Diverticular Disease
Diverticular disease is a common digestive condition can cause significant discomfort and in some cases serious complications.
Diverticular disease is affects the large intestine or colon. It's characterised by the formation of small pouches called diverticula that bulge outward from the colon wall. These pouches can vary in size and number.
The exact cause of diverticular disease isn't fully understood. However, a low fibre diet is often implicated. When we don't consume enough fibre, our stool becomes harder and larger, putting increased pressure on the colon and leading to the formation of diverticular.
Many people with diverticular disease have no symptoms at all. However, when symptoms do occur, they include:
Abdominal pain, which is often described as cramping or aching pain and typically occurs in the lower left side of the abdomen.
Bloating, a feeling of fullness or pressure in the abdomen may accompany diverticular disease. Constipation and diarrhoea can occur in diverticular disease.
Patients may have difficulty passing stool or have infrequent bowel movements and during an acute flare, they have very watery stools.
Fever and chills. This may be a sign that you're developing diverticulitis. Diverticulitis occurs when one or more of the diverticular become inflamed or infected.
While we can't completely prevent diverticular disease, a high fibre diet is crucial for reducing your risk. Here are some tips:
Eat plenty of fruit, vegetables and whole grains. These foods are rich in fibre and can help keep your stool soft and bulky.
Drink plenty of water. Water is critical to good gut health. Staying hydrated helps to soften stool and promote regular bowel movements. As a minimum, you should aim to drink 1.5 litres of water per day, in addition to other fluids such as tea and coffee.
Engage in regular physical activity. Exercise can help stimulate bowel movements and maintain a healthy weight.
Avoid straining during bowel movements! Straining can increase pressure on the colon and worsen diverticular disease.
Treatment for diverticular disease depends on the severity of your symptoms. Dietary changes, such as having a high fibre diet is often recommended to promote regular bowel movements and prevent constipation. However, during a flare-up, a low fibre diet may be necessary to rest the colon. Medication.
Over-the-counter muscle relaxants can help manage bowel pain. Antibiotics may be prescribed to treat infection. In severe cases, surgery may be necessary to repair damaged tissue or to remove affected parts of the colon.
If you are experiencing any symptoms of diverticular disease, it's important to consult with your doctor for proper diagnosis and treatment.
Additional videos on a range of common conditions are available to view on the Gastroenterology Specialist Care YouTube channel.
Note, this video is not a medical consultation. Any medical information is general in nature and is not intended to provide individual clinical advice. You should contact your doctor or other healthcare professional in relation to any concerns they may have, as your own circumstances may be different.
More videos on common conditions you may be interested in:
