Diverticulosis, a simple guide to the condition,

Diverticulosis is a disorder of the colonPouches (diverticula) are present in this conditionIt is present in the older age group of peopleAlso in people who takes a diet of low fiberConstipation and straining causes weak spots in the bowel mucosaAs a result pouches push outwards at these spots to form diverticulaThere are very few symptoms presentThere may be bloating or left abdominal painThe best way of diagnosing diverticulosis is colonoscopyExamination for blood in the stools by microscopySome patients may develop fever and pain from infectionAntibiotics may be needed to reduce the inflammationPain medications will relieve any pain symptoms.Antispasmodic medication for spasm of the colonSurgery if the attacks are severe or there are complicationsSurgery is also done for a perforation or intestinal obstruction-An original poem by Kenneth KeeInteresting Tips about the DiverticulosisA Healthy Lifestyle1. Take a well Balanced Diet2. Treatment of DiverticulosisMedication:a. Pain medications will relieve any pain symptoms.b. Antispasmodic medication for spasm of the colonc. Antibiotics may be needed in diverticulitis and complications such as urinary infection and peritonitis.Diet:a. High-fiber dietb. Whole grain breads and cereals;c. Fruit like apples and peaches;d. Vegetables like carrots, broccoli, spinach, carrots, cabbage, and beans.e. Fiber product such as Metamucil once a day.f. Avoid nuts, popcorn, pumpkin, and sesame seeds or any food which can cause discomfortDiverticulitisa. Antibiotics to treat the infection and inflammation,b. Resting the colon by bed rest, nasogastric suction and a liquid dietc. Hospital stay to prevent complications such as abscess.d. Surgery if the attacks are severe or there are complications.e. The surgeon resects the affected part of the colon and then joins the remaining sections.f. Surgery is also done for complications such as a fistula or intestinal obstruction.g. Emergency surgery may be done for a large abscess, perforation, peritonitis, or continued bleeding.3. Keep bones and body strongBone marrow produces our bloodEat foods rich in calcium like yogurt, cheese, milk, and dark green vegetables.Eat foods rich in Vitamin D, like eggs, fatty fish, cereal, and fortified milk.Eat food rich in Vitamins B and C such as green vegetables and fruitsZinc and other minerals are important to the body4. Get enough rest and SleepAvoid stress and tension5. Exercise and stay active.It is best to do weight-bearing exercise such as walking, jogging, stair climbing, dancing, or lifting weights for 2½ hours a week.One way to do this is to be active 30 minutes a day at least 5 days a week.Begin slowly especially if a person has not been active.6. Do not drink more than 2 alcohol drinks a day for a man or 1 alcohol drink a day for a woman.Alcohol use also increases the chance of falling and breaking a bone.Alcohol can affect the neurons and brain cells.7. Stop or do not begin smoking.It also interferes with blood supply and healing.Chapter 1DiverticulosisDiverticulosis is a disorder of the colon or large intestine where there are one or more sac-like pouches (called diverticula) in the walls of the colon.It is more common in the descending and sigmoid colon.Diverticulosis becomes more obvious with age.50% of people over the age 0f 60 have Diverticulosis.The exact cause of Diverticulosis is not known.It has been suggested that a low-fiber diet is the main cause of diverticular disease.Diverticulosis is common in developed countries where low-fiber diets are common whereas it is rare in Asia and Africa where people eat high-fiber vegetable diets.Fiber prevents constipation which can make the muscles strain and increase pressure in the colon.This increased pressure makes the weak spots in the colon lining to bulge out like pouches and become diverticula.