Colonic Diverticulosis

Colonic diverticulosis is one of the commonest diseases of developed Western countries. Diverticula are pockets of the colon mucosa that usually appear with aging mainly in the left colon, leading to what we call the diverticular disease. Diverticulitis develops from diverticulosis, which involves the formation of pockets on the outside of the colon. Diverticulitis results if one of these diverticula becomes inflamed. In the U.S., diverticulosis occurs in approximately one third of the population aged over 45 years and up to two thirds of the population aged over 85 years and also affects a significant proportion of young adults. Most patients with diverticular disease have no or few symptoms, some patients experience bleeding, constipation, infection, abdominal cramps, and even bowel obstruction.

There are several causes of colonic diverticulitis. Diverticulitis occurs when diverticula become infected or inflamed. abnormal contraction and spasm can cause diverticula to form in a weak point of the intestinal wall. Most fibers in the human diet is of plant origin and this type of fiber and salt retains water in the colon leading to larger and bulkier stools. diet low in fiber may play a role in the development of diverticulosis. In rural Africa where the diet is high in fiber, diverticulosis is rare. There also appears to have a genetic predisposition to diverticulosis. High pressure may develop in certain parts of your digestive tract when he presses hard stools. The increased pressure can push the inner wall of a small area of your bowel through the muscle wall to form a small diverticulum.

The symptoms of colonic diverticulitis is the lower abdomen, bloating, and / or a change in bowel habits. Acute diverticulitis is usually treated with conservative medical management, including bowel rest (ie nothing by mouth), IV fluid resuscitation and broad spectrum antibiotics to cover anaerobes and Gram -negative. In some cases, surgery may be necessary to remove the area of colon with diverticula. A diet rich in fiber and, sometimes, mild pain medications will help relieve symptoms in most cases. Several antibiotics are ciprofloxacin (Cipro), metronidazole (Flagyl), cephalexin (Keflex), and doxycycline (doxycycline) also recommended. Sometimes instructed to avoid foods that contain indigestible particle such as corn, nuts and fruits with small seeds.

Tips colonic diverticulitis treatment and prevention

1. Eat plenty of foods rich in fiber and fiber supplements.

2. Surgery is necessary for people with persistent intestinal obstruction.

3. cons mild pain medications will help relieve symptoms in most cases.

4. Avoid foods that contain indigestible particles, such as corn, nuts and fruits with small seeds.

5. A temporary colostomy may be required during surgery diverticulitis complicated.