but it is associated with not eating enough fibre.

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RISK FACTORS

• Smoking

• Being overweight or obese

• History of constipation

• Use of NSAIDs such as ibuprofen or naproxen

• Having a close relative with diverticular disease.

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SYMPTOMS - DIVERTICULAR DISEASE

• Lower abdominal pain

• Feeling bloated

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SYMPTOMS - DIVERTICULITIS

• Severe abdominal pain

• Fever

• Diarrhoea

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TREATMENTS

This disease can be managed at home by a course of antibiotics, but in more severe cases a patient may need to be admittedy into hospital.

 You are more likely to be admitted into if:

• The pain cannot be controlled by using drugs.

• The patient is unable to drink enough fluid to keep yourself hydrated.

• The patient is nil by mouth.

• The patient has a weakened immune system