Diverticulosis:
Diverticula may take years to develop, and often produce no symptoms. If they do occur, the symptoms may include mild cramping, bloating, constipation, diarrhea, or rectal bleeding. In this stage, the condition is termed diverticulosis. It can be detected by means of such procedures as barium enemas, sigmoidoscopy, or colonoscopy if there is suspicion that the situation is present in other parts of the colon.
Treatment for diverticulosis consists primarily of keeping the stool soft and moving smoothly. This can be done, usually, by increasing the amount of fiber and liquids you ingest. In serious cases, it may be necessary to take stool softeners, or antispasmodic medications for pain.
Diverticulitis:
This develops when the diverticula become infected or inflamed. Although the cause of the disease isn't fully known, it probably arises when stool is trapped in the diverticula, which become inflamed and infected. Symptoms commonly include pain, fever, cramping, bloating, constipation, or diarrhea. The infection can lead to swelling and rupturing of the diverticula.
Your physician undoubtedly will want to have you undergo a colonoscopy, to determine the extent and seriousness of the inflammation. When its presence is confirmed, your physician may put you on a temporary liquid diet and prescribe oral antibiotics. If this is effective, you will undoubtedly be put on a continuing high-fiber diet. If the inflammation is not relieved, you may be admitted to hospital for bed rest and IV administration of antibiotics and nutrients. In the event even this doesn't relieve the inflammation, it may be necessary to resort to surgery. If the area is localized in a particular area - usually the sigmoid - that part of the colon will be surgically removed, and the colon rejoined. In severe cases, it may be necessary to perform a temporary colostomy.
Prevention:
Ensure that your diet includes a minimum of 25 to 30 grams of fiber daily. Whole-wheat bread and brown rice are good sources. Another source is unprocessed wheat bran or oat bran. These are easily added to your morning cold cereal, or they may be added to a muffin recipe, or taken in your morning juice. A baked potato, with skin, gives you 5 grams; a medium-sized apple, 4 grams; an orange, 3 grams; ½ cup cooked frozen peas, 4 grams. And, if you can stand them, ½ cup of cooked lentils hits the jackpot with 8 grams.
Drink Liquids
They help your body digest your food and move it through the system. The experts are still recommending a minimum of 8 glasses of liquid each day - but they do recommend that coffee and sodas be kept to a minimum. If you exercise regularly, be sure to replenish the liquid your body loses as sweat.
