Diverticulitis is one of the leading causes of hospitalization in the case of old people. It’s a treatable condition provided that the patient gets early and appropriate intervention.
What is diverticulitis?
It is a condition where there is an inflammation or infection in the diverticula or small pouches that develop in the lining of the intestine. According to the American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy more than 50% of people above 60, and nearly everyone over the age of 80 has diverticula in their intestines. These pouches may not pose a health risk provided that they don’t get inflamed or infected.
Uncomplicated diverticulitis
If diverticulitis does develop, it may be a minor irritant, and one can treat it with a course of antibiotics. In more than 75% of cases, there are no severe complications, and a routine CT scan can confirm the diagnosis.
About one-third of the total patients experience a recurrence of symptoms, and in younger patients, intervention and testing procedures are necessary.
Serious cases
Sometimes, the condition can become chronic, and surgery may be required. In about one-fourth of the cases, patients develop complicated diverticulitis with the formation of abscesses, fissures, obstruction, fistula, and obstruction of the bowel.
Perforation of the bowel is a major complication because the patient faces the risk of developing peritonitis.
Causes
Though the direct causes are not known, some factors do seem significant. Age affects the elasticity and strength of the intestine walls. Patients find it difficult to pass stools, and there is more strain on the colon which results in the formation of diverticula.
Undigested food collects in these pouches, causing inflammation and infection. This condition is quite common among people who are over the age of 80.
Lack of exercise, smoking, obesity, and eating a fiber-deficient diet could be some of the causes. Genetics also play an important role, and people with a family history of this condition are more likely to develop it.
Some medications like aspirin, NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs), and opiates increase the risk of diverticulitis. Gender (men aged below 50 have higher chances of developing diverticulitis, while more women above 50 get affected it) and vitamin D deficiency may also be important causative factors.
Symptoms of diverticulitis
In a majority of cases, the symptoms of diverticulitis are almost non-existent, and it may be discovered only by chance. When people experience lower abdomen pain and visit a doctor, they get a diagnosis of this disease. Signs may show up suddenly, or they may persist at a low level over a longer duration of time.
When the condition becomes severe, and if the diverticula become infected or inflamed, the condition is known as diverticulitis. Patients usually experience pain on the left side of the abdomen because that’s the area of the colon that is usually affected.
Typical symptoms of diverticulitis
- Cramps on the left side of the stomach that may disappear after passing gas or stools
- Stools contain bright, fresh red blood, or there may be bleeding from the rectum
- Feeling bloated
- Diarrhea or constipation and a change in bowel habits
- Pain, chills, fever, and nausea in severe cases
- Vomiting and flatulence
- Loss of appetite
- Abdomen is rigid
- Frequent urge to urinate
- Burning sensation while passing urine
One must call their doctor if these symptoms of diverticulitis don’t go away even after using medications. If a patient experiences bleeding along with pain, nausea or fever, they should visit a doctor as soon as possible. Prolonged bleeding may cause excessive blood loss, and they may require transfusion.
Diagnosis
Lab tests and imaging are necessary for a medical diagnosis. These include blood and stool tests, colonoscopy, CT scan, urine tests, and so on. Other conditions like IBS (irritable bowel syndrome), cancer, and celiac disease have to be ruled out.
One needs to take these tests before the doctor can provide a final diagnosis. Doctors also recommend a pregnancy test for women of fertile age and a pelvic examination to investigate other causes.
Treatment
In cases of uncomplicated diverticulitis, home-based or quick check-up treatments are recommended. One must take soft, low-fiber food and plenty of water frequently, along with antibiotics if necessary. People can also consume other pain relief medications to ease the symptoms of diverticulitis.
Dietary recommendations may include adopting a clear liquid diet for a few days till the symptoms of diverticulitis disappear. This diet gives the digestive system the rest it needs and also helps to pass stools. Follow-up tests are recommended in some cases to ensure that there are no further complications.
Long-term treatment includes permanent changes in diet including avoiding the FODMAP (fermented, oligosaccharide, disaccharide, monosaccharide, polyol) group of foods, probiotics, and so on.
Diverticulitis is a disease caused by an infection or inflammation in some areas of the bowel. There are several causes for the condition, and one can opt for different treatments based on the severity of the symptoms.
