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Diverticulitis is the severe inflamation or infection of the diverticula. The small pouches that line the wall of your intestines are called diverticula. The formation of these pouches is called diverticulosis, a benign condition that is usually harmless and is quite normal. When they become inflamed and infected it is called diverticulitis.
Diverticula can form anywhere on the digestive tract. They are most commonly found at the end of the descending and sigmoid colons. People that have diverticulosis rarely are aware of it. It is usually pain free and causes little or no symptoms. When symptoms do appear it is in the form of slight cramping or bloating. These symptoms diappear when you pass gas or have a bowel movement.
Diverticulitis is a more serious disease involving anything from a small infection in one or more of the diverticula to a massive infection and hole in the bowel. The symptoms sometimes mimic apeendicitis. Look for:
Severe cramps in the stomache on the left side.
Nausea or vomiting.
Chills or fever.
Constipation or diarrhea.
Pain that increases when the sore spot is touched.
Rectal bleeding or blood in the stools. (rare)
Diverticulitis can either be acute (quick onset), or chronic (recurring). The acute form usually comes fast, occuring once with a severe attack of infection and inflamation. Chronic diverticulitis never really subsides. Infection and inflamation occurs and reappears consistently sometimes causing bowel obstructions.
If an obstruction occurs and is left untreated it may require surgery. Abscesses can form around the infected area causing a perforation of the intestinal wall. Peritonitis a potentially fatal infection can occur and cause complications. Those with chronic diverticulitis sometimes develop scar tissue that can result in blockages. An infected diverticulum can conect with other organs. This happens most commonly between the large intestine and the kidneys or stomache spreading infection and causing further complications. If perforation occurs, severe internal bleeding and peritonital infection can spread.
Diverticulitis is a serious condition that requires immediate medical attention. If you suspect you have diverticulitis contact a doctor that specializes in internal medicine. One way to prevent getting these colon disorders is to drink a lot of water. Keeping yourself irrigated and having proper bowel movements will not strain the diverticula or cause them to become irritated.
The two primary factors in the development of diverticulitis is heredity and aging, but an improper diet can also add to the problem. Eating a low-fiber, high-fat diet with too many refined foods can increase the possibility of getting diverticulitis. In America alone it is estimated that 10-15% of people over the age of 50 develop diverticulitis and of those 60 and over up to 50% develop it.
It has not been proven but some doctors believe that the straining of bowel movements (common among older people with constipation) can cause diverticular pouches. This can cause bacterial infection in the diverticula leading to diverticulitis. Some doctors believe that pain killers such as ibuprofen and other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs can cause diverticulitis. It is well known that these drugs in high doses or taken for extended lenths of time can cause ulcers. And in those over 40 this results in diverticulosis creating a breading ground for infection and the development of diverticulitis.
When being examined for diverticulitis your doctor will probably test your blood and fecal matter for possible infection. Because colon cnacer, irritable bowel syndrome and stomach ulcers share the same symptoms as diverticulitis your doctor will need to examine your bowel and intestines by doing an upper and lower G.I. (an x-ray using barium). He or she may also need to do a sigmoidoscopy (where the intestines are viewed by through a lighted tube). Rarely a bit of tissue must be removed for biopsy to test for cancerous growths. If you have an acute attack your doctor might opt for a CT scan (which shows the intestine wall without irritation).
Conventional medicine uses diet, anti-biotics and sometimes surgery. As always make sure you visit a doctor if you think you have diverticulitis. If it is a mild case your doctor will have you eat a high fiber diet to make sure you stay regular. With more serious cases bed rest, a liquid diet, stool softeners and anti-biotics are usually indicated. For the most serious cases, those that are recurring or have caused perforation, I.V. anti-biotic therapy (requiring a hospital stay) and sometimes surgery is needed. Very rarely the abscesses are drained and a temporary colostomy (called a stoma) is done to give the intestines a rest. After recovery this procedure is reversed with a second operation. And even more rarely your doctor may have to remove the infected tissue. This is in cases of severe infection or when I.V. therapy fails to work. Whatever the treatment the chances of a full recovery is good with proper medical attention.
With a proper diet and exercise program, diverticulitis can be avoided or handled. Make sure to drink plenty of water (to prevent constipation) and eat a high fiber diet. Avoid refined foods or high fat foods if possible. Regular exercise helps the muscles in your abdomen retain their tone and aids in digestion. Above all stay regular, avoiding constipation if possible and if you do become constipated treat it naturally. Eating prunes or drinking prune juice and lots of water is best. Make sure you do all the doctor says and report any changes (good or bad) immediately.
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