Diverticular Disease

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Diverticuli are small saclike protrusions that develop in the lower part of the large intestine, or colon, and project into the abdominal cavity. The presence of diverticuli is called diverticulosis. Although diverticuli can occur anywhere in the gastrointestinal tract, the most common site is in the lower left side of the abdomen, the area where the colon meets the rectum.

The development of diverticuli is generally attributed to a low-fiber diet of refined and processed foods. Insufficient amounts of fiber and water in the diet lead to the formation of small hard dry stools that are difficult to pass. Straining during bowel movements then causes pressure on the intestinal walls. Portions of the walls that have been weakened by constant straining ca develop diverticuli.

Symptoms of diverticulosis can include chronic constipation alternating with diarrhea, and excessive flatulence. Cramping pain may occur in the affected part of the gastrointestinal tract, and the area may be tender to the touch. Pain is usually relieved by passing gas or having a bowel movement. If the diverticuli bleed, bright red blood may occur in some stools. Surprisingly, however, fully 80 percent of people with diverticulosis have no symptoms at all, and many others mistake its recurring symptoms for occasional bouts of indigestion. In some cases, the condition is discovered during examination for another compliant.

Diverticulosis is rare in people under twenty. It is estimated that more than 50 percent of Americans over the age of sixty have this condition, and the incidence increases with age.

A small percentage of people with diverticulosis go on to develop diverticulitis, or inflammation of the diverticuli. Diverticulitis develops when bits of fecal matter become trapped in the diverticuli and cause infection. This condition can cause cramping and severe abdominal pain, primarily in the lower left part of the abdomen. Pressure increases the pain, and nausea and fever are not uncommon. In some people, diverticulitis can flare up and cause disabling pain within a few hours. Others experience mild discomfort over a period of several days, followed by severe pain and more serious symptoms.

If diverticulitis is ignored and remains untreated, complications can occur. For example, a stricture can develop, narrowing the intestines at the site of the inflammation, or a fistula may occur. A fistula is an abnormal opening that connects one part of the intestine to another. Or an abscess may form in or around the colon, and peritonitis can develop. Peritonitis is an inflammation of the peritoneum, the membrane that forms the protective lining of the abdominal cavity. Symptoms of peritonitis include swelling and severe abdominal pain that increases with movement and may be accompanied by nausea, vomiting, chills and fever, and a rapid heartbeat. Dehydration is a common complication, and chock may occur, causing the heart rate and breathing to become faster, but making blood pressure and body temperature fall dangerously, resulting in pale skin, cold sweats, and obvious weakness. If there is even a suspicion that shock is developing, you should call for emergency medical assistance right away.

Risk factors for diverticular disease include poor dietary habits, gallbladder disease, obesity, and cardiovascular disease. Chronic food sensitivities or allergies aggravate diverticulitis, and may contribute to it. Inconsistent eating habits, such as skipping breakfast and/or lunch and overeating at dinner and late in the day, can also contribute to this disease. The process of gastrointestinal tract slows down as the body prepares for sleep, which increases the possibility of infection. Diverticular disease seems to run in families. However, the tendency to diverticular disease is probably more related to family eating habits than heredity. Smoking is another a contributing factor.

Diagnosis of diverticulitis may involve a barium enema. In this procedure, a tube is inserted into the rectum to introduce a fluid agent that slows up on x-rays. The x-rays taken after the barium enema show any existing diverticuli, strictures, or fistulas. The bowel must be completely empty beforehand, so usually a plain enema is administered first. Sigmoidoscopy or colonoscopy may be performed as well. In these techniques, the physician uses a narrow, flexible tube with a light at the end to view the affected parts of the colon directly, and, if necessary, to remove tissue samples for biopsy. Either or both of these procedures may be repeated at intervals to judge the effectiveness of treatment.

Preventive measures for diverticular disease
Taking in sufficient fiber and water every day is the best preventive measure against constipation, which leads to the development of diverticuli.

Because stress is a contributing factor, learning ways to diffuse it and minimize its impact on your nervous system can be helpful.

Medicine for diverticular disease: This section provides information about diverticular disease medicine.
Diverticular disease diet: It gives information and guidelines to choose your sample diet to eliminate your diverticular disease.
Diverticular disease nutritions and supplements: This section provides comprehensive list of nutritional supplements for diverticular disease.
Herbal treatment for diverticular disease: This section focuses on various traditional herbal treatments used to cure diverticular disease.
Diverticular disease acupressure treatment: This section provides various acupressure points on the body to treat diverticular disease.
Diverticular disease aromatherapy treatment: This section provides information about essential oils which are helpful to cure diverticular disease.
Diverticular disease homeopathy treatment: It provides information about homeopathic medicines required for curing diverticular disease.

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