Diverticulitis

Overview

Diverticulitis is a potentially serious digestive condition that occurs when small pouches called diverticula, which can form in the walls of the large intestine (colon), become inflamed or infected. These diverticula are small, bulging sacs that can develop anywhere in the digestive system, but are most commonly found in the lower part of the large intestine called the sigmoid colon. While many people develop diverticula as they age (a condition called diverticulosis), diverticulitis specifically refers to the inflammatory complication that affects approximately 10-20% of people with diverticulosis.

The condition typically manifests as sudden onset of severe abdominal pain, most commonly in the lower left side, accompanied by fever, nausea, and changes in bowel habits. Diverticulitis can range from mild inflammation that may resolve with conservative treatment to severe complications requiring emergency surgery. The inflammation occurs when waste matter gets trapped in the diverticula, leading to bacterial overgrowth and subsequent infection. This can result in various complications including abscess formation, perforation of the bowel wall, bleeding, or the development of fistulas connecting the colon to other organs.

The incidence of diverticulitis has been increasing significantly in Western countries, likely due to dietary factors, aging populations, and lifestyle changes. It primarily affects older adults, with the risk increasing substantially after age 40, though younger people can also develop the condition. The disease pattern varies geographically, with left-sided disease being more common in Western countries and right-sided disease more prevalent in Asian populations. Understanding diverticulitis is crucial because while mild cases can often be managed with outpatient treatment, severe cases require hospitalization and may lead to life-threatening complications. Early recognition and appropriate management can prevent complications and improve long-term outcomes for patients.

Symptoms

Diverticulitis symptoms can vary in severity and presentation, often developing suddenly and requiring prompt medical evaluation.

Primary Symptoms

Digestive Symptoms

• Blood in stool - bright red or dark bleeding
• Diarrhea - loose, frequent bowel movements
• Constipation - difficulty passing stool
• Nausea - feeling sick to stomach
• Vomiting - especially with severe pain
• Changes in bowel habits
• Bloating and gas
• Mucus in stool

Systemic Symptoms

• Fever - often low-grade but can be high
• Chills - accompanying fever
• Upper abdominal pain - in some cases
• Fatigue and weakness
• Loss of appetite
• General malaise
• Dehydration symptoms
• Weight loss (in chronic cases)

Pain Characteristics

Location Patterns

• Left lower quadrant: Most common in Western countries
• Right lower quadrant: More common in Asian populations
• Suprapubic area: Central lower abdominal pain
• Back pain: Referred pain to lower back
• Pelvic pain: Deep pelvic discomfort

Pain Quality

• Constant, aching pain
• Sharp, stabbing sensations
• Cramping or colicky pain
• Burning or searing sensation
• Pressure-like discomfort
• Pain worsening with movement
• Relief with rest or positioning

Severity Classification

Mild Diverticulitis

• Mild to moderate abdominal pain
• Low-grade fever (<101°F/38.3°C)
• Minimal changes in bowel habits
• Able to maintain oral intake
• No significant complications
• Localized tenderness

Moderate Diverticulitis

• Moderate to severe abdominal pain
• Fever between 101-102°F (38.3-38.9°C)
• Significant nausea and vomiting
• Difficulty tolerating oral intake
• Marked abdominal tenderness
• Some systemic symptoms

Severe Diverticulitis

• Severe, incapacitating abdominal pain
• High fever (>102°F/38.9°C)
• Persistent vomiting
• Signs of complications
• Systemic toxicity
• Hemodynamic instability

Complicated Diverticulitis Symptoms

Perforation

• Sudden, severe abdominal pain
• Rigid abdominal muscles
• High fever and chills
• Rapid heart rate
• Signs of shock
• Decreased urine output

Abscess Formation

• Persistent or worsening pain
• Continued fever despite treatment
• Palpable abdominal mass
• Increased white blood cell count
• Poor response to antibiotics

Obstruction

• Severe abdominal cramping
• Inability to pass gas or stool
• Abdominal distension
• Vomiting, especially feculent
• High-pitched bowel sounds

Fistula Formation

• Pneumaturia (gas in urine)
• Fecaluria (stool particles in urine)
• Recurrent urinary tract infections
• Vaginal discharge (colovaginal fistula)
• Skin drainage (colocutaneous fistula)

Recurrent Diverticulitis

• Repeated episodes of similar symptoms
• Chronic abdominal pain between episodes
• Gradual onset rather than acute
• Less severe inflammatory response
• Increased risk of complications
• Scarring and stricture formation

Warning Signs

Seek immediate medical attention for:

• Severe, sudden abdominal pain
• High fever with chills
• Significant rectal bleeding
• Persistent vomiting
• Signs of dehydration
• Inability to pass gas or stool
• Abdominal distension and rigidity
• Dizziness or fainting

Causes

Diverticulitis develops when diverticula become inflamed or infected, typically due to bacterial overgrowth and obstruction within these small pouches.

