Which of the following symptoms indicated diverticulosis?
Diverticulosis is a condition that affects the large intestine. It causes small pouches to form along the lining of the intestine and push through the intestinal wall. It is very common and often does not cause any symptoms. Show Diverticulosis is very common in the United States, where 1 out of 10 people over the age of 40 years have it. Many individuals do not know they have the condition. Diverticulosis is different from diverticulitis, which occurs when the pouches become infected or inflamed. This can cause complications and requires treatment as soon as possible. In this article, we will look at what diverticulosis is, including its symptoms, causes, and prevention. What is diverticulosis?Share on PinterestHinterhaus Productions/Getty Images Diverticulosis is a type of diverticular disease. It causes colonic diverticula, which are bulges that form and push out of the intestinal wall, creating a small pocket. Diverticula are present all along the digestive tract, from the esophagus, or food pipe, to the colon. Most people are born with these bulges, and some individuals develop more of them over their lifetime. Colonic diverticula commonly appear where there are weak spots in the colon. They often develop on the left side of the intestine, and in most cases, they measure between 0.2 and 0.4 inches. Other names for colonic diverticula include bulges, sacs, pouches, and pockets. Although colonic diverticula are not harmful, they can sometimes become infected. Health experts refer to inflammation or infection of these diverticula as diverticulitis. Symptoms Many people with diverticulosis do not experience any symptoms. The pouches are usually harmless and often do not cause discomfort. Therefore, most individuals with diverticulosis do not know they have the condition. People who do have symptoms may experience:
Causes Doctors do not know what causes diverticulosis, but there are some potential factors that might contribute to it. They include:
Diagnosis Diverticulosis often does not cause symptoms, and therefore, doctors do not always know that a person has it. They may suspect diverticulosis if someone has mild symptoms or if they perform other diagnostic tests that reveal it. For example, a doctor may find diverticulosis while performing a routine colonoscopy. A doctor may suspect diverticulosis based on:
They may confirm this by performing a CT scan, an X-ray, or a colonoscopy. If the doctor suspects a person may have diverticulitis, they may request further tests. Treatment Although the diverticula will not go away on their own, they are not harmful and therefore do not usually need treatment. Instead, a doctor may recommend measures that can reduce the risk of the condition progressing to diverticulitis. If, however, diverticulitis develops, a person will need treatment. If this happens, doctors will rule out other gastrointestinal conditions first, such as Crohn’s disease, irritable bowel syndrome, or appendicitis. Treatment for diverticulitis involves taking antibiotics to get rid of the infection. Pain relief medications may help alleviate cramping. Prevention It is unclear whether diverticulosis is preventable. However, it is a common condition that often does not cause any harm. People may be able to take steps to lower their risk of developing diverticulitis. These include:
If individuals experience mild diverticulosis symptoms, they can alleviate pain with over-the-counter pain relievers. However, it is important to avoid nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, such as aspirin and ibuprofen, as they can cause gut irritation. Outlook Diverticulosis is usually not a cause for concern. It is very common, and in most cases, it does not progress to diverticulitis. According to the American College of Gastroenterology, less than 5% of people with the condition develop diverticulitis. However, the Canadian Society of Intestinal Research estimates this to be 10–25%. Preventive lifestyle changes can reduce the risk of this happening. When to contact a doctorPeople should seek medical advice if they are experiencing any of the following:
These symptoms may indicate diverticulitis. It is important to seek medical attention for diverticulitis quickly, as without treatment, it can cause complications. These include:
Summary Diverticulosis is a very common condition that affects the large intestine. Age and genetics can increase the likelihood of having colonic diverticula. Some lifestyle factors, such as smoking, also play a role. The condition usually causes no symptoms and is typically not harmful. However, diverticulosis can develop into diverticulitis if the pouches become infected. Consuming sufficient amounts of fiber, staying hydrated, and keeping active may reduce the risk of diverticulosis progressing. A doctor can provide advice on how to prevent this and monitor for any changes. Which of the following symptoms indicates diverticulosis?Chronic symptoms of diverticula
See your doctor if you have symptoms such as bloating, constipation or diarrhea, or pain in your lower abdomen.
What is diverticulosis associated with?The most commonly accepted theory for the formation of diverticulosis is related to high pressure within the colon, which causes weak areas of the colon wall to bulge out and form the sacs. A diet low in fiber and high in red meat may also play a role.
What is the most common complication of diverticulosis?What Are Some of the Potential Complications of Diverticulitis If Left Untreated?. Perforation. Diverticulitis causes tiny tears, called perforations, in the bowel walls. ... . Abscess and Phlegmon. An abscess forms when a pocket in the bowel becomes infected and fills with pus. ... . Bowel Obstruction. ... . Rectal Bleeding. ... . Fistula.. Which client would be most likely to have the diagnosis of diverticulosis?Diverticulosis is more common in people who eat a diet high in red meat and fat, and it is most frequently diagnosed in people over age 60.
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