Diverticulitis

Left lower quadrant pain, fever, nausea, vomiting, constipation or diarrhea, chills, loss of appetite

Inflammation/infection of diverticula (small pouches in colon wall); low-fiber diet, obesity, smoking, NSAIDs

Antibiotics, clear liquid diet, pain management, surgery for complications (abscess, perforation, fistula), high-fiber diet after recovery

Monitor for complications (peritonitis, abscess); administer antibiotics; pain management; educate on high-fiber diet for prevention

Source: NHS Scotland. For educational purposes only.