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Diverticulosis or Diverticulitis?
Diverticulosis is the presence of pockets or pouches in the bowel, formed when weak or defected areas of the muscle in the wall of the bowel are pushed out. Diverticulitis occurs when these pouches become infected and inflamed. Diverticulitis is a very painful condition. Together, these conditions are known as Diverticular disease.
What causes it?
Diverticulosis is quite common in Australia. The risk increases with age, and over half of people over 70 years of age will suffer from the condition. Many of these people are unaware they have the condition, as it will be in the Diverticulosis stage, and not causing them any urgent symptoms.
Diverticular disease is more common in western nations, and this had lead researchers to believe that a low fibre diet, common in Western nations, may be an important risk factor.
Diverticulitis develops when there is damage to, or food trapped in, the diverticular pockets. This causes a small infection to develop, often forming an abscess.
Symptoms
Diverticulosis
People with Diverticulosis rarely suffer any symptoms. However, if there are a large number of pouches in the bowel, the functioning of the bowel muscles may be affected. This can lead to symptoms such as;
• Abdominal pain
• Bloating and wind
• Constipation or diarrhoea
• Blood in the stools
Diverticulitis
Unlike the asymptomatic diverticulosis, diverticulitis can have severe symptoms such as;
• Sharp pains in the abdomen
• Fever
• Bloating
• Constipation or diarrhoea
• Nausea and vomiting
• Blood in the stools
Diverticulitis can lead to sever complications, such as perforation, abscesses and hemorrhage. It is important to seek medical advice if you suffer any of the above symptoms.
Treatment
Diverticulosis
There is no known way to prevent further pockets or pouches forming in those suffering diverticulosis. However, you may be able to reduce the risk of developing diverticulitis by;
• Increase the amount of soluble fibre and soft insoluble
fibre in the diet by increasing intake of green vegetables,
wheat bran, and psyllium.
• Avoid nuts, seeds and pips for the short term, until
symptoms are resolved and fibre intake is increased.
• Some people find legumes and corn can cause further
symptoms, and these foods may be avoided.
• Surgery may need to be performed to remove any bowel
segments that may be causing severe problems.
• Increase your intake of water to 2L per day.
Diverticulitis
the symptoms of Diverticulitis are often so severe that it may be a medical emergency that may require medical attention. Less severe attacks may be treatable yourself. Treatment may include;
• Avoid consuming food or fluid by mouth.
• Antibiotics may be used to rid of infection.
• Pain killers may be needed if pain is severe.
• Surgery may be needed if any areas of the bowel have
ruptured or obstructed.
How to care for you Diverticular Disease
• Increase your intake of fibre.
• Start a fibre supplement, such as psyllium.
• Increase your intake of water, to 2L per day.
• Exercise regularly to promote bowel function.
Is There A Cure For Diverticular Disease?
No. There is no cure but if care is taken with the diet and reduced stress then symptoms should not be a problem. We have found that a high fibre, low roughage , high fluid, controlled fat and low alcohol diet with relaxation and reduced stress usually brings good results. Talk to our dietitians for more detailed advice
Added to site on : Thursday, 15 July 2010