Information and facts on Diverticulitis

 

Diverticulitis is a condition where the muscous membranes of the colon lining become inflamed causing the formation of small pouchy areas called diverticula in the large intestine. Once these form they may not go away. It maybe caused by eating a low fiber diet and poor nutrition. Symptoms may include: bloating, cramping, constipation, diarrhea, there maybe blood in the stool. Diverticulitis normally affects people over 50 years old but as with other health problems the age seems to be lowering. Smoking and stress will probably make the problem worse and even trigger them. Poor eating habits and not getting the right nutrients also increase the chances of having both anemia and diverticulitis.

Diverticulitis is a health condition where the mucous membranes that line the colon become inflamed, causing the formation of small, pouch like areas called diverticula in the large intestine. When diverticula develop, they do not normally go away. The diverticula themselves may cause no symptoms, however when waste matter becomes trapped in them, they will become infected and inflamed, causing fever, chills, and pain. Diverticula normally form when the person with them is constipated. Eating a low fiber diet, as is typical in industrialized countries such as the USA, may contribute to the development of diverticulitis. Without the fiber to soften and add bulk, stools are more difficult to pass. Greatly increased pressure is required to force small portions of hard, dry stool through the bowel. This rise in pressure can cause pouches to form at weak points in the wall of the colon. Diverticulitis may be acute or may be chronic. Its symptoms include: cramping, bloating, tenderness on the left side of the abdomen that is relieved by passing gas or a bowel movement, constipation or diarrhea, nausea, and an almost continual need to eliminate waste.

There may be blood in the stool. Diverticulitis normally affects people between the ages of 50 and 90, however younger people may also be affected especially with their poor diet and nutrition. It affects millions of Americans, but many people do not even know they have the condition because they either experience no symptoms or think their symptoms are just simple indigestion. Exactly why is not known, but it is known that smoking and stress make symptoms worse. In fact, diverticulitis is a primary example of a stress related problem. Poor eating habits make the problem worse and may even be a major cause. A poor diet, a family history of the disease, gallbladder disease, obesity, and coronary artery disease all increase the risk of developing diverticulitis.

There are several diagnostic tests available to help diagnose diverticulitis. A barium enema is a procedure in which the colon is filled with liquid barium and x-rays are taken to reveal pouches in the colon wall, narrowing of the colon, or other abnormalities. With sigmoidoscopy, a thin, flexible lighted tube is inserted into the rectum to give the physician a closer look at the lower colon. If necessary, tissue samples can be removed for examination. To see into other parts of the colon, a colonoscopy must be performed. This is similar to a sigmoidoscopy, but allows a view of the entire colon. However, as always the best thing is prevention and the information and supplements on this webpage can help with preventing diverticulitis and related health problems.

All information presented on these web pages is not meant to diagnose, prescribe, or to administer to any physical ailments.
In all matters related to your health please contact a qualified, licensed Medical Consultant or Doctor.