Primary Pathophysiology

Diverticula Formation

• Increased intraluminal pressure in colon
• Weakness in muscular wall of intestine
• Herniation of mucosa through muscle layer
• Age-related changes in connective tissue
• Genetic predisposition to wall weakness

Inflammatory Process

• Fecal matter trapped in diverticula
• Bacterial overgrowth and proliferation
• Impaired blood flow to diverticular wall
• Erosion and micro-perforation
• Local inflammatory response
• Potential spread to surrounding tissues

Dietary Factors

Low-Fiber Diet

• Western diet with processed foods
• Insufficient fruit and vegetable intake
• Low whole grain consumption
• Increased intraluminal pressure
• Slower colonic transit time
• Harder, more concentrated stool

Specific Dietary Triggers

• High red meat consumption
• Excessive refined sugars
• High-fat diet
• Low water intake
• Excessive alcohol consumption
• Insufficient probiotic foods

Bacterial Factors

Common Pathogens

• Gram-negative bacteria: E. coli, Bacteroides
• Gram-positive bacteria: Enterococci, Streptococci
• Anaerobic bacteria: Clostridium, Peptostreptococcus
• Mixed infections: Multiple organisms
• Resistant organisms: In recurrent cases

Microbiome Alterations

• Dysbiosis of gut microbiota
• Reduced beneficial bacteria
• Increased pathogenic organisms
• Antibiotic-induced changes
• Inflammatory mediator imbalance

Mechanical Factors

• Increased colonic pressure during defecation
• Irregular bowel movement patterns
• Constipation with straining
• Abnormal colonic motility
• Spastic colon contractions
• Foreign body impaction

Medication-Related Causes

High-Risk Medications

• NSAIDs: Increased inflammation risk
• Corticosteroids: Impaired healing, increased infection risk
• Opioids: Decreased bowel motility
• Anticholinergics: Reduced intestinal function
• Immunosuppressants: Increased infection susceptibility

Environmental and Lifestyle Factors

• Sedentary lifestyle
• Obesity and metabolic syndrome
• Smoking tobacco
• Chronic stress
• Irregular eating patterns
• Dehydration
• Sleep disturbances

Genetic and Hereditary Factors

• Family history of diverticular disease
• Genetic polymorphisms affecting collagen
• Inherited connective tissue disorders
• Ethnic predisposition patterns
• Familial clustering of disease

Age-Related Changes

• Decreased collagen strength
• Reduced muscle tone
• Altered colonic motility
• Changes in autonomic innervation
• Compromised immune response
• Medication accumulation effects

Associated Medical Conditions

• Connective tissue disorders
• Inflammatory bowel disease
• Irritable bowel syndrome
• Diabetes mellitus
• Kidney disease
• Autoimmune conditions

Trigger Events

• Sudden dietary changes
• Stress or emotional trauma
• Viral or bacterial gastroenteritis
• Recent antibiotic use
• Travel and dietary changes
• Surgery or medical procedures

Geographic and Cultural Factors

• Western vs. Eastern disease patterns
• Dietary cultural influences
• Healthcare access variations
• Environmental toxin exposure
• Lifestyle and activity patterns
• Stress levels and social factors

Risk Factors

Multiple factors can increase the likelihood of developing diverticulitis, with some being modifiable and others beyond individual control.

