It is an unfortunate reality that many people suffering from ulcerative colitis will require surgery to rectify obstructions in the intestine. This surgery is often unplanned due to the fact that it is usually conducted at short notice and under emergency conditions.
There are many horror stories that describe sufferers of ulcerative colitis being rushed to hospital with abdominal pains and waking up after having 18 inches of their intestines removed. Sadly, medical professionals are yet to find a cure for colitis and therefore surgeons are left to deal with symptoms when they are otherwise impossible to treat. If surgery is unavoidable however, it is possible to reclaim a normal life depending on the extent of the surgery and how much of the intestines were removed.
Surgery to rectify and intestinal obstructions or blockages from sufferers of ulcerative colitis can be divided into two categories, small intestine surgery and large intestine surgery.
After small intestine surgery, the bowel is capable of increasing its absorptive capacity to compensate for the loss of the removed section of the intestine. Therefore, by allowing the intestines to heal properly and adjust to the changes, a person with colitis can return to life as normal. This includes a return to the regular diet that was consumed before surgery was performed. In severe cases where a more significant amount of the intestine is removed, the remaining intestine may be unable to fully compensate for the loss of surface area. The obvious alternative to an underperforming intestine is to increase the caloric value of food that is consumed.
This should balance the deficit in food absorption and reduce the amount of weight that is lost as a result of the surgery. In cases of severe ulcerative colitis, food supplements may need to be delivered to the stomach via a tube or alternatively, into the blood stream.
Following large intestine surgery, a special diet of high caloric value is rarely needed. This is due to the fact that much of the function of the large intestine is related to water absorption. The initial diet following the operation will most likely be dominated by liquids and slowly transition back to a regular diet. In cases where the whole intestine is removed, an ileostomy will be formed using the surrounding tissue. Due to the function of the colon in absorbing water and salt, both will need to be consumes in higher amounts.
The author is a regular contributor to http://www.diverticulitis1.com/ and permission to use this article is on the basis that all links remain live and in tact.
Wednesday, November 22, 2006
Thursday, November 16, 2006
Irritable Bowel Syndrome (Diverticulitis) Can Usually be Cured with Diet Changes
When you complain of belly cramps and alternating constipation and diarrhea, your doctor does a lot of tests. If they are all normal, he tells you that you have irritable bowel syndrome or diverticulitis. He should also tell you that you eat too much flour and other refined carbohydrates.
Most food that you eat is absorbed in your upper intestinal tract, but some non-absorbable starch passes to your colon which is loaded with bacteria that ferment it to release large amounts of gas. If the gas can pass along, it causes no symptoms. However, if anything obstructs the flow of gas, it accumulates behind the obstruction and blows up the tube-shaped colon like a balloon, stretching the colon to its limits and causing pain. Eating food that is low in fiber and high in starch causes hard stool that blocks gas, causing the colon to balloon and form outpouchings, called diverticula, that hurt. When enough gas accumulates, it blows out the hard stool which is followed by diarrhea. Then the process repeats itself to cause alternating constipation and diarrhea.
Most people who suffer from irritable bowel syndrome do not have a serious disease. Fewer than one in 20 suffers from ulcers, cancers or pancreatitis up to 30 years later. The treatment for irritable bowel syndrome is to eat lots of fruits, vegetables, whole grains and beans and avoid high-starch, low-fiber foods such as most bakery products and pastas. Whole grains, seeds, beans and vegetables keeps everything soft by filling with water and letting gas pass on its way. If that doesn't work, 5HT inhibitors such as Alosetron, Granisetron and Ondansetron may help.
The notion that people with diverticulitis need to avoid corn and other seeds (because they "may get stuck in the pockets") is outdated and has never been proven to be an actual concern. If your doctor has given you this instruction, ask him or her to show you data. A healthful diet for a person with diverticulosis includes lots of high-fiber foods, such as nuts and other seeds.
Dr. Gabe Mirkin has been a radio talk show host for 25 years and practicing physician for more than 40 years; he is board certified in four specialties, including sports medicine. Read or listen to hundreds of his fitness and health reports at http://www.drmirkin.com/
Sunday, November 05, 2006
Coping with Diverticulitis
Diverticulosis is a condition in which small, bulging pouches develop in the digestive tract. These diverticula usually develop when the wall of the colon gets weak and gives way or when pressure inside the lumen (the cavity inside the colon) increases to more than normal. Although these pouches can develop anywhere in the digestive tract, they are seen most commonly in the descending colon and sigmoid colon, which are parts of the large intestine. Diverticulosis is common in those more than 60 years old, and generally doesn't cause symptoms beyond occasional mild abdominal pain. However, sometimes, digested material can lodge in one of these pouches and can get infected. When this occurs, it is called diverticulitis.
