Diverticular Disease: Symptoms and Treatment

Diverticular disease occurs when small pouches, known as diverticula, form in the walls of the large intestine or colon. Through these weak spots, small sacs bulge out of the intestinal wall in much the same was that a bicycle's inner tube can bulge out through a soft spot in the tire. No one knows for sure why this process happens, but what is known is that it takes years for diverticular disease to develop.

One cause can be related to constipation. Normally, the colon muscles move in waves, expanding and contracting as they more waste through the system. When waste material is hard or dry, the muscles have to squeeze harder with more force. Constipation may result from:

1) Lack of exercise
2) Ignoring the urge to have a bowel movement
3) Stress and anxiety
4) A side effect of medication
5) Changes in life and routine, such as pregnancy and travel
6) Low intake of fluid and fiber

Symptoms of Diverticular Disease

If you have diverticular disease, there is a very good chance you do not even know it. Usually, the small pouches (diverticula) that form in the wall of the colon do not cause any problems and can only be detected through an X-ray or full body scan. When diverticula are present, this common condition is called diverticulosis.

Symptoms of Diverticulosis are:

1) Usually, no symptoms
2) Occasionally, mild pain or cramping or bloating, more commonly on the left side
3) Disturbed bowel habits, occasional constipation, rarely diarrhea

Symptoms of Diverticulitis Disease

One in five people that have diverticular disease will experience complications. If the pouches (diverticula) become infected and inflamed, the following may occur:

1) Abdominal pain or cramping, severe at times, usually on the left side
2) Fever
3) Nausea and vomiting
4) Disturbed bowel habits, constipation, diarrhea, watery stools
5) Rectal bleeding (rarely)

In rare cases the pouch (diverticula) may become so inflamed as to burst. This condition is serious as the colon wall ruptures and allows waste to be deposited within the body cavity. Surgery is required to correct the problem.

Diagnosis and Treatment

If symptoms of diverticular disease are present, see your doctor. He or she will ask about your history and habits. The doctor may also perform a physical exam and in some cases other tests may be necessary, which include blood tests, X-rays and colonoscopy.

In treatment of diverticulosis, a doctor may recommend that you increase the fiber in your diet. Some sources of fiber, specifically nuts and corn may aggravate diverticulosis so consult your physician as to what sources of fiber are best for you.

In treatment of diverticulitis, antibiotics may be prescribed to heal the infected diverticula and a liquid diet may be suggested while the colon is healing. The doctor may recommend a low-fiber diet for a period of time. If attacks are severe or frequent, surgery may be required.

Managing Diverticular Disease

The following tips will help keep your colon functioning normally:

1) Eliminate foods and other substances that may be irritating to the colon
2) Maintain an ideal weight
3) Eat a diet that includes high-fiber foods
4) Adding fiber to your diet may be easier that you think. Substitute high-fiber foods (whole-grain bread, brown rice, fruits and vegetables) for low-fiber foods (white bread, white rice, candy and chips). Try to eat more raw vegetables and fresh fruit, including the skins, when appropriate. Cooking vegetables can reduce their fiber content and skins are a good source of fiber. Eat high-fiber foods at every meal. Bran cereal for breakfast is a good start, but try to include some fruits, vegetables, whole-grains and beans in your diet as well.

Two notes of caution: Be sure to increase your fiber intake gradually, giving your body time to adjust and drink at least six to eight glasses of fluids a day. There are products, such as Metamucil, that can be used to help increase fiber.

This article is not meant to replace a consultation with a medical physician. If any of these symptoms are present, consult a doctor. A very helpful article by Dr. Erich Rosenberger, M.D. can be found here.

Sources:

www.metamucil.com