Non-Modifiable Risk Factors

Age

• Significant increase after age 40
• Peak incidence between 50-70 years
• Nearly 50% of people over 60 have diverticulosis
• Up to 90% of people over 80 affected
• Earlier onset in younger generations

Gender

• Traditionally more common in men under 50
• More common in women over 50
• Hormonal influences on colonic function
• Gender-specific lifestyle factors

Genetics

• Family history of diverticular disease
• Genetic polymorphisms in collagen genes
• Inherited connective tissue disorders
• Ethnic and racial predisposition
• Geographic clustering in families

Modifiable Risk Factors

Dietary Factors

• Low fiber intake: <20g daily significantly increases risk
• High red meat consumption: >5 servings per week
• Processed foods: High refined carbohydrate intake
• Low fruit and vegetable consumption: <2 servings daily
• Inadequate fluid intake: <8 glasses water daily
• Excessive alcohol: >2 drinks daily

Lifestyle Factors

• Sedentary lifestyle: <30 minutes exercise weekly
• Obesity: BMI >30 kg/m²
• Smoking: Current or former smokers
• Chronic stress: High stress levels
• Irregular meal patterns: Skipping meals
• Poor sleep habits: <6 hours nightly

Medical Risk Factors

Medications

• NSAIDs: Regular use increases risk 3-fold
• Corticosteroids: Long-term use
• Opioid analgesics: Chronic use
• Immunosuppressive drugs: Organ transplant patients
• Anticholinergic medications: Reduced bowel motility

Comorbid Conditions

• Irritable bowel syndrome
• Inflammatory bowel disease
• Connective tissue disorders
• Diabetes mellitus
• Chronic kidney disease
• Autoimmune conditions
• Previous abdominal surgery

Bowel-Related Risk Factors

• Chronic constipation
• History of diverticulosis
• Abnormal colonic motility
• Previous episodes of diverticulitis
• Colonic spasm disorders
• Functional bowel disorders

Environmental Risk Factors

• Living in developed countries
• Urban vs. rural environment
• Access to processed foods
• Water quality and source
• Air pollution exposure
• Occupational factors

Socioeconomic Factors

• Lower socioeconomic status
• Limited access to fresh foods
• Educational level regarding diet
• Healthcare access and quality
• Work-related stress levels
• Social support systems

High-Risk Populations

Young-Onset Diverticulitis

• Age <40 years
• Stronger genetic component
• More severe disease course
• Higher complication rates
• Often requires surgical intervention

Immunocompromised Patients

• Organ transplant recipients
• Cancer patients on chemotherapy
• HIV/AIDS patients
• Autoimmune disease patients
• Chronic steroid users

Protective Factors

• High fiber diet (>25g daily)
• Regular physical activity
• Adequate hydration
• Healthy body weight
• Non-smoking status
• Moderate alcohol consumption
• Stress management
• Regular bowel habits

Risk Assessment

Low Risk

• Age <40 with no family history
• High fiber diet
• Regular exercise
• No predisposing medications
• Healthy bowel habits

Moderate Risk

• Age 40-60 with some risk factors
• Family history present
• Occasional NSAID use
• Mild constipation
• Sedentary lifestyle

High Risk

• Age >60 with multiple risk factors
• Previous diverticulosis
• Chronic NSAID or steroid use
• Immunocompromised state
• Low fiber diet with constipation

Diagnosis

Diagnosing diverticulitis requires a combination of clinical assessment, laboratory tests, and imaging studies to confirm inflammation and rule out complications.

Clinical Assessment

History Taking

• Onset and character of abdominal pain
• Location and radiation of pain
• Associated symptoms (fever, nausea, vomiting)
• Bowel habit changes
• Previous episodes of similar symptoms
• Dietary history and recent changes
• Medication use (especially NSAIDs)
• Family history of diverticular disease

Physical Examination

• Vital signs: Temperature, blood pressure, heart rate
• Abdominal examination: Tenderness, guarding, masses
• Bowel sounds: Quality and frequency
• Rectal examination: Check for masses, blood
• General appearance: Signs of toxicity or dehydration
• Lymph nodes: Regional lymphadenopathy

Laboratory Tests

Basic Laboratory Panel

• Complete blood count: White cell count, hemoglobin
• C-reactive protein: Marker of inflammation
• Erythrocyte sedimentation rate: Non-specific inflammation
• Basic metabolic panel: Electrolytes, kidney function
• Liver function tests: Rule out other conditions
• Lipase: Exclude pancreatitis

Additional Tests (if indicated)

• Procalcitonin: Bacterial infection marker
• Lactate: Assess for sepsis
• Blood cultures: If sepsis suspected
• Urine analysis: Rule out urinary tract infection
• Pregnancy test: In women of childbearing age

Imaging Studies

CT Scan of Abdomen and Pelvis

• Gold standard for diagnosis
• Identifies bowel wall thickening
• Detects complications (abscess, perforation)
• Assesses extent of inflammation
• Guides treatment decisions
• Sensitivity: 90-95%
• Specificity: 95-99%

