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Diverticular Disease Introduction |
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Diverticula
are small, pea- or grape-sized
pouches caused by the protrusion of
the inner lining of the large
intestine through weakened areas of
the colon wall. The presence of diverticula in the colon wall is
called diverticulosis. Colonic diverticula are often
associated with a low-fiber diet.
The lack of fiber has become
commonplace in many Western diets,
and often leads to conditions such
as chronic constipation. Constipation causes
straining during bowel movements,
since the smaller and harder stools
are more difficult to pass. Diverticula form when the
pressure inside the intestine
increases from straining during
defecation or from lack of fecal
bulk. |
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Diverticulosis
usually has no symptoms. However,
symptoms such as fever and lower
abdominal pain can occur with a
condition known as diverticulitis.
This condition results when the diverticula become
inflamed, perforated, or impacted.
Diverticulitis can be caused by
undigested food particles and
bacteria that have become trapped in
the diverticula. Diverticulosis and
diverticulitis are also called diverticular disease.
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Diverticular Disease Symptoms
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Diverticular
disease usually has no symptoms,
but may include;
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mild abdominal
cramps
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bloating
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constipation
If diverticulitis is
present, symptoms can include;
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Episodes of lower
abdominal pain and cramping
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Tenderness in the
abdomen
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Changes in bowel
habits (constipation or diarrhea)
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Fever
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Possible nausea and
vomiting
Complications
developing from diverticular
disease are rare, but can
include rupture of the inflamed
diverticulum, spilling feces and
bacteria into the abdominal cavity. This may lead to peritonitis, an
inflammation of the abdominal cavity
membrane, requiring hospitalization
and possible surgery.
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Diverticular Disease Statistics |
According to the
National Institute of Diabetes and
Digestive and Kidney Diseases,
National Institute of Health (1):
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About 10 percent of
Americans over the age of 40 have
diverticulosis.
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Diverticulosis
becomes more common as people age.
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About half of all
people over the age of 60 have
diverticulosis.
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Learn More About
Diverticular Disease |
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