What is Diverticulosis?
Diverticula is a condition when tiny, bulging pouches form in the lining of the digestive system. They are discovered in the lower area of the large intestine (colon). The chances of getting diverticula are frequent after the age of 40 but they rarely cause difficulties.
Diverticulosis is the presence of diverticula. It is a disorder that occurs when one or more of the pouches become inflamed and infected. It can result in severe stomach pain, a fever, nausea, and a significant change in bowel patterns.
Symptoms of Diverticulosis
The signs and symptoms of diverticulitis are as follows:
- Pain in the side and back, below the ribcage, is severe and intense
- Pain in the lower abdomen and groyne that radiates
- Urinating causes pain or a burning sensation.
Other signs and symptoms may include:
- Pain in the lower left side of the abdomen
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Fever
- Abdominal pain
- Constipation
- Diarrhea
When to see a doctor?
One should immediately see a doctor when they experience continuous pain in the stomach or abdomen and medications and other methods do not work. With pain, one might also experience fever, nausea etc.
Get the best treatment for Diverticulosis from the best doctors and top Gastroenterologists at Medicover Hospitals.
At Medicover, our team of General Physicians help tackle Cholera with utmost compassion and care.
Causes
Diverticulitis is caused by a tear in the diverticula, which causes inflammation and, in some circumstances, infection. Diverticula form when naturally weak areas of the colon give way under strain. Marble-sized pockets develop through the colon wall due to this.
Risk Factors
Following factors may increase the risk of developing diverticulitis:
- The risk of this increases with age, it can occur after 40 mostly.
- Being overweight increases the chances of getting diverticulitis.
- People who smoke cigarettes very often are more likely to get diverticulitis.
- Lack of physical activity and inactiveness will increase the risk.
- A diet that has low fibre and a high intake of animal fat might increase the risk.
- Some medications such as steroids, opioids and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs might cause this.
Prevention
To avoid diverticulitis, follow these steps:
Exercise on a regular basis
Exercise helps to maintain normal bowel function and lowers colon pressure. On most days, try to exercise for at least 30 minutes.
Increase your fibre intake
Diverticulitis is less likely if you eat a high-fibre diet. Fresh fruits and vegetables, as well as whole grains, are high in fibre, which softens waste and allows it to travel through your colon more rapidly.
Drink a lot of water
Fiber absorbs water and increases the amount of soft, bulky waste in your colon. Fibre, on the other hand, can cause constipation if you don't drink enough fluids to replenish what's been absorbed
Smoking should be avoided
Smoking has been linked to a higher incidence of diverticulitis
How is Diverticulosis diagnosed
Diagnosis
Acute diverticulitis is frequently detected during a flare-up. Abdominal discomfort can be a sign of a variety of issues, your doctor will need to rule out other possibilities.
Your doctor will begin by performing a physical examination, which will include a check for soreness in your abdomen. A pelvic examination is usually performed on women to rule out pelvic illness.
Following are some tests the doctor will prescribe:
- Tests of the blood and urine to look for evidence of infection.
- A pregnancy test is used to rule out pregnancy as a cause of abdominal pain in women of childbearing age.
- To rule out liver-related causes of stomach pain, a liver enzyme test is performed.
- In those who experience diarrhea, a stool test is used to rule out infection.
Treatment
Treatment is determined on the severity of your symptoms and signals.
Diverticulitis with no complications
If your symptoms are minor, you may be able to receive treatment at home. The following are likely to be suggested by your doctor:
- Antibiotics are used to treat infections, while updated guidelines say that they may not be necessary in very mild instances.
- For a few days, stick to a watery diet while your bowels heal. You can gradually add solid meals to your diet as your symptoms improve.
Most persons with simple diverticulitis respond well to this medication.
Diverticulitis with complications
If you have a serious attack or other health concerns, you will almost certainly need to be admitted to the hospital. In general, treatment entails
- Antibiotics given intravenously
- If an abdominal abscess has formed, a tube is inserted to drain it.
Surgery
If you have diverticulitis, you'll probably require surgery in case
The two most common types of surgery are:
Resection of the primary bowel
The surgeon disconnects the healthy parts of your intestine after removing the diseased segments. You will be able to have regular bowel motions and may need open surgery or a minimally invasive technique, depending on the severity of the inflammation.
Resection of the bowel with colostomy
The surgeon will perform a colostomy if the inflammation is so severe that rejoining your colon and rectum is impossible. The healthy part of your colon is connected to an opening in your abdominal wall. Waste is deposited in a bag through the aperture. The colostomy may be reversed and the colon rejoined once the irritation has subsided.
Lifestyle and self-care
- Try taking a more liquid and light diet.
- Include more fibre in your diet
- Get more vitamin D from diet such as fish, mushrooms, cheese, cereals, etc and take morning sunlight.
- Use a heating pad whenever you have extreme pain.
- Taking probiotics such as live yoghurt, kefir, sauerkraut, kimchi can help with digestive problems.
- Do exercises and yoga regularly.
Dos and Don’ts
A person with Diverticulosis has to follow proper diet. Taking proper care of the diet is too crucial to manage this condition along with other medical treatment. Follow these do’s and don’ts in the diet-
| Do’s |
Don’ts |
| Take a liquid diet such as clear broths and pulps free juices |
Don’t eat foods that are hard to digest such as nuts, popcorn, and seeds |
| Include proteins in your diet such as eggs |
Don't eat fried food, high-fat dairy products, red meat, refined grains |
| Include only low-fat dairy products |
Don't eat outside food |
| Eat food that has low-fiber starches |
Don't eat food that might cause stomach irritation |
Care at Medicover Hospitals
At Medicover Hospitals, we have the most trusted team of doctors and medical experts who are experienced in providing excellent healthcare services to our patients. Our dedicated team of experts, trained nurses and other paramedical staff offer the best care to a patient. We make use of advanced medical technology and state-of-the-art facilities for the diagnosis of conditions and treatment of health disorders. For the treatment of Diverticulosis, we have an experienced team of Gastroenterologists who diagnose and treat this condition with utmost precision that brings successful treatment outcomes.
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