A patient with diverticulosis may have few, if any, symptoms. When a diverticulum becomes infected and ruptures, the condition is called diverticulitis. A patient suffering from diverticulitis experiences abdominal pain and tenderness, often accompanied by fever. Bleeding which originates from a diverticulum is called diverticulitis bleeding. Diverticular disease is common in the Western areas of the world, but is extremely rare in areas such as Asia and Africa. Diverticular disease increases with age and is uncommon before the age of forty. Most patients with diverticulitis develop bleeding, infection, constipation, abdominal cramps, and occasionally, colon obstruction.

The treatment needed for diverticulitis depends on how bad the symptoms are and whether an infection exists. In general there are a small percentage of people whose condition will move from diverticulosis to diverticulitis. This disease is generally seen in almost half of all Americans over the age of 60, but it is diagnosed to a lesser degree to many who are in their 40’s. The problem seems to increase with age as the weak areas of the colon continue to balloon out and result in pockets. Ballooning is caused by pressure such as exertion when a person is constipated by lack of fiber in their diet or because of certain medications. It has also been attributed to some gallbladder surgeries that have positioned the gall duct to drip directly into the intestines after the gallbladder has been removed.

It is very possible to minimize the effects of the diverticulitis in those who have already developed the condition. Choosing to convert to a diet which is aimed to control diverticulitis later in life can have significant health benefits. The recommended amount of fiber everyone needs to maintain a healthy colon is generally between 20 and 35 grams of fiber every day. Adding foods like baked beans, brown rice, bran, oats, pears, and squash can easily provide the necessary fiber for anyone. There are also many supplemental products that can be ingested which offer a valuable amount of fiber that is part of a diverticulitis diet treatment. For patients who already have developed colon problems, there are also foods that should be restricted from the typical diet in order to avoid problems. This disease can be managed in many ways, diet being one of the easiest.

Most people who suffer from diverticulosis do not have any discomfort or symptoms, however, symptoms may include mild cramps, bloating, and constipation. Other diseases, such as irritable bowel syndrome, and ulcers cause similar problems. These symptoms are not indicative of diverticulosis. The differential diagnosis of diverticulosis includes colon cancer, inflammatory bowel disease, colitis, and irritable bowel syndrome. It also includes a number of urological and gynecological processes. Bleeding from the rectum is also common. Patients are commonly studied with a CT scan, but also barium enema and colonoscopy tests.

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Most people who suffer from diverticulosis do not have any discomfort or symptoms, however, symptoms may include mild cramps, bloating, and constipation. Other diseases, such as irritable bowel syndrome, and ulcers cause similar problems. These symptoms are not indicative of diverticulosis. The differential diagnosis of diverticulosis includes colon cancer, inflammatory bowel disease, colitis, and irritable bowel syndrome. It also includes a number of urological and gynecological processes. Bleeding from the rectum is also common. Patients are commonly studied with a CT scan, but also barium enema and colonoscopy tests.

A patient with diverticulosis may have few, if any, symptoms. When a diverticulum becomes infected and ruptures, the condition is called diverticulitis. A patient suffering from diverticulitis experiences abdominal pain and tenderness, often accompanied by fever. Bleeding which originates from a diverticulum is called diverticulitis bleeding. Diverticular disease is common in the Western areas of the world, but is extremely rare in areas such as Asia and Africa. Diverticular disease increases with age and is uncommon before the age of forty. Most patients with diverticulitis develop bleeding, infection, constipation, abdominal cramps, and occasionally, colon obstruction.

More serious complications include diverticulitis, abscess in the pelvis, colon obstruction, and bacterial peritonitis, plus bleeding in the colon. A diverticulum can become infected with bacteria and ruptures, causing diverticulitis. Fever, tenderness, and pain of the lower left abdomen are common symptoms. Constipation or diarrhea may also occur. A collection of pus can develop around the inflamed diverticulum, which leads to the formation of an abscess, usually in the pelvis. On rare occasions, the inflamed diverticula can erode into the urinary bladder, which causes a bladder infection and passing of gas during urination. Inflammation of the colon may also lead to bowel obstruction. On rare occasions, a diverticulum ruptures freely into the abdominal cavity causing life threatening infection caused peritonitis.

No screening is available at this time for diverticulitis. Starting at age 40, a procedure called a flexible sigmoidoscopy may be recommended every 3 to 5 years or a colonoscopy every 10 years as a screening exam for cancers of the colon and rectum. Both flexible sigmoidoscopy and colonoscopy involve using a flexible tube with a lighted viewing instrument to see inside the large intestine. These exams are often able to reveal diverticula if they are present. Treatment after recovery from an attack of diverticulitis is aimed at preventing another attack. This treatment may include getting plenty of fluids daily, gradually increasing the amount of fiber in the diet through fruits, vegetables, wheat bran, and the regular use of a fiber supplement. It is also highly recommended that regular doctor visits are conducted to monitor the condition.

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Most people who suffer from diverticulosis do not have any discomfort or symptoms, however, symptoms may include mild cramps, bloating, and constipation.  Other diseases, such as irritable bowel syndrome, and ulcers cause similar problems.  These symptoms are not indicative of diverticulosis.  The differential diagnosis of diverticulosis includes colon cancer, inflammatory bowel disease, colitis, and irritable bowel syndrome.  It also includes a number of urological and gynecological processes.  Bleeding from the rectum is also common.  Patients are commonly studied with a CT scan, but also barium enema and colonoscopy tests.

A patient with diverticulosis may have few, if any, symptoms.  When a diverticulum becomes infected and ruptures, the condition is called diverticulitis.  A patient suffering from diverticulitis experiences abdominal pain and tenderness, often accompanied by fever.  Bleeding which originates from a diverticulum is called diverticulitis bleeding.  Diverticular disease is common in the Western areas of the world, but is extremely rare in areas such as Asia and Africa.  Diverticular disease increases with age and is uncommon before the age of forty.  Most patients with diverticulitis develop bleeding, infection, constipation, abdominal cramps, and occasionally, colon obstruction.

More serious complications include diverticulitis, abscess in the pelvis, colon obstruction, and bacterial peritonitis, plus bleeding in the colon.  A diverticulum can become infected with bacteria and ruptures, causing diverticulitis.  Fever, tenderness, and pain of the lower left abdomen are common symptoms.  Constipation or diarrhea may also occur.  A collection of pus can develop around the inflamed diverticulum, which leads to the formation of an abscess, usually in the pelvis.  On rare occasions, the inflamed diverticula can erode into the urinary bladder, which causes a bladder infection and passing of gas during urination.

Diverticulitis occurs when bacteria get trapped in the pouches.  This leads to infection or inflammation.  No screening is available at this time for diverticulitis.  Starting at age 40, a procedure called a flexible sigmoidoscopy may be recommended every 3 to 5 years or a colonoscopy every 10 years as a screening exam for cancers of the colon and rectum.  Both flexible sigmoidoscopy and colonoscopy involve using a flexible tube with a lighted viewing instrument to see inside the large intestine.  These exams are often able to reveal diverticula if they are present.  Treatment after recovery from an attack of diverticulitis is aimed at preventing another attack.  It is vital to visit with a physician as soon as possible to plan a course of action.

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