Diverticulosis is the formation of many tiny pockets, or diverticula, in the lining of the bowel. Diverticula, which can range from pea-size to a lot larger, are formed by increased pressure on weakened spots of the intestinal walls by gas, waste or liquid. Diverticula can form although straining throughout a bowel movement, such as with constipation. They’re most common within the lower portion of the big intestine. Diverticulosis is very typical and occurs in 10% of people over age 40 and in 50% of people over age 60. Most individuals will have no or few symptoms from diverticula, but the result can be fairly serious.Complications can happen in about 20% of individuals with diverticulosis. One of these complications is rectal bleeding, known as diverticular bleeding, and an additional is diverticular infection, known as diverticulitis.
Diverticular Bleeding
Diverticular bleeding occurs with chronic injury to the little blood vessels that are next to the diverticula.
Diverticulitis
Diverticulitis occurs when there’s inflammation and infection in one or a lot more diverticula. This usually occurs when outpouchings turn out to be blocked with waste, permitting bacteria to build up, causing infection.
What Are the Symptoms of Diverticulosis?
Generally diverticulosis doesn’t cause any troublesome symptoms. Some individuals might really feel tenderness over the affected region or abdominal cramps.
What Are the Symptoms of Diverticulitis?
Diverticulitis, infection and inflammation of diverticula, can occur suddenly and with out warning.
Symptoms might consist of:
* Alternating diarrhea with constipation.
* Painful cramps or tenderness in the lower abdomen.
* Chills or fever.
How Is Diverticulosis Diagnosed?
Merely because most people with diverticulosis do not have any symptoms, it’s usually discovered through tests ordered for an unrelated reason.
If you are experiencing the symptoms of diverticulitis, it’s important to see your doctor.
Your doctor will ask you questions about your medical history (such as your bowel habits, symptoms, diet and current medications) and perform a physical exam, such as a digital rectal exam.
1 or much more diagnostic tests may be ordered to assist diagnose your condition. Tests may consist of X-rays, CT scanning, ultrasound testing, a sigmoidoscopy, colonoscopy, and blood tests to look for signs of infection or the extent of bleeding.
In individuals with rapid, heavy rectal bleeding, the physician may perform a process known as angiography to locate the source of the bleeding.
How Is Diverticulitis Treated?
Diverticulitis occasionally resolves without medical treatment, but it frequently requires antibiotics. Occasionally the infection is so severe that it is necessary to be admitted to a hospital for intravenous antibiotics and other supportive care. Rarely, a surgeon might need to remove the affected part of the bowel.
Throughout the active stage of the infection, many specialists recommend eating a low fiber diet and drinking plenty of water. A month or so after the infection resolves you are able to continue eating fiber.
Emergency treatment including surgery might be required when the antibiotics don’t work, and in cases of a big abscess, perforation, peritonitis or continued rectal bleeding.
What Complications Are Associated With Diverticulitis?
Serious complications can occur as a result of diverticulitis. Most of them are the result of the development of a tear or perforation of the intestinal wall. If this occurs, intestinal waste material can leak out of the intestines and into the surrounding abdominal cavity causing the following problems:
* Peritonitis (a painful infection of the abdominal cavity)
* Abscesses (“walled off” infections in the abdomen)
* Obstruction (blockages of the intestine)
If an abscess is present, the doctor will need to drain the fluid by inserting a needle into the infected area. Sometimes surgery is required to clean the abscess and remove part of the colon. If the infection spreads into the abdominal cavity (peritonitis), surgery is required to clean the cavity and remove the damaged part of the colon. With out correct treatment, peritonitis could be fatal.
Infection can lead to scarring of the colon, and also the scar tissue might trigger a partial or complete blockage. A partial blockage does not require emergency surgery. However, surgery is required with complete blockage.
Another complication of diverticulitis is the formation of a fistula. A fistula is an abnormal connection between two organs, or between an organ and the skin. A common kind of fistula is between the bladder and colon. This requires surgery to remove the fistula and affected component of the colon.
How Can Diverticulosis Be Prevented?
To stop diverticular disease or decrease the complications from it, maintain great bowel habits. Have normal bowel movements and avoid constipation and straining. Eating suitable amounts of the right types of fiber and drinking lots of water and exercising regularly will assist keep your bowels regulated.
The American Dietetic Association recommends 20 to 35 grams of fiber a day. Each individual, regardless of the presence of diverticula, ought to try to consume this much fiber each day. Fiber is the indigestible part of plant foods. High-fiber foods consist of entire grain breads, cereals and crackers; berries; fruit; vegetables, such as broccoli, cabbage, spinach, carrots, asparagus, squash and beans; brown rice; bran products; and cooked dried peas and beans, among other foods.
Drinking eight 8-ounce glasses of water a day, monitoring changes in bowel movements (from constipation to diarrhea) and getting enough rest and sleep, are other methods to prevent diverticular disease.
Free Diet For Diverticulosis. Find what you’re looking for!
Visit http://www.dietfordiverticulosis.org/ to find out more.
Posted in 
