Diverticulitis

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Diverticulitis is a type of irritable bowel problem. People have what is referred to as pouches that are small within the colon's lining. The pouches can also be in the large intestine lining as well. A diverticulum, is a pouch. If pouches are many, then you have diverticula. Diverticula is a condition called diverticulosis. Diverticulosis is found in older people,

If you have both diverticulosis and diverticulitis together, then this as a whole is classed as diverticular disease.

Now, the most common symptom of diverticulitis is pains in the lower stomach along with a tender feeling in the abdominal area. The pains can either be mild in nature, or get more intense over several days. The pains may go back and forth, and along with the pain, you'll have vomiting probably, cramps, and an upset stomach. It will also feel like you need to run into the bathroom a lot. Chills might come on you along with a fever too.

Complications of Diverticulitis

This bowel problem can lead to bleeding, infections, small tears, perforations, or blockages in the colon. As a result of the complications that can easily happen, they can cause terrible illnesses. This is why you need treatment quickly as possible.

The diverticula can easily cause rectal bleeding. The bleeding is believed to be brought on by blood vessels that are small in a weak diverticulum that you have. The little blood vessels become weak, bursting. Now when this bleeding happens, you would more than likely see blood in the toilet, and also in the stool itself.

Surgery is sometimes needed if bleeding worsens, and what doctors will do in surgery is to take out a part of the colon. Sometimes a strong regime of antibiotics will clear up infection resulting from diverticula, but this is where an abcess comes in when infections get much worse.

An abcess that will not clear up, can be treated by the doctor who will drain it using a specialized catheter. He will put this catheter directly into that abcess and it the pus that forms, will be suctioned out. Doctors will give you medication to numb that section of the body, so it is not felt or painful.

Diverticula, which become all infected, perforate badly, and the pus inside will drip out from the colon area.With diverticulitis, this can easily form a big abcess in the stomach. When this happens, it is referred to medically as peritonitis. Peritonitis causes extreme illness with vomiting, nausea, fever, and not to mention severe stomach pains.

If you develop what is called a fistula, this is a tissue connection that is not normal between two different organs. Tissues that are all damaged will partner up with each other. Then it makes sense when it heals that way, this is what you have. When this infection moves from the outside of your colon, then the colon will start to adhere to other tissues that are adjacent. This means involvement with the small intestine, bladder, and even skin.

Infections in the urinary tract can happen very easily when the fistula comes up between the colon site and the bladder together. Men are hurt by this type of fistula more than the women. The only way to truly fix this difficult problem is to have surgery which will take out part of the colon that is being affected.

Diverticulitis can cause a scarring by the infections it creates, which then can lead into a blockage that is either complete or just partial. The colon cannot have the ability to move the bowels correctly with an intestine that is all blocked up. If the intestine is extremely blocked, emergency surgery will most definitely be called for.

Causes of Diverticular Disease

This theory has not been proven totally, but a low-fiber diet might create a situation with this bowel disease. Another idea that specialists have studied is that constipation problems may create the problem since straining causes pressure in the colon itself. The colon lining can then bulge out and make diverticula.

Lack of exercise may create an environment in the body for this bowel condition. Reasons for this are as of yet, not really clear.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of this bowel disorder can be made with an ultrasound of the stomach area. The doctor may also do a rectal examination. A CT scan where the doctor puts some dye through your vein, and also give you a mixture to swallow. This type of CT scan highlights the area, helping the doctor to show where you are having complications possibly, and also abcesses.

How will you be treated for this problem?

A diet higher in fiber will help, along with prescribed pain medications for abdominal pains. A product like Metamucil may help you with 8 ounces of water.

Chances are too, that you will need to avoid foods like nuts, popcorn, and seed products. These food types tend to cause more irritations to the diverticula that you already have.

Overall, treatment for this bowel disease needs to focus on getting rid of the infection and inflammation, and giving the colon a rest from any harsh activity. Treating it gently is a must.

Antibiotics taken orally along with resting often may help these difficult symptoms to ease up. This is needed for infections that have formed.

Surgery a last resort

Surgery is needed as a last resort for diverticulitis if all other measures fail with antibiotics, and you are having constant spells. As I mentioned above, surgery will have to be done very quickly if severe bleeding occurs, or there is a total intestinal obstruction.

Do you have a problem with digesting gluten foods? It may be because of Celiac Disease. Please see the other site. Celiac disease