Diverticulitis is a physical disorder that occurs when small bulging pouches called diverticula are present in the digestive track. The causes for developing diverticulitis can be mainly attributed to intake of processed foods, refined foods, junk food, chocolate in huge quantities and other foods, which the digestive system finds difficult to assimilate. When it is not digested properly, it is difficult to pass out of the body and the pressure is applied on the colon many times which weakens the colon. This causes the weak points of the colon to bulge and form pouches.
When diverticula become infected, they cause pain in the abdomen, changes in bowel habits, nausea and fever. The severity of diverticulitis can range from mild to serious and common cure is to take rest, change diet habits and intake of antibiotic medication. More serious cases may require surgery to get rid of the affected part of the colon.
The mere presence of diverticula does not cause diverticulitis and the condition can be prevented by eating a well balanced diet and high fiber content diet. In most of the cases, it can be cured in the initial stages if properly detected in time. If it is more severe, the patient may also experience constipation or diarrhea, rectal bleeding, frequent urination and a tender abdomen.
Normally, diverticula are formed when the weak places in the colon give way under pressure. This results in forming of small pouches in the size of the marble, protruding through the wall of the colon. Thus, the pressure in the colon leads to infection and ultimately, to diverticulitis. The pockets of diverticula get clogged with food stuff and stool to become infected.
Fortunately, most of the cases are mild but if the infection becomes severe and if not treated, serious complications may occur that include the pouch becoming perforated and leaking out into the abdomen, infection spreading, fistulas may occur and many more.
A mild attack of diverticulitis requires a few days of rest, a liquid diet and change in diet habits, high fiber diet is important along with fresh fruits and vegetables so that the chances of food getting caught in these pockets are reduced. Taking papaya along with other melons in a fruit salad, one clove of garlic every day, taking brown rice and potatoes are good diet for home treatment of diverticulitis. Fatty foods should be avoided and plenty of water should be taken.
Diverticulitis does not show any symptoms in the early stages and can be detected only when a colonoscopy is done. Acute diverticulitis is treated with conservative medical management including bowel rest, IV fluid and antibiotics. Diverticulitis is a health condition that can be avoided through proper, food habits regular exercise and periodical examination of the abdomen. Any early symptom should not be neglected and should be immediately attended to.
Modern day living, fast life, consuming fast foods and easy life without any exercise are responsible for most of the diseases and diverticulitis is one such which can be prevented before attacking us.