CT Findings in Diverticulitis

• Bowel wall thickening (>3mm)
• Pericolic fat stranding
• Diverticular wall thickening
• Fluid collections or abscesses
• Free air (perforation)
• Bowel obstruction
• Fistula formation

Alternative Imaging

• Ultrasound: First-line in pregnancy, children
• MRI: When CT contraindicated
• Plain abdominal X-rays: Rule out obstruction
• Chest X-ray: Check for pneumonia

Diagnostic Criteria

Clinical Criteria

• Abdominal pain (typically left lower quadrant)
• Fever or elevated inflammatory markers
• CT evidence of diverticular inflammation
• Response to antibiotic therapy

Severity Classification

Uncomplicated Diverticulitis

• Bowel wall thickening
• Pericolic fat stranding
• No abscess or perforation
• Mild to moderate symptoms

Complicated Diverticulitis

• Abscess formation
• Perforation with free air
• Obstruction
• Fistula formation
• Severe systemic symptoms

Differential Diagnosis

Gastrointestinal Conditions

• Appendicitis: Right lower quadrant pain
• Inflammatory bowel disease: Crohn's, ulcerative colitis
• Irritable bowel syndrome: Chronic, functional symptoms
• Colorectal cancer: Mass, weight loss
• Infectious colitis: Recent travel, food poisoning
• Ischemic colitis: Elderly, cardiovascular disease

Gynecological Conditions (Women)

• Ovarian cysts or torsion
• Pelvic inflammatory disease
• Ectopic pregnancy
• Endometriosis

Urological Conditions

• Kidney stones
• Urinary tract infection
• Pyelonephritis

Severity Assessment Tools

Hinchey Classification

• Stage I: Pericolic abscess
• Stage II: Distant abscess
• Stage III: Purulent peritonitis
• Stage IV: Fecal peritonitis

Modified Hinchey Classification

• Stage 0: Mild clinical disease
• Stage Ia: Confined pericolic inflammation
• Stage Ib: Pericolic or mesenteric abscess
• Stage II: Distant abscess (pelvis)
• Stage III: Generalized peritonitis

Monitoring and Follow-up

• Serial clinical examinations
• Laboratory trend monitoring
• Repeat imaging if not improving
• Assessment of treatment response
• Screening for complications
• Long-term surveillance planning

Treatment Options

Treatment of diverticulitis depends on severity, complications, and patient factors, ranging from outpatient management to emergency surgery.

Outpatient Management

Mild Uncomplicated Diverticulitis

• Oral antibiotics: 7-10 days
• Clear liquid diet: 2-3 days initially
• Pain management: Acetaminophen preferred
• Rest and activity modification
• Close follow-up: 48-72 hours
• Patient education: Warning signs

Antibiotic Options (Outpatient)

• Ciprofloxacin + metronidazole: 500mg + 500mg BID
• Amoxicillin-clavulanate: 875/125mg BID
• Moxifloxacin: 400mg daily
• Clindamycin + fluoroquinolone: Alternative

Inpatient Management

Indications for Hospitalization

• Inability to tolerate oral intake
• Immunocompromised patients
• Significant comorbidities
• Elderly patients (>70 years)
• Complicated diverticulitis
• Failed outpatient treatment
• Uncertain diagnosis
• Social factors (unable to follow-up)

Inpatient Treatment Protocol

• IV antibiotics: Broad-spectrum coverage
• NPO initially: Nothing by mouth
• IV fluids: Hydration and electrolyte balance
• Pain management: Multimodal approach
• Daily monitoring: Clinical and laboratory
• Imaging surveillance: If not improving

IV Antibiotic Regimens

• Piperacillin-tazobactam: 3.375g IV q6h
• Ciprofloxacin + metronidazole: 400mg + 500mg IV q8h
• Ceftriaxone + metronidazole: 1g + 500mg IV daily
• Ertapenem: 1g IV daily
• Ampicillin-sulbactam: 3g IV q6h

Dietary Management

Acute Phase

• Clear liquids: Water, broth, tea
• Gradual advancement: As tolerated
• Low-residue diet: During recovery
• Avoid nuts/seeds: Controversial, not evidence-based
• Small frequent meals: Easier digestion

Recovery Phase

• Gradual return to normal diet
• High-fiber foods introduction
• Adequate fluid intake
• Probiotic foods consideration
• Regular meal timing

