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All Diverticular disorders Special Reports

Diagnosis of Diverticulosis and Diverticulitis

Diagnosis of Diverticulosis and Diverticulitis A barium enema may be performed. The barium creates a sharp image on x-ray of the digestive tract. Colonoscopy (use of a thin scope with a lighted end to view the colon) may be performed. A CT (computed tomography) scan may be performed to help diagnose acute diverticulitis.… More...

How To Treat Diverticulosis and Diverticulitis

How To Treat Diverticulosis and Diverticulitis Following prevention tips for diet (especially incorporating fiber) and exercise is important to prevent diverticulosis. Your doctor may recommend a bulking laxative containing the fiber psyllium or an artificial fiber like calcium polycarbophil. However, do not take laxatives without consulting your doctor and never use enemas—these may only further aggravate a diverticular disorder. … More...

When To Call A Doctor about Diverticulosis and Diverticulitis

When To Call A Doctor Call a doctor immediately if you experience severe abdominal pain, with or without fever or abdominal bloating. Call a doctor if you notice a change in your bowel habits that lasts longer than two weeks, especially if you also experience rectal bleeding. Call a doctor if minor symptoms of diverticulosis (nausea, bloating, constipation, and others) develop and persist. … More...

Prevention of Diverticulosis and Diverticulitis

Prevention of Diverticulosis and Diverticulitis Eat a high-fiber, low-fat diet. Foods high in fiber include fruits, vegetables, and whole-grain breads and cereals. Drink plenty of fluids (at least eight full glasses of water a day) to help soften stools. Exercise regularly to help maintain regularity of bowel movements.… More...

What are Diverticulosis and Diverticulitis

What Is Diverticulosis and Diverticulitis? Diverticulosis is a condition marked by the formation of diverticula—small pouch-like herniations along the wall of the gastrointestinal tract. Most commonly, diverticula appear in the left side of the colon; rarely, they also develop as far up as the throat (pharynx). As many as half of all Americans over the age of 50 have diverticulosis, although few ever have any noticeable symptoms. Diverticulosis only requires treatment if it causes discomfort… More...

Symptoms of Diverticulosis and Diverticulitis

Symptoms of Diverticulosis and Diverticulitis Diverticulosis usually causes no symptoms. However, some patients with diverticulosis do develop mild complaints, including bloating, gas, nausea, and constipation, alternating with diarrhea, and tenderness or pain, most often in the lower left abdomen. Symptoms are pronounced when a diverticulum becomes inflamed or perforated (diverticulitis). Severe abdominal cramping, usually on the lower left side, is most prominent. Pain may be immediately severe or start off gradually and increase in severity… More...

What Causes Diverticulosis and Diverticulitis?

What Causes Diverticulosis and Diverticulitis? Diverticulosis is usually caused by chronically increased pressure and strain on the colon wall. A low-fiber diet (common in industrialized Western countries) is correlated with diverticulosis. The disorder is almost unheard of in rural Asian and African societies, where a high-fiber diet is the norm. … More...

Diverticular disorders: Johns Hopkins Symptoms and Remedies toc

Diverticular disorders: Johns Hopkins Symptoms and Remedies tells you what you need to know about this medical condition. More...

Diverticular Disorders PRINT

Diverticulosis and Diverticulitis What Is Diverticulosis and Diverticulitis? Diverticulosis is a condition marked by the formation of diverticula—small pouch-like herniations along the wall of the gastrointestinal tract. Most commonly, diverticula appear in the left side of the colon; rarely, they also develop as far up as the throat (pharynx). As many as half of all Americans over the age of 50 have diverticulosis, although few ever have any noticeable symptoms. Diverticulosis only requires treatment if it… More...

Diverticulosis and Diverticulitis

What Are Diverticulosis and Diverticulitis? Diverticulosis is a condition marked by the formation of diverticula—small pouch-like herniations along the wall of the gastrointestinal tract. Most commonly, diverticula appear in the left side of the colon; rarely, they also develop as far up as the throat (pharynx). As many as half of all Americans over the age of 50 have diverticulosis, although few ever have any noticeable symptoms. Diverticulosis only requires treatment if it causes discomfort (painful diverticular disease) or complications. More...

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