Diverticulitis presents with severe pain in the lower left quadrant, with abdominal tenderness more on the lower left side, along with fever, nausea, vomiting, bloating, bleeding from the rectum and pain while urinating. It can range from a minor inflammation to a massive infection. Without treatment, diverticulitis can cause a number of serious complications:
*Perforation - a pouch ruptures, spilling intestinal waste into the general abdominal cavity *Local Abscess - the infected contents of the pouch cause a local abscess formation. *Peritonitis - usually, a small perforation is walled off by the local tissues but if that does not occur then the infection spreads into the general peritoneal cavity causing peritonitis. *Fistula formation - fistulas are abnormal communications between two internal organs, or between an internal organ and the skin. These must be treated promptly to prevent fistulitis which is the infection of a fistula, a serious condition *Intestinal Obstruction - repeated scarring after multiple attacks of diverticulitis narrows the lumen inside the large intestine and obstruction can occur, which has to be treated quickly
Diverticulitis is treated according to the severity of the attack, location, age and other risk factors.
*Mild attack - home care will suffice. A liquid diet or a low-fibre diet with a combination of 2 or 3 antibiotics will decrease the symptoms. All fruits, vegetables, whole grains are to be avoided for a few days. *Hospitalization - if vomiting, high fever or a risk of developing any of the above listed complications are considered likely, then hospitalization with IV antibiotics and IV nutrition is initiated. *Surgery - about 20-30% of those suffering from diverticulits will need surgery. In case of recurring diverticulitis, surgery could be necessary to remove the diseased part of the colon.
Coping with diverticulitis is a process of learning how to prevent it with good self-care. Eating a high fibre diet with lots of fruits, vegetables, whole grains like cereals, bran, wheat, peas and beans. Include these in your diet to aim for at least 25 grams of fibre daily. Avoid fatty foods and keep in mind that foods like popcorn kernels, seeds, peanuts, etc. can get stuck in a diverticulosis pouch. Drink lots of water. A good exercise regimen promotes a good bowel frequency and prevents constipation. Watch for symptoms of recurrence of diverticulitis like abdominal pain, bleeding in the stools, dark soft tarry stools, fever etc., and report them to your physician.
After finding out that several of my relatives are suffering from Diverticulitis, I did some researching and produced a website designed to help people suffering with diverticulitis at http://www.diverticulitishelp.com/
Coping with Diverticulitis
Wednesday, November 01, 2006
Diverticulosis - Diverticulitis and Diet
Pouches that push outward through vulnerable areas in the colon are called diverticula. Diverticulosis is the condition of having diverticula. Diverticulitis occurs when the pouches (diverticula) become infected or inflamed. Diverticulosis and diverticulitis are also called diverticular disease.
CAUSES OF DIVERTICULAR DISEASE:
Our highly refined western diet, with inadequate amounts of fiber, especially soluble fiber, is the primary cause of Diverticular disease, a type of digestive disease. The disease was first noticed around the time that processed foods were introduced into the western diet. Because processed foods contain refined, low-fiber flour, there is not enough fiber to prevent constipation.
Chronic constipation forces the muscles to strain in order to move hard stools. This increased pressure in the colon causes weak spots that force the colon to bulge out and become diverticula.
Diverticular disease is rare in countries where people eat high-fiber diets. It is only common in the industrialized countries where low-fiber diets are now so common.
SYMPTOMS OF DIVERTICULAR DISEASE:
DIVERTICULOSIS: Symptoms of diverticulosis are chronic constipation, cramping, and bloating. If you suffer from any of these symptoms, you should see your doctor immediately to determine if you are suffering from diverticulosis.
DIVERTICULITIS: Because diverticulitis occurs when the pouches become infected, abdominal pain is the most common symptom of diverticulitis. There may also be nausea, vomiting, fever, chills and cramping. The extent of the symptoms is dependent upon the level of the infection.
TREATMENTS FOR DIVERTICULAR DISEASE:
DIVERTICULOSIS: Typical treatment for diverticular disease includes a high-fiber diet. Fiber keeps the stool soft and lowers pressure inside the colon so that bowel contents can move through easily. If you increase your fiber intake, make sure you increase your fluid intake at the same time. (Drink at least 3 pints per day). Insoluble fiber needs fluid in order to form stools that are easy to pass.
Occasionally, mild pain medications that help relieve symptoms can be prescribed. The doctor may also recommend taking a fiber product such as Citrucel or Metamucil once a day.
