Americans between the ages of 60-80 are more prone to diverticula, which for many, is harmless but for others presents as diverticulitis. This illness may have very few symptoms or may become more serious.
What Is Diverticulitis?
As people age, their stool often gets harder, making it difficult to pass through the colon. When this occurs, stool may bulge through the lining of the colon, creating pockets. The resulting pouches are called diverticula. Diverticulitis ensues when the diverticula become infected or inflamed. When one of the pouches tears or bursts is usually when the condition occurs, and it happens most often on the left side of the colon.
What Are Some Diverticulitis Symptoms?
Many people have diverticula without experiencing any symptoms. When these pouches become infected or swollen, however, the patient may suffer from the following symptoms of Diverticulitis:
• Severe abdominal pain.
• Nausea.
• Fever.
• Change in bowel habits (constipation or diarrhea).
• Chills.
• Cramps.
• Bloating.
• Rectal bleeding.
In rare cases, diverticula may even rupture or result in an abscess, which may need to be drained and treated with oral antibiotics.
What Causes Diverticulitis?
The two leading causes of diverticulitis are not enough fiber in your diet and inadequate hydration. These two factors cause your stool to harden and may strain the colon when trying to move waste through your digestive system. Smoking is another contributing factor of the condition. If you regularly take medications like ibuprofen, steroids, opioids, or anti-inflammatories, you are also at risk.
Diverticulitis is hereditary and common in families with a possible gene connection. Obesity is another likely cause. If you lack an abundance of good bacteria in your colon, you may also develop the condition.
Diverticulitis is more common in women over the age of 50 and men under the age of 50.
Preventing & Treating Diverticulitis
The best way to avoid diverticulitis is to incorporate a healthy fiber-rich diet into your lifestyle. Drink plenty of fluids daily and exercise regularly. Most cases of diverticulitis can be treated with a well-hydrated change in diet and over-the-counter pain relievers.
In more severe cases, the patient may be hospitalized for treatment, which could include surgery like primary bowel resection or bowel resection with colostomy.
If you have any of the symptoms mentioned above and think you might be at risk for this condition, contact your diverticulitis doctor for a consultation as soon as possible.