As one ages, it is quite common for people to develop little pouches in the lining of the colon. These little pouches are known as diverticula (or diverticuli). While the cause of these little pouches is not known, it is thought that they are caused by interior pressure upon the walls of the colon, say from gas or from constipation, that presses upon weak places in the colon walls. The interior pressure causes these weak places to bulge outward from the colon walls, thus producing diverticula.
Once in existence, these diverticula constitute and cause the medical condition known as diverticulosis. As long as these diverticula are not inflamed nor infected, the condition of diverticulosis does not cause the patient any trouble and does not cause any pain. Thus diverticulosis is innocuous. However, should difficult to digest particles of food become lodged in these diverticula, and then cause an infection and pain, then the patient is said to suffer from diverticulitis, the aggravated state of diverticulosis.
What are the Symptoms, if any, of Diverticulosis?
People who have diverticulosis usually do not experience any pain, nor are they even aware that they have the condition. Some may have a very severe case of diverticulosis that may cause cramping or discomfort in the lower region of the abdomen, bloating, or constipation. However, the diverticula are neither infected nor inflamed. The person who experiences discomfort from diverticulosis has either a very large area of diverticula, or is very sensitive to the presence of the diverticula.
If any discomfort in the colon area becomes chronic, then it is advisable for the person experiencing this discomfort to visit their medical provider to ascertain the exact state of their condition. This recommendation is offered, because if this "pain free" condition causes any noticeable discomfort, then it is either very extensive and/or the person is very sensitive to the condition. In either event, if so much discomfort is felt from the passive condition, then what will this person experience when and if the diverticulosis becomes the very painful and active condition of diverticulitis?
What are the Symptoms of Diverticulitis?
The symptoms of diverticulitis are possible to ignore or to overlook. There is much severe pain that is nearly crippling in its intensity. Severe pain in the lower left side of the abdomen (the descending or sigmoid colon) and severe cramping throughout the entire colon (the area of the lower abdomen). If the condition is at its extreme, that is, severely infected diverticula and possibly the presence of one or more abscessed diverticula, then there may be severe pain in the lower back area as well.
If the condition is not severe, then the pain may be somewhat less intense, but still very painful. It may be only severe cramping (yes, even in its mildest form – there is much associated pain). In either case, it is best to get medical assistance as quickly as possible, since it is not possible to determine the exact nature of the cause (due to an abscess or inflammation of the diverticula) of the pain. Diverticulitis can lead to bleeding; infections; small perforations; or blockages in the colon. These complications always require medical treatment to prevent them from progressing further and causing serious illness.
What is the Treatment for Diverticulitis?
Once the patient is at the hospital, a CAT (Computer Assisted Tomography) scan is ordered. At the same time the patient is hydrated with a saline solution and is given medication for the pain. The CAT will indicate the state of the condition of the colon. If there are abscesses or blockages or tears in the colon, then the patient is prescribed a liquid diet and given the time to allow the colon to rest and to be treated with antibiotics to reduce and eliminate the inflammation.
In the case of more severe conditions (abscess, peritonitis, blockage, or significant tears in the colon wall) surgery may be recommended. An abscess is drained, any complete blockage is cleared, and peritonitis much be tended to immediately. Partial blockage is not treated as an emergency. Corrective surgery can be planned. A colonoscopy is often recommended to more closely observe the condition of the colon.
How to Avoid the Occurrence of Diverticulitis
A diet of foods containing fiber is recommended. There are two kinds of fiber: soluble and insoluble. Soluble fiber dissolves easily in water and it becomes a soft, jelly-like substance in the intestines. Insoluble fiber passes almost unchanged through the intestines. Both kinds of fiber help prevent constipation by softening stools. Constipation or hard stool may cause people to strain during a bowel movement. Straining may cause increased pressure in the colon and thus cause diverticula. Lack of exercise also may be associated with a greater risk of forming diverticula, although the reasons for this are not well understood.
References
digestive.niddk.nih.gov "Diverticulosis and Diverticulitis" Accessed 26 May 2010
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