Diverticulitis is like a thief in the night, it comes without you expecting it. Many patients who have diverticulosis do not have any symptoms and are found to have this only when they have to undergo diagnosis or tests for other medical reasons. Some people might be born with diverticula or pouches in their intestinal wall while others develop these over time. Diverticulosis results to diverticulitis when the pouches becomes inflamed or infected.
Factors
The exact cause of the condition is unknown; however many researchers believe that it is linked to the person's diet. Other factors that may contribute to the condition include:· Genes or hereditary factors - close relative, genetics,· Smoking· History of constipation· Overweight· Use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs
Signs and Symptoms of Acute Diverticulitis· Pain in lower left side of the abdomen· Nausea or vomiting· Constipation· Urinary symptoms· Diarrhea
Treatments and Prevention
Most diverticular diseases are treated at home. Doctors can prescribe over-the-counter painkillers to help relieve and alleviate the symptoms. Painkillers that are non-steroidal or NSAIDs are not recommended as they can result to upset stomach and risk of internal bleeding. Those who were prescribed with antibiotics should finish the course to prevent infection or recurring of diverticulitis even if one is feeling better.
To prevent the recurrence of the condition, doctors may also prescribe change of diet into a fiber rich diet. Some may undertake clear liquid diet to help the intestinal lining to heal itself after which solids are added to the diet slowly until the healing is done.
For patients that experience constipation, laxatives may be provided though side effects can occur including a feeling of bloating and wind (flatulence). Drinking plenty glasses of water can also soften the fecal matter allowing for easier passing through during defecation.
Long Term Effects of Diverticulitis
Individuals who have acute diverticulitis can prevent further attack by doing a lifestyle modification including changing to a high fiber diet. Once the pouches are formed, they will not go away and no other treatment has been shown that can result in the pouches being healed. Some conditions may occur on and off and treatment is the same except when complications arise such as perforation or peritonitis. Regularly seeing your family physician would help you check your condition and in diagnosing if, you have any other underlying medical condition. They would also be able to help patients to choose the right food that would prevent flare-ups from occurring.
Factors
The exact cause of the condition is unknown; however many researchers believe that it is linked to the person's diet. Other factors that may contribute to the condition include:· Genes or hereditary factors - close relative, genetics,· Smoking· History of constipation· Overweight· Use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs
Signs and Symptoms of Acute Diverticulitis· Pain in lower left side of the abdomen· Nausea or vomiting· Constipation· Urinary symptoms· Diarrhea
Treatments and Prevention
Most diverticular diseases are treated at home. Doctors can prescribe over-the-counter painkillers to help relieve and alleviate the symptoms. Painkillers that are non-steroidal or NSAIDs are not recommended as they can result to upset stomach and risk of internal bleeding. Those who were prescribed with antibiotics should finish the course to prevent infection or recurring of diverticulitis even if one is feeling better.
To prevent the recurrence of the condition, doctors may also prescribe change of diet into a fiber rich diet. Some may undertake clear liquid diet to help the intestinal lining to heal itself after which solids are added to the diet slowly until the healing is done.
For patients that experience constipation, laxatives may be provided though side effects can occur including a feeling of bloating and wind (flatulence). Drinking plenty glasses of water can also soften the fecal matter allowing for easier passing through during defecation.
Long Term Effects of Diverticulitis
Individuals who have acute diverticulitis can prevent further attack by doing a lifestyle modification including changing to a high fiber diet. Once the pouches are formed, they will not go away and no other treatment has been shown that can result in the pouches being healed. Some conditions may occur on and off and treatment is the same except when complications arise such as perforation or peritonitis. Regularly seeing your family physician would help you check your condition and in diagnosing if, you have any other underlying medical condition. They would also be able to help patients to choose the right food that would prevent flare-ups from occurring.