DIVERTICULITIS
Diverticular
disease is a group of bowel illnesses that result in the
bulging out of pouches (diverticula) through the bowel wall
(pictured in the diagram below). These can occur anywhere
in the colon, but are most commonly found within the sigmoid
area. When causing no symptoms or problems, this outpouching
state is called diverticulosis. If the diverticula
get inflamed and infected, the disease is called diverticulitis
("itis" in latin means inflammation).
Diverticulitis
is
most common in people over age 40 and is believed to be
caused by chronic increased pressure within the bowel (e.g.,
probably as a result of chronic constipation and straining
to move ones bowels). The symptoms of diverticulitis
include abdominal pain, bloating, fever, chills, and sometimes
bloody stool. If not treated with antibiotics and
bowel rest, diverticulitis can cause lead to abscesses,
blocked bowels, infection of the blood, and even death.
If you believe you have diverticular disease, be sure your
doctor knows about it.. The photograph shows the small
outpouching diverticula as seen through a colonoscope.
The dark passageway to the right of the small pockets is
looking "up" the bowel. The x-ray to the right, a
barium enema, shows the many outpouchings seen in diverticular
disease.
A
diet high in fiber (e.g., lots of fruits and vegetables)
may help prevent the development of diverticular disease
by preventing constipation and increased pressure required
to force out hard stool.
