You can thank poor modern eating habits for one of the most common health problems plaguing millions of people in the Western world. Diverticular disease isn’t something most of us like to talk about, but it’s certainly something we all need to pay attention to – and guard against.
Diverticular disease refers to three conditions that can affect the walls of the colon: diverticulosis, diverticulitis, and diverticular bleeding.
What Is Diverticulosis?
Diverticulosis is the formation of tiny pockets, or diverticula, in the lining of the bowel. Most common in the lower portion of the large intestine, these diverticula can range in size from as small as a pea to much larger pockets.
These pockets are formed by increased pressure on the weaker spots of the intestinal walls by gas or excessive waste. They can also develop due to straining during a bowel movement, such as when you’re constipated.
Diverticulosis is quite common, occurring in about 10 percent of people over age 40 and up to 50 percent of people over age 60. Most people have few if any symptoms. Nevertheless, complications occur in one in five cases of diverticulosis, including rectal (or diverticular) bleeding or an infection known as diverticulitis.
What Is Diverticulitis?
Diverticulitis is the infection and subsequent inflammation of diverticula. This condition can occur suddenly without warning when there are inflammation and infection in one or more diverticula.
This usually happens when pouches become blocked with waste, allowing bacteria to build up. Symptoms of diverticulitis may include alternating diarrhea and constipation, painful cramps or tenderness in the lower abdomen, and often chills or fever.
At the first sign of possible diverticulitis, it is important to consult with your doctor who’ll ask questions about your bowel habits, diet, and current medications, and they’ll perform a physical exam. In dealing with chronic diverticulitis, one or more diagnostic tests may be necessary, including X-rays, a CT scan, ultrasound testing, a colonoscopy, and blood tests to search for signs of infection.
Left untreated, diverticulitis can lead to serious complications. For one thing, a tear or perforation of the intestinal wall can result in intestinal waste material leaking into the surrounding abdominal cavity, causing peritonitis (a painful infection of the abdominal cavity), abscesses, obstruction of the intestine, or a fistula – an abnormal connection between two organs, such as the bladder and colon, requiring surgery to remove the fistula and the affected part of the organ.
What Causes Diverticular Bleeding?
Diverticular bleeding is the result of chronic injury to the small bloodvessels that are next to the diverticula. When a tiny blood vessel in a pouch (diverticulum) in your colon bursts, it causes this bleeding.
It can happen if the patient already has diverticulosis. In cases involving heavy rectal bleeding, an angiography may be required to locate the source of the bleeding.
How Can I Prevent Diverticular Disease?
Diverticular disease can be prevented – or the risk of complications reduced – by maintaining good bowel habits, such as eating appropriate amounts of the right kinds of fiber, drinking plenty of water, and exercising regularly, in order to avoid constipation and straining and to keep your bowels regulated.
The American Dietetic Association recommends the consumption of 20 to 35 grams of fiber per day. You can get your daily allowance by eating foods such as whole grain breads, cereals, and crackers; berries; and vegetables, such as broccoli, cabbage, spinach, carrots, asparagus, squash, brown rice, and beans; as well as other foods your doctor may recommend.
Also, you should drink eight 8-ounce glasses of water per day, get seven to eight hours of sleep each night, and monitor any changes in your bowel movements.
Who Can Help with My Digestive Health?
At Anne Arundel Gastroenterology Associates (AAGA), our 13 board-certified and fellowship-trained gastroenterologists are dedicated to making a positive impact on each of our patients by providing the highest-quality gastrointestinal care. We use the latest technology and diagnostic testing to thoroughly evaluate your symptoms and correctly identify your condition.
If you are experiencing symptoms of a digestive disorder like diverticulitis, diverticulosis, or other digestive issues that may be related to diverticular disease, call us today at (410) 224-2116 for an appointment with one of our gastroenterologists or request an appointment online. We look forward to serving you.