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Diverticulitis
Diverticula (small pouches found in the colon) are common, especially after age 40, and can become inflamed and cause problems. When they become inflamed it is called diverticulitis. Diverticulitis can cause severe abdominal pain, fever, nausea and a marked change in bowel habits.
228 Questions
Is stool softeners recommended for diverticulitis?
Stool softeners are often recommended for individuals with diverticulitis to help ease bowel movements and reduce straining, which can exacerbate symptoms. However, it's essential to consult a healthcare provider for personalized advice, as treatment may vary based on the severity of the condition and individual health needs. A high-fiber diet and adequate hydration are also important for managing diverticulitis. Always follow your doctor's recommendations regarding medication and dietary adjustments.
Does diverticulitis cause breathing problems?
Diverticulitis primarily affects the digestive system and is characterized by inflammation or infection of diverticula in the colon. While it typically does not cause breathing problems directly, severe abdominal pain or complications like abscesses could lead to discomfort that might affect breathing patterns. Additionally, if diverticulitis leads to significant complications, such as perforation, it could indirectly impact respiratory function. However, breathing issues are not a common symptom of diverticulitis itself.
Is Hypoglycemia caused in diverticulitis?
Hypoglycemia is not directly caused by diverticulitis, which is an inflammation of the diverticula in the digestive tract. However, if diverticulitis leads to complications such as infection, bowel obstruction, or significant changes in dietary intake, it could indirectly affect blood sugar levels. Additionally, certain medications used to manage diverticulitis symptoms might also contribute to fluctuations in blood glucose. Overall, while there's no direct link, the overall health impact of diverticulitis can influence blood sugar management.
What kind of doctor do you see for diverticulitis?
For diverticulitis, you would typically see a gastroenterologist, who specializes in digestive system disorders. In more severe cases or if surgery is needed, a colorectal surgeon may be involved in your care. Your primary care physician can also provide initial evaluation and referrals as necessary.
Can i eat sushi if I have diverticulitis?
You can eat soy or drink soy milk if you have sigmoid diverticulitis. Whole grains and tough meat should be avoided.
Are tomato seeds bad for diverticulitis?
Probably not. However, it is only recently being determined and accepted in the medical community that the long-held idea that seeds (and nuts, etc.) cause the inflammation and flareups in diverticulosis is probably not entirely correct. Studies are finding no conclusive evidence that directly links eating these foods to higher rates of diverticulitis. However, particles, such as seeds, may contribute to already irritated or inflamed intestinal tissue or they may be more of a problem in some people than others.
According to the Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research:
"Diverticula usually develop when naturally weak places in your colon give way under pressure. This causes marble-sized pouches to protrude through the colon wall.
Exactly how diverticula become inflamed or infected isn't clear. One theory is that the increased pressure in the colon can weaken the wall of the diverticula, leading to infection. Another is that the narrow openings of diverticula may trap fecal matter, which can lead to infection. Or an obstruction in the narrow opening of a diverticulum may reduce blood supply to the area, which leads to inflammation.
In the past, doctors thought that nuts, seeds, popcorn and corn played a role in causing diverticulitis by getting trapped in the diverticula. However, research has shown that these foods aren't associated with an increased risk of diverticulitis."
Bottom line, if eating these seeds and similar foods seems to cause an inflammation in your case, then try to avoid them. All-in-all keeping a good fiber diet and following all other physician advice should help to prevent flareups in diverticulosis.
A link is provided in the related links section below to the full Mayo Clinic article on Diverticulosis.
Is a diverticulitis diet plan safe for all people to go on?
A diverticulitis diet is intended to give your digestive system a chance to rest. A diverticulitis diet is typically recommended along with antibiotics for mild or uncomplicated cases of diverticulitis.
The colon, or large intestine, is a muscular tube that begins at the end of the small intestine and runs to the rectum. The colon absorbs water from liquid stool that is delivered to it from the small intestine.
Indications, part 1Diverticula are out-pouchings of the wall of the colon. They are thought to be the result of a diet low in fiber. By the age of 60, over half of all Americans have colonic diverticula.
Indications, part 2In most cases, diverticula go unnoticed. However, in a small percentage of patients, diverticula can cause problems. The most common problem is diverticulitis, which occurs when a small, hard piece of stool is trapped in the opening of the diverticula. This leads to inflammation and death of the segment of colon containing the diverticula.
Indications, part 3Diverticula can also bleed and cause significant blood loss from the gastrointestinal tract. Vessels overlying a diverticula are stretched until they break, causing bleeding into the colon. Blood is usually passed in the stool.
IncisionTreament of diverticulitis and diverticular bleeding involves surgical removal of the segment of colon containing the diverticula. While the patient is deep alseep and pain free (general anesthesia), an incision is made in the midline of the abdomen.
ProcedureAfter the diseased area is removed, the healthy ends of the colon are sewn back together. Occasionally, especially in cases of diverticulitis, where there is significant inflammation, a colostomy is performed. After the inflammation has resided, the colostomy is removed and the healthy ends of the colon are sewn back together.
Reviewed ByReview Date: 01/31/2011
David C. Dugdale, III, MD, Professor of Medicine, Division of General Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine; George F Longstreth, MD, Department of Gastroenterology, Kaiser Permanente Medical Care Program San Diego, California. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.
What can you eat when you have diverticulitis?
Some foods a person that suffers from diverticulosis can eat are kidney beans, squash, peas, pasta, whole grain wheat,and apples.
Can you take butalbital for diverticulitis pain?
Butalbital is simply another form of aspirin, and therefore can be used as a remedy for diverticiulitis pain. However, there are also other types of remedies that can be taken as well, depending on the person.
Should a person smoke with diverticulitis?
No. Smoking aggravates existing health conditions as well as causing many of it's own.
Do you have special diets for diverticulitis?
Yes, individuals with diverticulitis may benefit from specific dietary modifications. During an active episode, a low-fiber diet is often recommended to reduce bowel irritation, followed by a gradual reintroduction of fiber-rich foods as symptoms improve. Once the condition stabilizes, a high-fiber diet is generally encouraged to promote regular bowel movements and prevent future flare-ups. Always consult a healthcare professional for personalized dietary advice.
What are the Symptoms of diverticulitis?
The symptoms of diverticulitis are in many cases similar to those of irritable bowel syndrome or urinary tract infection. These may include tenderness or pain in the lower left side, fever, bloating, nausea, and loss of appetite.
Are diverticulitis and campylobacter jejune a similar thing?
Diverticulitis is the inflammation of pouches on the outside of the colon that are thought to be formed by a lack of fibre causing increased pressures inside the colon. It requires hospitalisation, nil by mouth, IV antibiotics and sometimes surgery.
However, campylobacter jejune is a common species of bacterial intestinal flora that is a major cause of gastroenteritis (stomach flu). Diverticulitis is the inflammation of pouches on the outside of the colon that are thought to be formed by a lack of fibre causing increased pressures inside the colon. It requires hospitalisation, nil by mouth, IV antibiotics and sometimes surgery.
However, campylobacter jejune is a common species of bacterial intestinal flora that is a major cause of gastroenteritis (stomach flu).
