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.

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Coping with Diverticulitis