subject: Diverticulitis Symptoms Including Action And Facts [print this page] The large intestine is predominantly involved with the problem which stems from having diverticula in the colon. These diverticula are actually small filled pouches that appear in the weakened lining of muscle and this condition is known as diverticulosis. When the condition is active it is referred to as diverticular disease. Diverticulitis symptoms may result from this digestive disease when these small pouches become inflamed.
There may be no symptoms or warning associated with the conditions of diverticulosis. At other times, the person may experience some forms of bloating, mild constipation and cramps. These particular symptoms present with many other conditions as well, so they do not necessarily mean that they are related to this one.
Diverticulitis however, has many specific symptoms associated with its presence. Some symptoms include sharp and sudden pain in the lower part of the abdomen; usually on the left. The pain is likely to increase in intensity of upcoming days. The abdomen is usually tender when touched and the problem tends to be worse toward the end of the day.
There is the possibility of infection, so an elevated white count will be one sign accompanied by a fever in most cases. It is also possible for the white count to be elevated with no fever present. In most cases of infection there will be nausea and possible vomiting.
Bowel habits change and can take either direction at any time from day to day or moment to moment. They may switch between bouts of constipation and diarrhea during the same day. Cramping is a common symptom experienced with these bowel changes. The rate at which these particular symptoms present has a lot to do with how much infection is present.
There is only one cause suspected for this particular problem and it is due to increased pressure in the colon over time causing weakening of muscle. Once the weakening occurs, diverticula are able to develop and can trap material that cause infection and decrease blood flow that result in inflammation. At one time it was suspected that particular foods contributed to the problem, but this is no longer believed an issue.
Diverticulitis tends to occur in people over the age of forty. Those that fall into the higher risk category are individuals that are overweight, do not eat enough fiber and do not get enough exercise. There is no guarantee that this will not become a problem for any individual however, following these guidelines may help reduce the chances.
When diagnosed, treatment will usually be rest with a liquid diet accompanied by antibiotics; higher fiber diet prescribed on follow-up. If the condition is of a more serious nature then other action may need to be taken like surgery. Surgery is done in three different ways for this condition such as abscess drainage; done with a needle assisted by ultrasound, primary bowel resection; diseased sections of the intestine are completely removed and bowel resection with colostomy; done permanently or temporarily in cases of severe inflammation.
Several things can be changed in life now that may prevent these serious circumstances later and they are simple solutions available at home. Drinking plenty of water daily is one important item. When it becomes necessary to go to the bathroom, do not wait, just go. Find some form of exercise that can be done on a daily basis. Changes made in diet that are optional by increasing fiber intake now, may become crucial later.
