Diverticulitis / Diverticulosis
Diverticulitis is a very common disease. The cause is thought
to be insufficient fibre in the diet. In prehistoric times, humans
consumed far more fibre than modern
man.
The result of the lack of fibre in our diet is the presence
of harder faeces in the bowel which causes more difficulty in
passing
the motions along. The result is an increase in the pressure
inside the bowel. Damage to the wall of the bowel occurs in
the form of small balloon-like pockets or
'pouches' (see illustration below).
These pouches, also called diverticula, frequently appear in
the lower bowel, become infected and cause problems.
Diverticulitis is very common in people over the age of forty.
It occurs in the lower bowel, as indicated here, and the condition
can become serious if left untreated.
Colonoscopic examination is the most direct procedure in assisting
diagnosis. This photograph shows the presence of diverticula
in the lower bowel.
SYMPTOMS
Early symptoms include:
- Pain in the abdomen, especially on the
left side.
- Constipation and distension of the abdomen relieved
by passing wind.
- Occasional diarrhoea.
DIAGNOSIS
The symptoms described above are often
sufficient to indicate the presence of diverticulitis. A barium
enema x-ray can also assist in diagnosis of the disease.
Unfortunately,
if the barium
enema shows other diseases such as polyps
or cancer, there
is no method of immediately dealing with
the problem. For this reason,
a colonoscopy is preferable. Colonoscopy
shows the
diverticula from the inside (see photograph above).
It also enables
the surgeon to remove a polyp or take a biopsy
if necessary.
PREVENTION
The chart (Click here to view Chart) shows the fibre
content of foods. Normally you should eat at least 30 gms
of fibre per day. If you have
diverticulitis more fibre is required.
TREATMENT
Once the diagnosis is established and other diseases
are excluded, treatment is simple. Years ago, it was thought
that fibre should be eliminated from the diet because
it could become stuck in one of the pockets. However, it has
now been shown that the opposite is true - fibre must
be increased in the diet This can be done in many ways. The
simplest and cheapest is to eat UNPROCESSED WHEAT BRAN
every day approximately two heaped tablespoons with milk.
There
are more expensive and more palatable options such as
Psylliurn and other bulking medicines.
DANGERS
- Diverticulitis can worsen and may
need surgery to correct obstruction of the bowel.
- Cancer
of the bowel can mimic the symptoms of diverticulitis, and
sometimes be present at the same time. A
colonoscopy is the most efficient procedure to assist
diagnosis.
IMPORTANT
If you think you may have diverticulitis,
go and see your family practitioner.
Early diagnosis and treatment is essential.
Click here to view 'Sources of Fibre
Chart'
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