Diverticulosis is the presence of small pockets or sacs called diverticula that develop the lining of the colon. Diverticulosis usually does not cause any symptoms or discomfort if the diverticula are not inflamed or infected. If these diverticula do become inflamed or infected, it is called diverticulitis and serious health problems can occur. In diverticulitis, the diverticula can perforate and can bleed. Diverticulitis can cause an obstruction that blocks the colon channel.
Signs and Symptoms of Diverticulitis
The most common symptom of diverticulitis is abdominal cramping. The pain is usually in the lower left side of the stomach and may get worse with movement or activity. Fever and chills will often present when there is an infection.
Other symptoms include feeling bloated, having gas, diarrhea or constipation. A person may suddenly become nauseated and have sudden episodes of vomiting. A person with diverticulitis may experience a decrease in appetite and will not feel like eating.
Diverticulitis can lead to peritonitis which is an inflammation of the lining of the abdomen. Diverticulitis can also lead to the development of abscesses which are tissue infections. It may also lead to fistulas, which are abnormal passageways which narrow different parts of the intestine. In these cases, a person may see moderate to large amounts of blood in their stool Mayoclinic.com, “Diverticulitis” (accessed February 19, 2010).
Medical Treatment for Diverticulitis
Medical intervention for diverticulitis focuses on clearing up the inflammation and infection. To do this the doctor may prescribe oral antibiotics. Another medical focus is on the pain and a doctor may recommend antispasmotic medications and stool softeners.
In severe cases of diverticulitis, a doctor may hospitalize the patient to treat them with intravenous medications. Surgery may even be necessary if the colon has become severely inflamed, infected or blocked Webmd.com, “Diverticulitis-treatment-overview” (accessed February 19, 2010).
Prevention and Self Care
The best way to prevent diverticulosis and diverticulitis is to eat a diet that is high in fiber. High fiber foods include but are not limited to whole grains, fruits, vegetables, and legumes. A good source for the fiber content in foods is mayoclinic.com Mayoclinic.com, “Health/Fiber (accessed February 19, 2010).
Other preventive measures are to avoid eating foods that can aggravate symptoms. Foods that should be avoided include seeds of any type, popcorn and nuts. These types of food can easily get caught in the diverticula and cause inflammation and infection.
Beverages that can dehydrate the body should also be avoided. Some liquids that can dehydrate the body are soda, coffee, tea and alcoholic beverages. These fluids dehydrate by flushing the body of water.
Drinking lots of water is necessary to prevent dehydration and to minimize digestive system-related problems. A glass of water should be consumed with each meal and between each meal. Since it is important for the body to be hydrated during and after exercise a glass of water should be consumed before and after activity that causes moderate amounts of sweating.
Preventing constipation is important for someone with diverticulitis. Along with the recommendations above, constipation can be avoided by participating in a daily exercise program. There are medications that help prevent constipation but before taking over-the-counter remedies it is important to talk to your doctor. Laxatives can have adverse effects.
There are measures one can take to decrease the discomfort of stomach spasms and pain that go along with diverticulitis. One comfort measure is the application of heat to the abdomen. A heating pad, a warm moist towel or a soak in a warm tub are ways to relax muscle spasms. Other relaxing measures include slow deep breathing exercises and other forms of meditation.
Mary Ann George - I am a registered nurse currently working as a case manager in the home health industry. My credentials include a BS degree in education, ...