Foods that may irritate or get caught in the diverticula should be avoided. These foods include nuts, popcorn hulls, and sunflower, pumpkin, and sesame seeds. The seeds in tomatoes, zucchini, cucumbers, strawberries, and raspberries are considered to be harmless.
People vary in the amounts and types of foods they can eat. Each person should make the decision about their diet based on what works for them. Keeping a food journal can help identify problem foods.
If chronic constipation, cramps and bloating continue, the doctor may recommend pain medication. Some medications, however, can affect the colon’s ability to void itself, causing adverse consequences for people with diverticulosis.
DIVERTICULITIS: The primary goal of treatment for diverticulitis is to clear up the infection, rest the colon, and prevent complications. If there are no complications, antibiotics can heal the infection within a few days.
To rest the colon, the doctor may suggest bed rest, along with a liquid diet. An acute attack with severe pain or severe infection may require a hospital stay.
In summary, diverticulosis occurs when pouches, called diverticula, push outward through vulnerable areas in the colon. The pouches form when the pressure builds, usually caused by chronic constipation. Diverticulitis is a result of the pouches becoming infected, thus causing pain in the abdomen. Eating a high-fiber diet is the recommended treatment.
Chris Chenoweth, author of the DO-IT-YOURSELF HOME, HEALTH & MONEY GUIDE, writes articles pertaining to diet, exercise, health, and business.
Diverticulosis - Diverticulitis and Diet
CAUSES OF DIVERTICULAR DISEASE:
Our highly refined western diet, with inadequate amounts of fiber, especially soluble fiber, is the primary cause of Diverticular disease, a type of digestive disease. The disease was first noticed around the time that processed foods were introduced into the western diet. Because processed foods contain refined, low-fiber flour, there is not enough fiber to prevent constipation.
Chronic constipation forces the muscles to strain in order to move hard stools. This increased pressure in the colon causes weak spots that force the colon to bulge out and become diverticula.
Diverticular disease is rare in countries where people eat high-fiber diets. It is only common in the industrialized countries where low-fiber diets are now so common.
SYMPTOMS OF DIVERTICULAR DISEASE:
DIVERTICULOSIS: Symptoms of diverticulosis are chronic constipation, cramping, and bloating. If you suffer from any of these symptoms, you should see your doctor immediately to determine if you are suffering from diverticulosis.
DIVERTICULITIS: Because diverticulitis occurs when the pouches become infected, abdominal pain is the most common symptom of diverticulitis. There may also be nausea, vomiting, fever, chills and cramping. The extent of the symptoms is dependent upon the level of the infection.
TREATMENTS FOR DIVERTICULAR DISEASE:
DIVERTICULOSIS: Typical treatment for diverticular disease includes a high-fiber diet. Fiber keeps the stool soft and lowers pressure inside the colon so that bowel contents can move through easily. If you increase your fiber intake, make sure you increase your fluid intake at the same time. (Drink at least 3 pints per day). Insoluble fiber needs fluid in order to form stools that are easy to pass.
Occasionally, mild pain medications that help relieve symptoms can be prescribed. The doctor may also recommend taking a fiber product such as Citrucel or Metamucil once a day.
Foods that may irritate or get caught in the diverticula should be avoided. These foods include nuts, popcorn hulls, and sunflower, pumpkin, and sesame seeds. The seeds in tomatoes, zucchini, cucumbers, strawberries, and raspberries are considered to be harmless.
People vary in the amounts and types of foods they can eat. Each person should make the decision about their diet based on what works for them. Keeping a food journal can help identify problem foods.
If chronic constipation, cramps and bloating continue, the doctor may recommend pain medication. Some medications, however, can affect the colon’s ability to void itself, causing adverse consequences for people with diverticulosis.
DIVERTICULITIS: The primary goal of treatment for diverticulitis is to clear up the infection, rest the colon, and prevent complications. If there are no complications, antibiotics can heal the infection within a few days.
To rest the colon, the doctor may suggest bed rest, along with a liquid diet. An acute attack with severe pain or severe infection may require a hospital stay.
In summary, diverticulosis occurs when pouches, called diverticula, push outward through vulnerable areas in the colon. The pouches form when the pressure builds, usually caused by chronic constipation. Diverticulitis is a result of the pouches becoming infected, thus causing pain in the abdomen. Eating a high-fiber diet is the recommended treatment.
Chris Chenoweth, author of the DO-IT-YOURSELF HOME, HEALTH & MONEY GUIDE, writes articles pertaining to diet, exercise, health, and business.
Diverticulosis - Diverticulitis and Diet
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