Patient case: Diverticular Disease
A 58-year-old man presents to the clinic with intermittent lower abdominal pain, primarily on the left side, that has been occurring over the past few months. He describes the pain as cramping and often associated with changes in his bowel habits, alternating between constipation and diarrhea. He reports feeling bloated and notices an increase in discomfort after meals. Over the past week, he has experienced more severe pain accompanied by mild nausea, and his stools have been less frequent but not blood-streaked.
On further questioning, the patient mentions he has been eating a low-fiber diet and leads a mostly sedentary lifestyle. He denies any significant weight loss, fever, or night sweats. His past medical history is unremarkable, and he is not on any medications.
Physical examination reveals tenderness in the lower left quadrant of the abdomen without palpable masses. Vital signs are within normal limits, and there are no signs of acute distress. A CT scan of the abdomen confirms the presence of diverticula in the sigmoid colon, with no signs of perforation or abscess formation. The diagnosis of uncomplicated diverticular disease is made, and the patient is advised to increase dietary fiber intake, stay hydrated, and consider lifestyle changes to manage symptoms.
A) Appendicitis
B) Diverticular Disease
C) Inflammatory Bowel Disease
D) Gallbladder Disease
A) High-fiber diet
B) Age over 40
C) Obesity
D) Excessive alcohol consumption
A) Surgical intervention
B) Antibiotic therapy
C) Increased fiber intake and lifestyle changes
D) Corticosteroid therapy
A) Left-sided abdominal pain and bloating
B) Alternating constipation and diarrhea
C) Fever, nausea, and vomiting with severe abdominal pain
D) Increased appetite and weight gain