Complicated Diverticulitis Treatment

Abscess Management

• Small abscesses (<3cm): IV antibiotics
• Large abscesses (>3cm): Percutaneous drainage
• CT-guided drainage: First-line intervention
• Surgical drainage: If percutaneous fails
• Multiple abscesses: May require surgery

Perforation Management

• Contained perforation: Conservative management
• Free perforation: Emergency surgery
• Hartmann procedure: Resection with colostomy
• Primary anastomosis: In selected cases
• Laparoscopic washout: Emerging option

Surgical Management

Emergency Surgery Indications

• Generalized peritonitis
• Free perforation with instability
• Massive bleeding
• Complete bowel obstruction
• Failed medical management
• Septic shock

Elective Surgery Indications

• Recurrent episodes (>2 episodes)
• Young patients (<40 years)
• Immunocompromised patients
• Complicated disease with poor QOL
• Unable to rule out malignancy
• Chronic complications (stricture, fistula)

Surgical Procedures

• Sigmoid colectomy: Most common
• Primary anastomosis: One-stage procedure
• Hartmann procedure: Two-stage with colostomy
• Laparoscopic approach: Minimally invasive
• Open surgery: Complex cases

Pain Management

Acute Pain

• Acetaminophen: First-line, 1g q6h
• Avoid NSAIDs: May worsen inflammation
• Opioids (sparingly): May decrease motility
• Antispasmodics: For cramping
• Heat therapy: Local application

Chronic Pain

• Multimodal approach
• Physical therapy
• Stress management
• Dietary modifications
• Consider psychiatric evaluation

Monitoring and Follow-up

Acute Management

• Daily clinical assessment
• Temperature and vital signs
• Pain scale monitoring
• Tolerance of oral intake
• Laboratory trends
• Bowel function return

Recovery Phase

• Symptom resolution confirmation
• Dietary advancement tolerance
• Activity level improvement
• Medication completion
• Follow-up imaging if indicated

Treatment Failure

Signs of Non-Response

• Persistent or worsening pain
• Continued fever after 48-72 hours
• Rising inflammatory markers
• Inability to tolerate oral intake
• Development of complications

Management of Treatment Failure

• Repeat imaging studies
• Consider resistant organisms
• Broaden antibiotic coverage
• Evaluate for complications
• Consider surgical consultation
• Reassess diagnosis

Prevention

Prevention of diverticulitis focuses on dietary modifications, lifestyle changes, and managing risk factors to reduce inflammation and prevent flare-ups.

Dietary Prevention

High-Fiber Diet

• Target intake: 25-35 grams daily
• Whole grains: Brown rice, quinoa, oats
• Fruits: Apples, pears, berries, citrus
• Vegetables: Broccoli, Brussels sprouts, carrots
• Legumes: Beans, lentils, chickpeas
• Gradual increase: Prevent gas and bloating

Adequate Hydration

• 8-10 glasses of water daily
• Increase with fiber intake
• Limit caffeine and alcohol
• Monitor urine color
• Adjust for activity and climate

Foods to Emphasize

• Fiber-rich whole foods
• Anti-inflammatory foods
• Probiotic-rich foods (yogurt, kefir)
• Omega-3 fatty acids
• Antioxidant-rich fruits and vegetables
• Lean proteins

Foods to Limit

• Red meat (especially processed)
• Refined sugars and carbohydrates
• High-fat foods
• Excessive alcohol
• Ultra-processed foods
• Foods high in saturated fats

Lifestyle Modifications

Regular Physical Activity

• Aerobic exercise: 150 minutes weekly
• Walking: 30 minutes most days
• Swimming: Low-impact option
• Cycling: Cardiovascular benefits
• Strength training: 2-3 times weekly
• Yoga/stretching: Stress reduction

Weight Management

• Maintain healthy BMI (18.5-24.9)
• Gradual weight loss if overweight
• Portion control
• Regular meal timing
• Mindful eating practices

Smoking Cessation

• Complete smoking cessation
• Nicotine replacement therapy
• Prescription medications
• Counseling and support groups
• Avoid secondhand smoke

Bowel Health Management

Regular Bowel Habits

• Respond promptly to urges
• Avoid straining
• Use proper toilet positioning
• Allow adequate time
• Establish routine timing

Constipation Prevention

• High-fiber diet
• Adequate fluid intake
• Regular exercise
• Probiotics consideration
• Avoid prolonged sitting
• Manage stress levels

