Diverticular disease affects the large intestine. It is caused by small pouches called diverticula that can form in digestive tract but usually form in the last part of the large intestine, colon. Although the reason why it happens is not clear, change in food habits may keep the condition under control.
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The are several types of diverticular disease. Diverticulosis: People who have diverticulosis have pouches in their large intestine. This condition will largely go unnoticed because most people don't have any symptoms and they don't even know they have it.
Diverticulitis is another type and it is more serious. Diverticulitis occurs when the pouches are infected and inflamed. Luckily, in a way, there are symptoms: abdominal pain, fever, nausea, constipation, and diarrhea. Vomiting and frequent and painful urination may be present too. It is recognized by the pain that is most often located on the lower left side of the abdomen. Complications of diverticulitis can include intestinal blockages and openings in the bowel wall.
Diverticulitis usually causes problems after the age of 45. If diverticula breaks through the colon wall, that causes inflammation and when that happens, the surgery is the solution. Some 25 percent of people with diverticula develop serious conditions, but the good news is that medicines are of help in 70 - 100 percent of cases. So, the standard is to have non-surgical approach first, using medicines and certain type of food, before we jump on "cut and remove" approach.
Diverticular bleeding occurs when a blood vessel next to the pouches bursts and the patient may find blood in the toilet. As is the case with any bleeding, you should go and see your doctor immediately.
The doctor may prescribe antibiotics to calm down infection and in a more severe case, or when there is a bleeding present, the surgery is needed to remove the pouches and the affected parts of colon.
How it is diagnosed? First, the abdomen is checked for tenderness. Then, you are given an enema with a liquid that makes your colon show up on an X-ray. The next test is flexible sigmoidoscopy when the doctor puts a thin tube with a light on the end into your rectum.
The tube is connected to a ideo camera, which allows the doctor to see the rectum and the last part of your colon. Similar to this is colonoscopy, with the only difference that the doctor can see your whole colon. If there's still something suspicious, CT scan can help.
How this condition is treated? A proper diet is a must. In the case of diverticulosis, you should eat more fiber, fruits, vegetables and whole-grain foods, drink plenty of fluids and exercise regularly.
The doctor would recommend a diet of clear liquids for a few days, then adding soft food, and then move to a more normal food over a week or two. Diverticulosis is a condition that can appear easily if you don't eat properly, so the proper diet is on the top of the list for anybody with this condition.
Now, if you enjoy junk food and want to enter high-fiber foods, do it slowly to avoid bloating, abdominal discomfort, and back winds when you least need them. Fiber rich foods include beans, legumes, whole wheat bread, oatmeal, brown rice, apples, bananas, pears, broccoli, carrots, and whole wheat pasta.
All this is good not just for a sick person, but also for all of us that want to prevent that kind of problems. Add to that cooked fruit, milk, yogurt, and eggs, and you'll have the healthiest colon in town. ■