Diverticulosis, or diverticular disease, is an intestinal disease characterized by the formation of diverticulums, which are small pockets, in the intestinal lining, which form when the points in the lining of the intestine are fragile and are eventually rejected due to intestinal contractions.
These small pockets can range from 2. 5 mm to 2. 5 cm, usually appear in the end of the large intestine and usually do not cause symptoms, however, when inflamed or infected they result in so-called diverticulitis. identify and treat diverticulitis.
- Diverticulosis can occur in men and women.
- Most often over the age of 60.
- Being rare in people under age 40 and usually occurs due to a low-fiber diet.
Unco complicated diverticulosis doesn’t cause symptoms, however, if there’s a rupture of diverticulum, there may be bleeding in the stool. When there is inflammation or bacterial infection, there may be colic abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting or fever, which characterize diverticulitis. .
Anyone can develop diverticulosis, which is a more common disease in the elderly, and its causes are mainly related to intestinal dysfunction and, therefore, it is common for people with diverticulosis to have:
In addition, people who smoke may have an increased risk of diverticulum formation, as smoking can promote the fragility of intestinal walls.
Diverticulosis can appear and persist for many years without causing symptoms or being discovered, so it is often seen accidentally, during a routine colonoscopy, for example.
However, in the event of a complication of the disease, with bleeding or progression to diverticulitis, tests such as an ultrasound or abdominal tomography may be needed to assess the level of abdominal involvement and plan for the best type of treatment.
The treatment of diverticulosis is mainly done with a diet rich in fiber, present in fruits and vegetables. Fiber-rich dietary supplements, such as Metamucil, can also help improve intestinal function.
In addition, in cases of colic, the use of antispasmodics and analgesics, such as butylscopolamine and acetaminophen, may help relieve symptoms. Learn about the main treatment options for diverticulosis.
However, in case of diverticulitis, it may be necessary to use antibiotics and dietary restriction to rest the intestine; in more severe cases, recurrent seizures or complications, surgery may be indicated, removing the part of the intestine where the diverticulum is located. find out how diverticulitis can be treated.