A 75-year-old patient was admitted to hospital with diverticulitis. He reports that he was diagnosed with something similar many years ago, but this is the first time he has had to be admitted to hospital. Based on your knowledge of the gastrointestinal system, what is the most likely initial diagnosis that this patient had? How does this diagnosis differ from his current admission diagnosis? Discuss potential treatment for these two disorders. What is the most likely initial diagnosis? The man was most likely diagnosed with diverticulosis. According to Grossman and Porth (2014), diverticulosis is a condition that most commonly occurs in the distal descending and sigmoid colon. Diverticulosis is the presence of diverticula or sacs in the large intestine resulting from muscular overactivity (Black's Medical Dictionary, 2010). Diverticula result from a weakening of the intestinal wall. Grossman and Porth say factors that contribute to the development of diverticula include low dietary fiber intake, poor bowel habits, decreased physical activity and the effects of aging. According to Grossman and Porth, diverticular disease affects approximately 40% of the population by age 60 and 60% of the population by age 80 (Grossman & Porth, 2014, p. 1192). How is diverticulitis different from diverticulosis? According to Grossman and Porth, 2014, p. 1192. Porth (2014), diverticulitis is a complication of diverticulosis. Grossman and Porth state that individuals with diverticulosis are asymptomatic. Grossman and Porth explain that people who experience symptoms of diverticulosis have ill-defined lower abdominal pain, a change in bowel habits, bloating and flatulence. Grossman and Porth state...... middle of paper ...... ). Diverticulosis. In (42nd). Retrieved from http://literati.credoreference.com.southuniversity.libproxy.edmc.edu/content/entry/blackmed/diverticulosis/0Diverticulosis and diverticulitis. (2008, fall). Journal of Practical Nursing, 58(3), 15-18. Retrieved from http://search.proquest.com.southuniversity.libproxy.edmc.edu/nursing/docview/228036575/5C888EB98DD3466DPQ/8?accountid=87314Grossman, SC and Porth, CM (2014). Porth Pathophysiology: Concepts of Altered Health States (9th ed.). Retrieved from https://digitalbookshelf.southuniversity.edu/#/books/9781469871639/pages/107746227 Tursi, A. (2012, September 18). Advances in the management of colonic diverticulitis. Journal of the Canadian Medical Association, 184(13), 1470-1476. Retrieved from http://search.proquest.com.southuniversity.libproxy.edmc.edu/nursing/docview/1069228258/433D16B11F044E22PQ/2?accountid=87314