Also referred to as Diverticular disease
Occurs when “diverticula” or small outpocketings are found within the colon of the large intestines.
The pockets occur in the mucosa and submucosa.
Rectal bleeding is a sign but it is non-specific
Therefore often rectal bleeding must be evaluated to rule out hemorrhoids and colon cancer.
Symptoms:
- Often no symptoms are present
- Rectal bleeding
- Abdominal pain
- Abdominal cramping
- Diarrhea
- Constipation
Potential Causes:
- A weakness in the muscle layer of the colon wall.
- Increased pressure within colon
- Colonic spasms
Risk Factors
- Increased age
- Constipation disease or conditions
- Large or little fiber intake
- Large intake of red meat
- Connective tissue disorder
Location:
Often seen in the sigmoid colon, this portion of the colon has increased pressure
Those affected
- Increase risk or occurrence as age increase
- Less often found under the age of 40.
- Over age 40 in U.S – 10% has this condition
- Commonly found in US, Britain, Australia, Canada
- Less common in Asia and Africa
Diagnosis
Colonoscopy is essential when symptoms are present
X-ray, CT, MRI are helpful
Complications
1.) Diverticulitis – infection in the pockets
2.) Abscess formation
3.) Sepsis
4.) Fistula
5.) Enterolith
6.) others
Other organs affected due to complications may be:
1.) Bladder
Treatment
Dietary changes
- Increase hydration
- Increase fiber
- Avoid certain foods
. Nuts
. Popcorn
. Sunflower seeds
. Pumpkin seeds
. Sesame seeds
Foods that don’t require avoidance
. Tomatoes
. Zucchini
. Strawberries
. Raspberries
. others
Medications
. Ciprofloxacin (Cipro)
. Metronidazole (Flagyl)
. Cephalexin (Keflex)
Surgery
- May be required when complications arise
- Drainage of area may be required
- Bowel resection may be required