Diverticular Disease

Important information regarding your health

DIVERTICULAR

05/26/2021

DIVERTICULAR DISEASE

Important information regarding your health

Large Intestine Diverticular disease consists of two conditions that affect the colon – diverticulosis, and diverticulitis. Diverticulosis occurs when pouches, called diverticula, form in the colon. These pouches bulge out like weak spots in a tire. Diverticulitis occurs if the pouches become inflamed.

It is estimated that one-half of the United States population between the ages of 60 and 80 has a diverticular disease¹. Doctors are not sure what causes diverticular disease, but many think that a diet low in fiber is the main cause. Diets low in fiber may cause constipation, which occurs when stools are hard and difficult to pass. Constipation causes your muscles to strain when you pass stool. Straining may cause diverticula to form in the colon, when stool or bacteria get caught in the pouches, diverticulitis can occur.

Most people with the disease do not have serious problems, but diverticulitis can attack suddenly and cause the following:

An infection in the colon, which could rupture, causing stool to empty from the colon into the abdomen
Bleeding
Blockage
Fistulas
Rips in the diverticula (pouches)

Diagnosis:

Diverticulosis is generally diagnosed through one of the following examinations: Diverticulosis is generally diagnosed through one of the following examinations:

• Barium enema:This X-ray test involves an injection of liquid material into the colon through a tube inserted in the rectum. The X-ray image shows the anatomy of the colon and can identify if diverticula, large polyps, or growths are present.

• Colonoscopy: This test uses a thin, flexible tube with a light and camera to view the inside of the colon. Diverticula, as well as polyps, can be seen with this instrument.

• CT scan: This X-ray test takes multiple cross-section pictures of the body. It is not generally performed to make a diagnosis of diverticulosis, but this type of exam may identify diverticula.

Treatment Option:

Treatment for diverticular disease depends on how serious the problem is and whether you are suffering from diverticulosis or diverticulitis. Most people are treated by simply changing their diets to include eating high-fiber foods. Sometimes mild pain medications are necessary.

For diverticulitis, a doctor may prescribe antibiotics and recommend a liquid diet. Most people recover with this treatment. Some people may need surgery and other treatments, as follows:

• Surgery: Serious complications from diverticulitis are treated with surgery. Surgeons can clean the abdomen after infections and remove bleeding pouches and fistulas.

• Colon resection: If you get diverticulitis many times, your doctor might suggest taking out the part of the colon with diverticulitis. The healthy sections can be joined together. With the diverticula gone, you may avoid future infections.

Most doctors agree that the key to preventing diverticular disease is your maintenance of a high-fiber diet. Talk to your doctor about using fiber products like Benefiber®, Citrucel®, or Metamucil® – daily use can help you get the fiber you need if you do not get it through your diet. Eating foods high in fiber is simple and can help reduce diverticular disease symptoms and problems. Try eating more of the following:

• Fruit: Raw apples, peaches, pears, and tangerines

• Vegetables: Fresh broccoli, squash, carrots, and brussels sprouts

• Starchy vegetables: Potatoes, baked beans, kidney beans, and lima beans

• Grains: Whole-wheat bread, brown rice, bran flake cereal, and oatmeal