Diagnostic methods.
Diverticula are small, bulging pouches that can form in the lining of your digestive system. They are found most often in the lower part of the large intestine (colon).
Diverticulitis can cause severe abdominal pain, fever, nausea and a marked change in your bowel habits.
Diagnosis
Diverticulitis is usually diagnosed during an acute attack.
After that, the following tests are likely:
- Blood and urine tests, to check for signs of infection.
- A pregnancy test for women of childbearing age.
- A liver enzyme test.
- A stool test.
- A CT scan.
Treatment
Treatment depends on the severity of your signs and symptoms.
If your symptoms are mild, you may be treated at home. Your doctor is likely to recommend antibiotics to treat infection, although new guidelines state that in very mild cases, they may not be needed, a liquid diet for a few days while your bowel heals.
If you have a severe attack or have other health problems, you'll likely need to be hospitalized.
Treatment generally involves:
- Intravenous antibiotics
- Insertion of a tube to drain an abdominal abscess, if one has formed
You'll likely need surgery to treat diverticulitis if:
- You have a complication, such as a bowel abscess, fistula or obstruction, or a puncture (perforation) in the bowel wall
- You have had multiple episodes of uncomplicated diverticulitis
- You have a weakened immune system
Source:
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/diverticulitis/diagnosis-treatment/drc-
20371764
