Diverticulitis is a painful condition in which a small pouch or sac in the wall of the digestive tract becomes inflamed or infected. Mostly these pouches are found in the large intestine. It is more common in the lower portion of the large intestine, called the sigmoid colon.
It is presented as abdominal pain with cramping, nausea, vomiting, fever, chills or changes in bowel habits. Mild cases of diverticulitis can be treated with rest, dietary changes and antibiotics, but serious cases of diverticulitis may require surgery.
The incidence of diverticulitis increases with age, the mean age of diverticulitis appears to be about 60 years. Both men and women are equally affected. Genetics and dietary factors are believed to play a role in diverticulitis. Asians and Americans have the predominance of right-sided diverticulitis.
• Low-fiber diet
• Inflammation or infection
• Aging
• Lack of exercise
• Obesity
• Smoking
Signs and symptoms of diverticulitis include-
• Belly pain/cramping, usually on the lower left side
• Tenderness
• Fever
• Chills
• Bloating and gas
• Diarrhea/constipation
• Nausea/vomiting
• Loss of appetite
• Blood in stool
Lab investigations for diverticulitis-
• Complete case history
• Physical examination
• Blood test
• X-ray
• CT scan
• Ultrasound
• Digital rectal examination
• Sigmoidoscopy
• colonoscopy
What is the treatment for this condition?
• Analgesics
• Antibiotics
• Antibacterial drugs
• Well balanced diet
• Surgery
What is the prognosis of this condition?
The prognosis is good for mild to moderate diverticulitis. In severe conditions after surgery patient lives a normal life.
• Peritonitis
• Rectal bleeding
• Abscess, fistula formation
• Blockage/obstruction of intestine
What is the differential diagnosis of diverticulitis?
• Appendicitis
• Biliary colic
• Biliary disease
• Biliary obstruction
• Cholangitis
• Cholecystitis
• Constipation
• Duodenal ulcers
• Acute gastritis
• Gastric ulcers
• Viral gastroenteritis
• Gynecologic pain
• Inflammatory bowel disease
• Intestinal perforation
• Irritable bowel syndrome
• Liver abscess
• Nephrolithiasis
• Ovarian cysts
• Acute pancreatitis
• Pelvic inflammatory disease
• Rectovaginal fistula
• Urinary tract infection
• Urinary tract obstruction
Management for diverticulitis.
• Eat high fiber diet
• Exercise regularly
• Drink plenty of fluids
• Quit smoking and alcohol
• Respond to bowel urges
• Eliminate caffeine from diet
What are the homoeopathic medicines for diverticulitis?
Belladonna:
• Used for abdominal pain with cramping
• Pains come suddenly, better with firm pressure
• Given in cases where constipation accompanies the pain
Bryonia Alba:
• Given in abdominal pain which is worse on movement
• Pains relieved by heat
• Peculiarly used if vomiting or constipation with dry stool accompanied by pain.
Colocynthis:
• Abdominal pains which are sharp and cramping
• Pains improved with pressure
• Pain accompanied by restlessness and diarrhea
Nux vomica:
• Abdominal pains and bowel problem accompanied by tension. Constricting sensations, chilliness, and irritability
• Soreness in the muscles of the abdominal wall, as well as painful gas and cramps
• Firm pressure on the abdominal brings some relief
• When constipated, person has an urge to move the bowel, but only small amount comes out
