Wednesday, June 15, 2022, 4:02 p.m.
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Diverticulates are tiny, convex sacs that form in the colon. The condition is called diverticulosis, and if these bags become inflamed or infected, then the diagnosis is diverticulitis.
People with diverticulosis usually have no symptoms, but they become more visible with diverticulitis. The most common are bloating, pain and abdominal tenderness, predominantly in the lower left, diarrhea, chills or low fever, web.md.com.
What causes diverticulum formation?
The reason why diverticula form in the colon is not fully understood. Doctors believe that diverticula form when high-pressure areas inside the colon push the weak points in the colon wall. These diverticula are most common in the lower intestine (called the sigmoid colon).
Diverticulosis versus diverticulitis
Diverticulosis is common and most people don’t even know they have it. Statistics show that half of people over the age of 60 develop the condition. Only 10% -25% of these people further develop diverticulitis. Diverticulitis usually occurs when the bags that are blocked with food debris become inflamed, leading to infection.
Diverticular bleeding
When a hole is formed between a bag and a blood vessel, bleeding may occur. This can cause a large amount of blood to suddenly appear in the stool. The phenomenon is not normally painful, and the bleeding stops on its own. But in rare cases, the bleeding may be severe enough to require a transfusion or surgery.
The connection with diet and fibers
A low-fiber diet is associated with diverticulosis. Researchers are not sure why. Adding more fiber to your diet can help prevent constipation and reduce the risk of painful diverticula in the colon.
The fibers are found in fruits, legume, cereals whole grains and legumes (dried beans, peas and lentils). You can include brown rice and whole wheat pasta in your diet. The American Dietetic Association recommends that women consume about 25 grams of fiber and men about 38 grams each day.
Diagnostic
Because diverticulosis does not usually cause symptoms, it is often diagnosed when the patient goes to the doctor for another reason. Diverticulitis can be seen on x-ray or colonoscopy. When diverticulitis leads to a painful abscess, an ultrasound and a CT scan of the abdomen and pelvis can highlight the pus bags.
Treatment
Most patients with diverticulosis either have no symptoms at all or are very mild, so they do not need to treatment specific. A high-fiber diet and fiber supplements are recommended to prevent constipation and the formation of multiple diverticula.
When the symptoms of diverticulitis – abdominal pain, cramps and fever – are mild, oral antibiotics are usually sufficient. When the pain is more severe, a liquid diet may be prescribed to allow the colon and intestine to recover. When the pain is more severe, or when there is a high fever or inability to drink fluids, hospitalization may be required with intravenous antibiotics, in which case the patient should not drink or eat for several days.
Complications of diverticulitis
When inflammation of the diverticulum leads to a rupture of the intestinal wall, pus can drain into the abdominal area, causing peritonitis (a painful infection of the abdominal cavity), abscesses, intestinal obstruction, and an opening, called a fistula, between the intestine and urinary tract or other organ. abdomen or pelvis.
The need for surgery
Diverticulitis that does not respond to medical treatment requires surgery. Surgery usually involves draining the pus and removing the segment of the colon that contains the diverticula. Removal of bleeding diverticula is necessary for patients with persistent bleeding. The operation may also be necessary for any diverticula that erode into the bladder, causing severe and recurrent urinary tract infections.
Prevention
Once formed, the diverticula are permanent. But high-fiber diets increase stool volume and prevent constipation, which can relieve symptoms. It also helps to drink plenty of water and exercise regularly.
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