Diverticulosis Coli
How To Avoid Diverticulosis Coli
If you are over 60 years old and do not consume enough fiber, you may experience diverticulosis coli. This condition is mostly seen in western countries who replace carbohydrates for dietary fiber. The healthy fiber is replaced by refined sugars and flour and this can do damage to the colon. The average sufferer of this condition is usually around 60 years old but this condition has been seen in people who are as young as 40. The severity of this condition goes up with age. Diverticulosis coli negatively affects elimination.
Patients that suffer from diverticulosis coli are in a constant state of constipation. Diverticulitis causes weakness in the colon muscles, where the artery enters the colon, causing extreme constipation. This also affects the gastrointestinal tract. This results in a bacterial overgrowth and mal-absorption. The symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome can mimic diverticulosis coli and the two diseases can be misdiagnosed.
When a doctor examines a person with this disease he may have to do a few tests to make sure that it isn't IBS or inflammatory bowel disease. He will check the lower left abdomen and the colon. He will have to have a blood count, barium enema studies, colonoscopy and sigmoidoscopy to make sure the patient has diverticulosis coli.
The symptoms of this disease include severe constipation, intestinal obstructions, pain in the lower abdomen and a full dissented stomach. In some cases, this condition can case extreme bleeding within the stomach and the patient may have to have a blood transfusion.
The treatment for this disease includes the consumption of electrolytes and an intravenous fluid drip. Antibiotics are also given to the patient for a period of time. Surgery is rarely done for this condition and with antibiotics and the replenishment of fluids, the patient usually recovers. In some cases, if there is an obstruction anywhere in the intestinal tract, surgery may be done to correct this problem.
For people who have recurring diverticulosis coli surgery might also be an option. The surgeon may remove the effected area so that the patient does not have further trouble with the condition or with eliminations.
People who suffer from this condition are encouraged to change their dietary habits by including more fiber into their daily diets. There are many ways to increase fiber in the diet.
Adding fresh fruits and vegetables is one way to increase fiber. There are also many over the counter remedies to do this. These remedies contain psyllium husks and can be mixed with water or eaten in a wafer. It may take several weeks for this type of fiber to help with constipation but your body will become used to it and act accordingly.
There are also many teas that can help with constipation. Green tea can not only help with constipation but it is also very beneficial for the body. Lavender and chamomile teas are other effective options. Increasing water intake only can help with constipation but drinking warmer fluids like teas can increase the potency.
A person suffering from this condition should never use laxatives. Diverticulosis coli can cause obstructions in the colon and fecal matter can back up in the system. Using laxatives can only worsen this condition and make it more uncomfortable and painful.
Anyone who is suffering form constipation and a full dissented stomach should contact a doctor if the condition does not go away in a week. Blockage of the colon and the gastrointestinal tract is considered dangerous and the feces that become trapped can actually poison the body. This can cause internal bleeding and other symptoms like hemorrhoids. To avoid all of these conditions, add more fiber to your everyday diet.