Introduction
Your doctor can usually treat diverticulitis with a special diet, plenty of rest, and in some cases, antibiotics. Once treated, most people begin to feel better within a few days. About 20% of patients will have another relapse or recurrence. This usually happens in 5 years.
Why does diverticulosis occur?
As you age, the lining of your colon may weaken. This can cause small pockets or puffiness to form in weakened areas of your colon. If these pockets become infected, it can cause an attack or an outbreak of diverticulitis.
Can I lose weight with diverticulosis?
Diverticulosis doesn’t always cause weight loss, but severe cases can cause nausea, vomiting, poor appetite, frequent diarrhea, and constipation, which can lead to unintended weight loss.
What is the main symptom of diverticulosis?
The most common symptom is abdominal pain, usually on the left side. You may also have fever, nausea, vomiting, chills, cramps, and constipation. In severe cases, diverticulitis can cause bleeding, tearing, or blockages. Your doctor will perform a physical exam and imaging tests to diagnose it.
What is the most common complication of diverticulosis?
Diverticulosis can cause a variety of complications, including inflammation, infection, bleeding, or bowel obstruction. Fortunately, diverticulosis does not lead to cancer. Diverticulitis occurs when the pockets become infected or inflamed.
When should I be worried about diverticulosis?
Should I be worried about diverticulosis? Since diverticulosis can become a life-threatening condition, your doctor should monitor your symptoms. If you begin to experience sudden extreme abdominal pain or fever and chills, contact your doctor and seek emergency care if needed.
Why am I losing so much weight?
Unintentional weight loss has many different causes. It can be caused by a stressful event like a divorce, job loss, or the death of a loved one. It can also be caused by malnutrition, a health problem or a combination of factors.
What is the best treatment for diverticulosis?
Rest, taking over-the-counter pain relievers, and a low-fiber or liquid diet may be recommended until symptoms improve. Once your symptoms improve, you can slowly switch back to soft foods and then to a more normal diet, which should include plenty of high fiber foods.
What are the two main causes of diverticulosis?
A diet high in fat and low in fiber is the main culprit in diverticulosis, or the periodic formation and inflammation of pockets in the intestinal wall. Genetics and low levels of physical activity may also play a role.
Why do people get diverticulosis?
Diverticulosis occurs when small defects in the muscle in the lining of the large intestine or colon allow the formation of small pouches or pouches (diverticula). Diverticulitis is an infection or inflammation of these abnormal pockets. Together, these conditions are called diverticular disease.
Conclusion
Diverticular disease and diverticulitis are related digestive conditions that affect the large intestine (colon). In diverticular disease, small masses or pockets (diverticula) develop in the lining of the intestine.
