Diverticulitis

Diverticulitis is a common problem which normally occurs with age and bad eating habits. It’s only in the last century that this condition has become prevalent, mostly because of our bad eating habits and lack of fresh fruit and vegetables in our diets. It was first seen in the industrial age when the people started shifting to processed food and adopted eating habits that were detrimental to their bodies.

People over sixty are usually the most common age group to suffer with this condition. Diverticulitis is caused by small pouches are formed in the intestinal tract. These pouches are not harmful and many people are not even aware of their existence until something goes wrong. Problems normally occur when these pouches become inflamed and infected. This causes people to experience pain in the abdominal area as well as bleeding.

Those who consume normal amounts of fiber in their daily meals throughout the day do not normally suffer with diverticulitis. Those who are diagnosed with diverticulitis can normally correct the condition by increasing the intake of fiber in their diet. Doctors will also suggest a change in diet and may recommend a specialized diet or supplement if the condition continues to persist.

Treatment may also include antibiotics depending on how severe the condition is when the next attack occurs. This is intended to remove any infection that may be occurring in the intestinal tract. If the diverticulitis is diagnosed as being severe the doctor may put his patient in the hospital for a few days in order to get the condition under control. In most cases though, people normally stay at home and make adjustment to their diet and lifestyle.

Many doctors will recommend that their patients see a nutritionist to get advice on the different foods that one should avoid as well as ones that should be introduced into the diet, in order to prevent further occurrences of diverticulitis.

It’s also important for people to understand the symptoms of diverticulitis. Often one of the first things a person thinks of when they have this condition is cancer. This is due to seeing a change in bowel habits as well as blood in the stool. For some there may be sudden onset of pain in the side of the abdomen on the left. The pain may start off mild and become much more intense in the days to come. The abdomen will most likely be tender and one may also have vomiting or nausea accompanied by a fever. Any of these symptoms should be cause for concern and should be an indication that a doctor’s advice is needed.

If you doctor suspects diverticulitis he will most likely send you for tests in order to make a complete diagnosis. With early treatment a person can be back to their normal life in a few days. Antibiotics will clear up any infection and then the treatment will consist of diet changes as well as lifestyle changes. Once you introduce these changes into your daily routine it is quite possible that you will never have a flare up again. Many people have this condition and continue to lead an active life. Of course the best thing is avoid having a problem in the first place and with a diet high in fiber you should never experience any problems.