Archive for the ‘Diverticulitis’ Category

Diagnosis of Diverticulitis

Monday, August 31st, 2009

Diverticulitis is an infection or inflammation of the pouches in the digestive tract, most commonly affecting the sigmoid colon, which is part of the large intestine. It typically affects people over the age of 40, but it is not uncommon for a younger person to experience diverticulitis. Complications of diverticulitis could affect nearby organs and emergency surgery is sometimes required if the intestine has ruptured. The most common symptom of diverticulitis is abdominal pain. The most common sign is tenderness around the left side of the lower abdomen. If infection is the cause, fever, nausea, vomiting, chills, cramping, and constipation may occur as well. The severity of symptoms depends on the extent of the infections and complications.