Acute Diverticulitis

Abstract

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Acute diverticulitis is an inflammation of colonic diverticula, most commonly affecting the sigmoid colon. It ranges from mild symptoms to severe complications such as perforations, abscesses, fistulas, or peritonitis. Its milder form, diverticulosis, is often asymptomatic. Prevalence increases with age and is higher in developed countries due to low-fiber diets and sedentary lifestyles. Risk factors include NSAID and opioid use, as well as immunosuppression. Diagnosis is primarily done through CT imaging, while colonoscopy is contraindicated during acute episodes. Treatment varies from oral antibiotics for mild cases to surgery for complicated ones. Physical therapy may support symptom relief and gut mobility, though current evidence is limited.