Diverticulosis

Suffering from Diverticulosis

Many people develop small pouches in their colons that poke outward through weak spots,sort of like when an inner tube tries to push through holes in a tyre. A single pouch is called a diverticulum where as a number of pouches (plural) are known as diverticula. The actual condition itself of having diverticula is referred to as diverticulosis. As much as 10 percent of Americans over the age of 40 suffer from diverticulosis.The condition becomes far more common as people grow older,indeed by the time they reach their 60`s approximately 50 percent of people suffer from diverticulosis.

In most cases diverticulosis is symptom-free, in fact, most people do not realize they have it.

Some people however will experience spasms and some pain. One of the problems also associated with diverticulosis can be constipation, this can be eased by simply increasing fiber in the diet. At times if pain is severe or cramps and/or bloating becomes a problem then the doctor may prescribe a short course of painkillers.

What causes the onset of Diverticulosis

As referred to earlier,one of the main causes is thought to be diet related,or more to the point a lack of fibre which can lead to constipation. Constipation makes the muscles strain to attempt to move a solid stool.This is the primary cause of increased pressure in the colon. This excess pressure may well cause the weak spots in the colon to bulge out and in turn become diverticula.

When to seek medical attention

If experiencing any of the following symptoms you would be advised to seek medical help.

prolonged abdominal pain, often experienced in the lower-left area of the abdomen;

regularly suffering unexplained fevers;

persistent diarrhea

bouts of vomiting

recurring urinary tract infections.

If any bleeding from the rectum is noticed you should seek health advice immediately.

Diverticulosis Treatment

Diverticulosis

Related Content:

Diverticulosis and Diverticulitis – National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse

http://digestive.niddk.nih.gov/ddiseases/pubs/diverticulosis/

Ten to 25 percent of people with diverticulosis get diverticulitis.3 Diverticulosis and diverticulitis together are called diverticular disease. Diverticulosis and Diverticulitis. What are diverticulosis and diverticulitis. Each pouch is called a diverticulum. Multiple pouches are called diverticula.

Diverticulitis (Diverticulosis) Symptoms, Diet, Treatment, Surgery – MedicineNet

http://www.medicinenet.com/diverticulosis/article.htm

When a diverticulum ruptures and infection sets in around the diverticulum, the condition is called diverticulitis. The plural of diverticulum (two or more outpouchings) is diverticula.

Diverticulosis – Wikipedia

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Diverticulosis

Infected diverticula and development of abscesses merits the term diverticulitis. Infection of a diverticulum can result in diverticulitis. Infection of a diverticulum often occurs as a result of stool collecting in a diverticulum.

Diverticulosis – Define Diverticulosis at Dictionary.com

http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/diverticulosis

Pathol the presence of several diverticula, esp in the intestines. A condition characterized by the presence of numerous diverticula in the colon. Diverticulosis (d?’vûr-t?k’y?-l?’s?s) Pronunciation Key A condition characterized by the presence of numerous diverticula in the colon. Collins English Dictionary.