All diseases have some degree of accepted risk factors and
diverticulitis is not exception. Both age and family history are
the most pertinent areas of interest for assessing an
individual's risk of diverticulitis or diverticulosis. As with
most diseases, diet and exercise regimes also play a significant
role the development of the condition. Low fiber diet that are
primarily made up of refined food and lack whole grains are
widely recognized as problematic, thus greatly increasing the
incidence of diverticulitis. Although not yet proven by
scientific studies, it is thought that low fiber diets which
result in strained bowel movements may generate enough pressure
to damage the walls of the bowel and create diverticular
pouches. (Pictures available at
http://www.diverticulitis1.com
This in turn can lead to infection and inflammation and
ultimately diverticulitis.
Unfortunately for people with diverticulitis, diagnosis can be a
somewhat involved process. This is primarily because several
other digestive diseases can share similar symptom, forcing
doctors to utilize more invasive techniques. It is quite common
for doctors to order stool and or blood samples or barium enemas
and x-rays. For those not familiar with barium, it is used
because it is quite distinctive in x-rays. When barium occupies
the colon, abnormalities and diverticular pouches on the wall of
the bowel are viewed much more easily. Sometimes a doctor may
insist upon the removal of a piece of bowel tissue, although
this is usually done in cases where cancer is suspected.
If an individual is diagnosed with diverticulitis, there are a
range of treatments available. Most treatments are done from
home but due to the seriousness of diverticulitis, regular
contact with a doctor is important. Where possible, it is
preferable to begin treatment with a modified diet. If this
approach fails to yield results then antibiotics may be used in
conjunction with diet and exercise programs.
http://www.diverticulosis1.com Surgery should be reserved for
cases in which all other alternative have been exhausted. Any
surgery does have an inherent risk of infection and not be
undertaken lightly.
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More information about diverticulitis and diverticulosis is
available at
http://www.diverticulitis1.com
