Mild cases of diverticulitis are usually treated with antibiotics and a low-fiber diet, or treatment may start with a period of rest where you eat nothing by mouth, then start with clear liquids and then move to a low-fiber diet until your condition improves. More-severe cases typically require hospitalization.
You have about five feet of colon, and most patients can live a normal, healthy life without the sigmoid section, which is about one foot long.
If left untreated, it will affect your ability to digest food and cause you considerable pain. Intestinal blockage from diverticular disease is very rare. Other causes, such as cancer, are more common.
The target is to eat 25 to 30 grams of fiber daily. Drink at least 8 cups of fluid daily. Fluid will help soften your stool. Exercise also promotes bowel movement and helps prevent constipation.
Symptoms of Diverticular Disease
Diverticulitis (flare-up) occurs when the diverticula become inflamed and/or infected. There might be an increase in diarrhea, cramping, and bowel irritability, and symptoms can include intense pain, abdominal cramping, bleeding, bloating, and fever.
Diverticulitis doesn't affect the life expectancy of most people with the condition. While complications from diverticulitis can be fatal, this outcome is not common. Diverticular disease is a common condition, especially in people over age 60.
In about 95 out of 100 people, uncomplicated diverticulitis goes away on its own within a week. In about 5 out of 100 people, the symptoms stay and treatment is needed. Surgery is only rarely necessary.
Along with dietary restrictions, bed rest has been part of the routine treatment of acute diverticulitis. However, beneficial effects of bed rest have never been studied nor proven.
When stress is added to the overall picture, the problem of diverticulitis becomes an issue. This is due to the body impulses that will immediately address stressful situations by shifting the oxygen and blood from the digestive tract to the brain and muscles.
Symptoms of diverticulitis are more severe and often start suddenly, but they may become worse over a few days. They include: Tenderness, usually in the left lower part of the abdomen.
Diet and lifestyle
Not eating enough fibre is thought to be linked to developing diverticular disease and diverticulitis. Fibre helps to make your stools softer and larger so they put less pressure on the walls of your intestines. Some other things that seem to increase your risk include: smoking.
“Generally speaking, inflammation from diverticulitis can cause scar tissue formation and breakdown of the colon wall, and if the colon wall develops a hole, then an abscess will form,” warns Will Bulsiewicz, MD, a gastroenterologist and gut health expert in Mount Pleasant, South Carolina.
Long-term management probably includes a high-fiber, low-fat diet. Normal activity is possible after resolution of the acute episode. Patients with diverticular disease should consider vigorous physical activity.
Diverticular disease is regarded as a chronic condition, which requires lifelong management.
Most of the time, diverticulitis is uncomplicated, which means that inflammation and possible infection are the extents of the problem. It heals easily with the right treatment.
DOs and DON'Ts in Managing Diverticulitis:
DO eat a high-fiber, low-salt, low-fat diet between attacks to avoid constipation. This will reduce your chances of getting diverticulitis. DO drink plenty of fluids between attacks. DO keep physically active between attacks.
CAUSES. The most commonly accepted theory for the formation of diverticulosis is related to high pressure within the colon, which causes weak areas of the colon wall to bulge out and form the sacs. A diet low in fiber and high in red meat may also play a role.
You should begin to feel normal again after about six weeks, but should avoid heavy lifting and strenuous exercise as these may increase the possibility of hernia formation.
Brock was one of the greats in UFC until it was discovered that he had diverticulitis, an illness that could have taken his life, had he waited much longer for treatment.
Once diverticula form, they do not disappear by themselves. Fortunately, most patients with diverticulosis do not have symptoms, and therefore do not need treatment.
Complications of diverticular disease
Abscess – untreated, diverticulitis may lead to an abscess (a ball of pus). Perforation – a weakened pocket of bowel wall may rupture. The contents of the bowel can then seep into the abdominal cavity. Symptoms include pain, high fever and chills.
Progression of diverticulosis and diverticulitis
Complications of diverticulitis occur in approximately 12% of patients. The most common complication is phlegmon or abscess (approximately 70% of patients with complications) followed by peritonitis, obstruction, and fistula.
Other symptoms of diverticulitis can include: a high temperature (fever) of 38C (100.4F) or above. a general feeling of being tired and unwell.