Those Who Have Diverticulosis Must Be Aware of The Potential Complications

A person’s body will change as they age. In many cases, the changes are common and don’t pose a particular danger. One such issue is diverticula. These are pouches that bulge out along the lining of the digestive system. People who suffer from these bulging pouches are said to have Diverticulosis. 

In many cases, it’s not of particular concern. This is because pouches often cause very few issues. Unfortunately, sometimes the diverticula can become enflamed painful. In this cases, Diverticulosis advances to the condition of diverticulitis. People in these cases may deal with some severe symptoms and could require surgery to repair. These two conditions are intricately linked as someone will need to have diverticulosis in order to progress to diverticulitis. The names are often used interchangeably by some people despite the differences inherent in the two. 

Causes of Diverticula

Both of these conditions have to start with the diverticula that occur in the digestive system. In most cases, they will form in the locations of the digestive system that are just naturally weak. The digestive system is weaker in this area and allows the pouches to push through the walls. 

Like most conditions, there’s some risk factors that certainly increase the chance of developing diverticula and diverticulitis. Some of these risk factors include obesity and a lack of tiness. People who smoke are at higher risk, as are those who are elderly. People who eat low fiber diets and a lot of fatty meats can be at higher risk. The final risk factor is often out of the control of the person and is medication usage. Many of these medications however are over the counter variants and should always be taken only as needed. 

Signs and Symptoms

When someone is suffering from diverticulosis, it’s very possible that symptoms won’t really appear until things push forward to diverticulitis. That being said, some of the consistent symptoms include: 

• Nausea - This will likely include vomiting as well. 
• Fever - Fever is obviously a very common symptom of many conditions. 
• Pain - This isn’t a sharp and stabbing pain. This is a more consistent pain that will likely last for several days. The pain will be located in the abdomen. Most people feel it on the left side of the abdomen, but some will feel it on the right. 
• Abdominal Tenderness - It’s not surprising that the abdomen may feel tender. This can often prelude pain. 
• Constipation - Usually as someone moves to diverticulitis, it’s possible for them to feel constipated and struggle to perform a bowel movement. 
• Diarrhea - This symptom is less likely than constipation, but it can occur in some sufferers. 

Getting Treatment

In most cases, light treatment can help avoid diverticulitis from becoming a serious issue. Unfortunately, there are also situations where complications can occur. It’s possible for bowels to become blocked, an abscess to form or a fistula to occur. If an inflamed pouch ends up rupturing, it can result in peritonitis which is an immediate emergency situation and needs immediate care. 

Prevention is usually the beginning. It’s fairly simple and good for overall health. Eat well and lots of fiber. Drink fluids to stay hydrated. Don’t smoke. Exercise and stay fit. 

Doctors will probably suggest that mild cases get treated at home. It may require a fully liquid diet for the duration of treatment to allow the bowel area to gently heal. Serious cases can require very quick hospitalization. Within the hospital, an IV will probably be needed and a tube might be inserted into the body to drain out an abscess if it’s formed. Complications as mentioned earlier will usually result in surgery being required. It’s also possible people may require surgery if they are suffering from uncomplicated diverticulitis over and over again.