Symptoms:
1. Lower left abdominal pain
2. Fever
3. Changes in bowel habits (diarrhoea, constipation)
4. Bloating
Physical Examination:
1. Tenderness in the left lower quadrant
2. Guarding and rebound tenderness
3. Fever
Laboratory Findings:
i. Elevated white blood cell count
ii. Elevated C-reactive protein (CRP)
Imaging:
CT scan of the abdomen and pelvis: The preferred initial diagnostic test, it provides detailed images of the colon and can identify diverticula, inflammation, abscesses, and complications.
Management:
Mild Cases:
Oral antibiotics (e.g., ciprofloxacin and metronidazole)
Clear liquid diet transitioning to a low-fiber diet as symptoms improve
Severe Cases or Complications:
. Hospitalization
. IV antibiotics
. NPO (nothing by mouth) initially, then clear liquids and gradual reintroduction of solid foods
. Surgical consultation for complications such as abscess, perforation, or obstruction
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