Diverticulosis
of the colon is a common condition
affecting many Americans who are
middle- aged or older. Only a small
percentage of these people eventually
require treatment.
What
Is Diverticulosis?
Diverticulosis
is the presence of pockets (diverticula)
that develop on the wall of the large
intestine or colon. They occur at weak
areas in the bowel wall and are usually
found on the left side (called the sigmoid
colon), but they can be found anywhere
throughout the colon.
What
Causes Diverticulosis?
Diverticulae
occur gradually over time and are due
to excessive pressure or spasms within
the bowel. The amount of fiber and fluid
intake affects what kind of action occurs
in the bowel. The American diet is high
in processed foods with the natural fiber
being removed. When fiber and fluid are
lacking, the stool becomes hard and dry.
The muscles in the wall of the colon
need to squeeze with greater force, causing
a bulge to form in the colon wall, which
eventually becomes a pocket or diverticulum.
What
Are the Symptoms of Diverticulosis?
Diverticulosis
presents in several different ways. Most
people with diverticulosis have no symptoms.
If they do, possible symptoms include
left lower abdominal pain, diarrhea,
cramps, and change in bowel habits. Some
patients with diverticulosis can have
severe rectal bleeding. These symptoms
can also be the result of other conditions.
An examination is necessary to make the
correct diagnosis.
What
Can I Do to Prevent Diverticulosis?
The
prevention of diverticulosis and treatment
of its symptoms are managed in the same
way– with diet and occasionally
with medication. You should increase
your dietary fiber to 25 grams daily
and liquid intake to 8-10 glasses daily.
High-fiber foods and commercial fiber
products add bulk to the diet, which
helps achieve regular bowel habits. Fiber
holds water, which helps to soften stool.
Soft stool requires less pressure to
move it through the colon. Diverticula
formation may be reduced or even stopped.
High-fiber
foods* can be found in most food
groups.
- Legumes–The
bean family excels in fiber,
especially the soluble, cholesterol-
lowering type. They include kidney,
pinto, navy, lima, and baked
beans.
- Whole
grains–Wheat bran
and oat bran are present in a
variety of cereals and breads.
The label should say that the
bread contains whole wheat or
whole grain. Plain wheat bread
may lack fiber. One cannot always
tell by the color. Some manufacturers
artificially color bread brown
to make it look more wholesome.
- Whole
fresh fruits– Valuable
pectin fiber is found in the
skin and pulp. Figs, prunes,
and raspberries have the highest
fiber content.
- Cooked
or stewed fruits–Prunes
and applesauce are good choices.
- Green
leafy vegetables–Lettuce,
spinach, celery, and broccoli
are good examples.
- Root
vegetables–Potatoes,
turnips, and carrots are excellent
sources.
Since
fiber can cause rumbling intestinal
gas and even some mild cramping,
the amount taken should be increased
gradually. The goal should be 25
to 35 grams of fiber each day, which
will usually produce one to two soft,
formed stools a day.
*If
you need more information, pick
up a copy of our high-fiber diet
booklet.
General
Rules
- Drink
plenty of liquids, including
fruit or vegetable juices and
water (8-10 glasses per day).
Increasing the amount of fiber
without adequate liquid will
result in hard stools. Because
caffeine acts as a diuretic,
caffeine-containing products
should not be considered part
of your liquid intake.
- Eat
meals at regular intervals.
- Get
regular exercise.
What
Is Diverticulitis?
Diverticulitis
is an infection in a diverticulum. It
occurs when the opening of a diverticulum
is blocked with stool and the diverticulum
ruptures, resulting in localized infection.
Symptoms may include abdominal pain,
chills, fever, or change in bowel habits.
Complications can result in bowel perforation,
abscess or infection into another organ.
Mild cases can be managed with oral antibiotics
and a modified diet. Severe cases require
hospitalization with intravenous antibiotics
and no food or fluid by mouth. Surgery
becomes necessary with recurrent episodes,
complications, or a poor response to
medications. When surgery is required,
the infected part of the colon is removed
and the colon usually is put back together.
Bowel activity typically returns in three
to five days and becomes routine in approximately
three weeks. |
