A finding indicating the presence of multiple pouches, usually in the colonic or gastric wall
Symptoms of Diverticular Disease
The following features are indicative of Diverticular Disease:
mild cramps
bloating
constipation
abdominal pain on the left side
fever
nausea
vomiting
chills
bleeding
tears
blockages
It is possible that Diverticular Disease shows no physical symptoms and still is present in a patient.
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Common Causes of Diverticular Disease
The following are the most common causes of Diverticular Disease:
low-fiber diet
genetic factors
nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs
lack of exercise
obesity
smoking
Risk Factors for Diverticular Disease
The following factors may increase the likelihood of Diverticular Disease:
increasing age
constipation
low fiber diet
connective tissue disorders that may cause weakness in the colon wall
hereditary or genetic predisposition
extreme weight loss
heavy meat consumption
Prevention of Diverticular Disease
No, it is not possible to prevent Diverticular Disease.
mutations in PKD1, PKD2 and PKD3 genes
Occurrence of Diverticular Disease
Number of Cases
The following are the number of Diverticular Disease cases seen each year worldwide:
Common between 1 - 10 Million cases
Common Age Group
Diverticular Disease most commonly occurs in the following age group:
Aged > 50 years
Common Gender
Diverticular Disease can occur in any gender.
Lab Tests and Procedures for Diagnosis of Diverticular Disease
The following lab tests and procedures are used to detect Diverticular Disease:
Physical exam: To detect signs and symptoms of diverticular disease and tenderness of abdomen
Blood and urine tests: To check for the signs of infections
Pregnancy test: To detect pregnancy as a cause of abdominal pain
Liver function tests: To find out causes of abdominal pain
Stool test: To diagnose infection in people suffering with diarrhea
CT scan: To diagnose diverticular disease
Doctor for Diagnosis of Diverticular Disease
Patients should visit the following specialists if they have symptoms of Diverticular Disease:
Gastroenterologist
Complications of Diverticular Disease if untreated
Yes, Diverticular Disease causes complications if it is not treated. Below is the list of complications and problems that may arise if Diverticular Disease is left untreated:
abscess
blockage in the colon or small intestine
fistula between sections of bowel
peritonitis
Procedures for Treatment of Diverticular Disease
The following procedures are used to treat Diverticular Disease:
Primary bowel resection: Allows to have normal bowel movements
Bowel resection with colostomy: Helps in passing the bowel
Self-care for Diverticular Disease
The following self-care actions or lifestyle changes may help in the treatment or management of Diverticular Disease:
Exercise regularly: Promotes the normal bowel function and reduces pressure inside colon
Eat more fiber: Helps in passing the waste easily from colon
Drink plenty of fluids: Absorbs water and increasing the soft, bulky waste in colon
Alternative Medicine for Treatment of Diverticular Disease
The following alternate medicine and therapies are known to help in the treatment or management of Diverticular Disease:
Probiotics use: Prevent diverticulitis by providing beneficial bacteria
Time for Treatment of Diverticular Disease
While time-period of treatment for each patient may vary, below is the typical time-period for Diverticular Disease to resolve if treated properly under an expert supervision:
Within 1 week
Last updated date
This page was last updated on 2/04/2019.
This page provides information for Diverticular Disease.