THE Diverticulitis is a digestive disease which, while not always on many people’s radar, is more common than you might think.
It is a condition that mainly affects to people over 40 years oldalthough it can occur at a younger age. Diverticulitis is a complication of another disease called diverticulosisthat is, the presence of small pockets or sacs in the wall of the colon.
These pockets, called diverticula, are quite common, especially in countries where low fiber diets. However, not everyone with diverticula develops diverticulitis.
What is diverticulitis?
to understand what is diverticulitis, First you have to know the diverticulosis. Diverticulosis is the formation of diverticula in the colon liningespecially in the lower part of the large intestine. These diverticula can be asymptomaticmeaning many people don’t know they have them. However, when one of these sacs becomes inflamed or infected, diverticulitis occurs.
Diverticulitis is characterized by severe abdominal paingenerally in the left lower abdomen. In addition to pain, symptoms may include fever, nausea, vomiting, and changes in bowel habits, such as diarrhea or constipation. In more severe cases, diverticulitis can lead to complications such as abscess, perforations in the colonor even peritonitiswhich is a serious infection of the abdominal lining.
What causes diverticulitis?
Although the exact cause of diverticulitis is not fully understood, There are several factors which have been identified as contributing to the development of the disease. One of the main factors is a low fiber diet.
Fiber is essential for gut health because it helps maintain the regular transit of food and prevents the formation of hard stools. When the diet lacks fiber, stools become harder and more difficult to pass, which increases pressure in the colon and can cause the formation of diverticula.
Other risk factors include obesity, sedentary lifestyle, smokingand the use of certain medications such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).
It has also been observed that aging is a risk factor, since over time the colon wall weakens, facilitating the formation of diverticula and, therefore, the possibility of developing diverticulitis.
How is diverticulitis diagnosed and treated?
Diagnosis of diverticulitis is usually based on a combination of medical history, physical exam, and imaging tests, such as a computed tomography (CT) scan. In some cases, blood tests may also be used to look for signs of infection or inflammation.
Treatment of diverticulitis it depends on the severity of the disease. In mild cases, treatment may consist of intestinal rest, which implies a liquid diet for a few days to allow the colon to recover. Antibiotics may also be prescribed to fight infection and painkillers to relieve pain.
In more severe cases, if complications such as abscesses or perforations occur, hospitalization and, sometimes, surgery to remove the affected part of the colon may be necessary.
It’s important to note that after an episode of diverticulitis, your doctor may recommend dietary changes, such as increasing your fiber intake, to prevent future episodes.
Prevention and long-term care
The best way to prevent diverticulitis is maintain a diet rich in fiberincluding fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and legumes. Drinking enough water and exercising regularly are also important steps to maintain gut health.
For those who have already had an episode of diverticulitis, It is essential to follow medical recommendations and make the necessary lifestyle changes to reduce the risk of recurrence. Although it can be a concerning disease, diverticulitis is treatable and manageable with proper care.
In summary, diverticulitis is a more common disease than you might think, especially in people over 40 years old.
Adopting a healthy lifestyle, including a diet rich in fiber and regular physical activity, is the best strategy to prevent its onset and maintain a healthy colon.
