Diverticulitis
Digestive Disease
What is Diverticulitis?
How common is Diverticulitis?
10% of people over the age of 40 have diverticulitis. 50% of people over the age of 60 have this disease.
Pain management
Symtoms of Diverticulitis
The feeling of not wanting to eat
Belly pain
Nausea and Vomiting
Coping with Diverticulitis
Causes and Risk Factors
Diverticulitis is caused by naturally weak places in the colon giving way under pressure, making the small pouches in the colon wall.
Steps in Preventing Diverticulitis
• Stay away from fatty foods
• Drink a lot of water
• Exercise
Treating Diverticulitis
At home- Rest and consume a liquid diet for a few days so the infection can heal
Antibiotics help kill bacteria
Hospitalization- Severe attacks may require hospitalization for intravenous antibiotics
Surgery may be recommended if the diverticulitis is recurring or something (ex. an abscess) was caused by the diverticulitis
How is Diverticulitis diagnosed?
Diverticulitis is usually diagnosed by blood test, stool samples, digital rectal exam, colonoscopy, x ray and barium enema, and through your medical history.
The picture to the right shows an x ray of the large intestine using a barium enema
How does Diverticulitis start and develop?
Doctors do not know why diverticulitis starts. Low fiber may play a part because low fiber can cause constipation and when you’re constipated, your muscles strain. Straining may cause the pouches to form.
Bibliography
Staff, Mayo Clinic. "Definition." Mayo Clinic. Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research, 21 May 2011. Web. 11 Nov. 2013.
"Diverticular Disease Causes, Symptoms, Treatments." WebMD. WebMD. 11 Nov. 2013
"Nutrition and IBD, UC, IBS - Watch WebMD Video." WebMD. WebMD. 11 Nov.