Diverticulitis is a condition where pouches that developed in the intestinal wall becomes inflammed or infected. To know more about this condition, risk factors and treatments, read the provided article below.
One of the most common digestive condition in the Western world, Diverticulitis affects men and women in their early 60s. The exact cause for this condition is unknown however many claimed that lack of fiber in the diet causes the wall lining of the digestive tract to develop diverticula or pouches. Although the pouches do not cause any concerns and many have developed this condition without symptoms, it is a cause of worry if the pouches becomes inflamed or infected.
Risk Factors
Many patients that are diagnosed with the condition are into their early 60s, however, due to poor diet, the age for people being diagnosed with diverticulitis has decrease and people in their 40s and 50s are being diagnosed with the disease.
A sedentary lifestyle also contributes to an increased risk of diverticulitis.
Some medications may also increase the risk including intake of drugs such as steroids and opiates as well as anti-inflammatory drugs.
Two Types of Diverticulitis
Patients that are diagnosed with acute or mild diverticulitis are often treated as outpatients. They are put into antibiotic therapy and lifestyle modification including changes in the diet and increase activities. Some patients may also opt out of medication depending on their risk tolerance.
Patients that are diagnosed with complicated diverticulitis are subject to further diagnosis to determine the type of complications that have developed. Patients with abscess would require draining of the affected area while a perforation or tear would result to patients undergoing surgery to repair the tear. Other complications that may arise includes peritonitis, fistula, bowel obstruction and uncontrolled sepsis.
Surgery Treatment
For patients that have acute diverticulitis, a 2-stage surgical treatment is often recommended. The initial treatment would require the removal of the affected area and the attachment of an end-colostomy. After the 3 months recovery period, the patient will undergo a second surgery to reverse the colostomy. Another alternative to the procedure is the resection of the disease part and do a colostomy or ileostomy. This is only use if here are no feculent peritonitis or nonedematous bowel present.
The decision to opt for surgery is done on a patient-to-patient basis and depending on the severity of the case, patients are told what to expect before, during and after surgery. For some patients that have different forms of complications, special considerations are observed such as for those who are diagnosed with diffuse peritonitis, obstructions and abscesses without peritonitis.
Medical Disclaimer: The medical information provided is for information purposes only, and is not to be used or relied on for any diagnostic or treatment purposes. This information is not intended to be patient education, does not create any patient-physician relationship, and should not be used as a substitute for professional diagnosis and treatment.
Gastrointestinal Disorder - Diverticulitis vs Diverticulosis – Know The Difference
A diet that is low in fiber results to strains in the colon area resulting to pouches forming in the lining. Diverticulitis is the condition when several pouches developed in the colon. This condition affects millions of people in the world especially in Western countries.
Diverticulitis Healing And Recovery Time – Using Probiotics And High Fiber Diet
If you are diagnosed with diverticulitis, it will not go away. However, you can prevent the attacks from recurring by following the recommended diet of your doctor as well as making other changes in your life.
Better Guts, Better Life - Acute Diverticulitis
Acute Diverticulitis is one of the most common digestive condition that affects individuals who are into their 60s. The condition can be resolve through proper treatment and lifestyle modification, but recurrent attacks would require more medical intervention.