Medication Management

Avoid High-Risk Medications

• NSAIDs: Use sparingly, shortest duration
• Corticosteroids: Avoid long-term use
• Opioids: Minimize due to constipation risk
• Alternative pain management: Acetaminophen

Supplements

• Fiber supplements: Psyllium, methylcellulose
• Probiotics: Support gut health
• Vitamin D: May reduce inflammation
• Omega-3: Anti-inflammatory effects

Stress Management

• Regular relaxation techniques
• Meditation and mindfulness
• Adequate sleep (7-9 hours)
• Social support networks
• Professional counseling if needed
• Time management skills

Medical Follow-up

Regular Health Maintenance

• Annual physical examinations
• Colorectal cancer screening
• Blood pressure monitoring
• Diabetes prevention/management
• Cardiovascular health assessment

Monitoring for Symptoms

• Track bowel habits
• Monitor for pain patterns
• Note dietary triggers
• Document symptom episodes
• Regular provider communication

Secondary Prevention

After Diverticulitis Episode

• Gradual return to high-fiber diet
• Maintain lifestyle modifications
• Regular medical follow-up
• Monitor for recurrence signs
• Consider colonoscopy
• Medication review

Long-term Management

• Sustained dietary changes
• Ongoing exercise program
• Weight maintenance
• Stress management
• Regular provider visits
• Health education updates

Community and Environmental

• Access to fresh, healthy foods
• Safe exercise environments
• Healthcare access
• Health education programs
• Workplace wellness initiatives
• Social support systems

When to See a Doctor

Diverticulitis can rapidly progress from mild to severe, making prompt medical evaluation crucial for proper diagnosis and treatment.

Seek Immediate Emergency Care

• Severe, sudden abdominal pain
• High fever (>101.5°F/38.6°C)
• Persistent vomiting preventing fluid intake
• Significant rectal bleeding
• Signs of shock (dizziness, rapid heart rate)
• Inability to pass gas or stool
• Abdominal distension and rigidity
• Confusion or altered mental status

Contact Healthcare Provider Urgently

• New onset left lower abdominal pain
• Fever with abdominal pain
• Significant change in bowel habits
• Blood in stool (any amount)
• Persistent nausea and vomiting
• Inability to keep fluids down
• Worsening pain despite rest
• History of diverticulitis with new symptoms

Schedule Regular Appointment

• Mild, intermittent abdominal discomfort
• Chronic constipation issues
• Family history of diverticular disease
• Age >40 with risk factors
• Recurrent episodes of abdominal pain
• Need for colonoscopy screening
• Medication review (especially NSAIDs)
• Dietary counseling needs

High-Risk Patients

Seek medical care sooner if you have:

• Previous diverticulitis episodes
• Immunocompromised status
• Chronic kidney or liver disease
• Diabetes mellitus
• Age >70 years
• Regular NSAID or steroid use
• Cancer or chemotherapy treatment
• Organ transplant recipient

During Treatment

Outpatient Treatment - Contact Provider If:

• No improvement after 48-72 hours
• Worsening pain or fever
• Unable to tolerate oral medications
• New symptoms develop
• Medication side effects occur
• Questions about treatment plan

Post-Hospital Discharge - Call If:

• Return of fever or severe pain
• Inability to tolerate prescribed diet
• New or worsening symptoms
• Medication reactions
• Wound problems (if surgery)
• Concerns about recovery

Preparation for Medical Visit

Information to Gather

• Complete symptom timeline
• Pain location and character
• Associated symptoms
• Current medications and supplements
• Recent dietary changes
• Previous medical history
• Family history of bowel disease

Questions to Ask

• What tests are needed?
• What treatment options are available?
• How long will recovery take?
• What dietary changes are recommended?
• When should I follow up?
• What are warning signs to watch for?
• Will I need surgery?
• How can I prevent recurrence?

Follow-up Care

After Acute Episode

• Complete prescribed antibiotic course
• Attend all scheduled appointments
• Follow dietary recommendations
• Monitor for symptom recurrence
• Discuss colonoscopy timing
• Review prevention strategies

Long-term Monitoring

• Regular primary care visits
• Colorectal cancer screening
• Medication reviews
• Nutritional counseling
• Exercise program development
• Stress management support

Emergency Preparedness

• Know location of nearest emergency room
• Keep current medication list accessible
• Have emergency contact information ready
• Understand insurance coverage
• Keep medical history summary
• Have transportation plan

Related Conditions

References