diverticulitis

diverticulitis Inflammation of diverticula along the wall of the the large intestine (colon). For diverticulitis to occur, there must be outpouchings of the large intestine (diverticulosis). Diverticulitis can be diagnosed with barium X-rays of the colon or with sigmoidoscopy or colonoscopy. Antibiotics are usually needed to treat acute diverticulitis. Liquid or low-fiber foods are advised during acute diverticulitis attacks. In severe diverticulitis, with high fever and pain, patients are hospitalized and given intravenous antibiotics. Surgery is necessary for persistent bowel obstruction and for abscesses that do not respond to antibiotics. A high-fiber diet may help delay the progression of diverticulosis and may prevent or reduce bouts of diverticulitis. See also diverticulosis.