DIVERTICULITIS

WHAT IS DIVERTICULITIS?

• An inflammation or infection in one or more small pouches in the digestive tract
• Happens when pouches form in the wall of the colon

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SYMPTOMS

• Belly pain (lower left side)
• Fever and chills
• Bloating and gas
• Diarrhea or constipation
• Nausea, sometimes vomiting
• No appetite

LAB TESTS

• Blood tests, such as a complete blood count (gives information about the kinds and numbers of cells in the blood, such as WBC and RBC)
• X-Ray or a CT scan (sends X-Ray pulses through the body and takes a picture of a thin slice of the organ or area)

CAUSES OF DIVERTICULITIS

• Doctors are unsure
• Bacteria grows in the pouches and this leads to inflammation
• Doctors think diverticula (pouches) formed when increased pressure pushes the wall of the colon outward
• Uncoordinated movements of the colon can contribute to diverticula

TREATMENTS

• Only liquids then solid food
• Antibiotics
• If severe :
• Antibiotics in IV
• NG tube (sucking out the contents through a tube passed up the nose and down the throat into the stomach)
• Surgery to remove affected part of the intestine

PREVENTIONS

• Maintain good bowel habits
• Eat appropriately
• Avoid constipation
• 20-35 grams of fiber and 8 8 oz. glasses of water

NURSING SKILLS

• Follow their diet
• Chart intake of food
• Measure output
• Keep them on a schedule

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