Clinical Gastroenterology Journal :Diverticular Disease

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Clinical Gastroenterology Journal is a world class open access journal intended to publish the cutting-edge research in the field of Gastroenterology and Hepatology.

Diverticular disease consists of three conditions that involve the development of small sacs or pockets in the wall of the colon, including diverticulosis, diverticular bleeding, and diverticulitis.

Diverticulosis:

Diverticulosis is the formation of numerous tiny pockets, or diverticula, in the lining of the bowel. Diverticula, which can range from pea-size to much larger, are formed by increased pressure on weakened spots of the intestinal walls by gas, waste, or liquid. Diverticula can form while straining during a bowel movement, such as with constipation. They are most common in the lower portion of the large intestine (called the sigmoid colon).

Diverticulosis is very common and occurs in 10% of people over age 40 and in 50% of people over age 60. Most people will have no or few symptoms from diverticula.

Complications can occur in about 20% of people with diverticulosis. One of these complications is rectal bleeding, called diverticular bleeding, and another is diverticular infection, called diverticulitis.

Diverticular Bleeding:

Diverticular bleeding occurs with chronic injury to the small blood vessels that are next to the diverticula.

Diverticulitis:
Diverticulitis occurs when there is inflammation and infection in one or more diverticula. This usually happens when outpouchings become blocked with waste, allowing bacteria to build up, causing infection.

Symptoms of Diverticulosis:

Diverticulosis does not cause any troublesome symptoms.

Symptoms of diverticulitis may include:

  • Diarrhea and/or constipation
  • Painful cramps or tenderness in the lower abdomen
  • Chills or fever

Diverticulosis Diagnosis:
Because people with diverticulosis do not have any symptoms, it is usually found through tests ordered for an unrelated reason. They usually include barium enema, sigmoidoscopy and colonoscopy.

Diverticulosis Treatment:
diverticulosis without symptoms or complications do not need specific treatment, yet it is important to adopt a high-fiber diet to prevent the further formation of diverticula.

Laxatives should not be used to treat diverticulosis and enemas should also be avoided or used infrequently.

Complications:

Serious complications can occur as a result of diverticulitis.

• Peritonitis (a painful infection of the abdominal cavity)
• Abscesses ("walled off" infections in the abdomen)
• Obstruction (blockages of the intestine)

Prevention:
To prevent diverticular disease or reduce the complications from it, maintain good bowel habits.
Have regular bowel movements and avoid constipation and straining. Eating appropriate amounts of the right types of fiber and drinking plenty of water and exercising regularly will help keep bowels regulated.

All the manuscript published by Clinical Gastroenterology Journal are available freely online immediately after publication without any subscription charges or registration.

Submit manuscript directly online as an e-mail attachment to the Editorial Office at: gastroenterology@eclinicalsci.com 

Media Contact
Jessica Watson
Journal Manager
Clinical Gastroenterology Journal
Email: gastroenterology@eclinicalsci.com
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