Diverticulosis
725082
223442975
2008-07-04T02:42:35Z
Arcadian
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{{DiseaseDisorder infobox |
Name = {{PAGENAME}} |
ICD10 = {{ICD10|K|57||k|55}} |
ICD9 = {{ICD9|562.01}} |
ICDO = |
Image = Diverticulosis 2.jpg |
Caption = Diverticulosis as seen [[colonoscopy|endoscopically]] |
OMIM = 223320 |
MedlinePlus = |
eMedicineSubj = med |
eMedicineTopic = 3102 |
DiseasesDB = 3871 |
MeshID = D004240 |
}}
'''Diverticulosis''', otherwise known as "'''diverticular disease'''", is the condition of having [[diverticulum|diverticula]] in the [[colon (anatomy)|colon]] which are outpocketings of the colonic [[mucosa]] and submucosa through weaknesses of [[muscle]] layers in the colon wall. These are more common in the [[sigmoid colon]], which is a common place for increased pressure. This is uncommon before the age of 40 and increases in incidence after that age.<ref name="pmid17468551">{{cite journal |author=Comparato G, Pilotto A, Franzè A, Franceschi M, Di Mario F |title=Diverticular disease in the elderly |journal=Digestive diseases (Basel, Switzerland) |volume=25 |issue=2 |pages=151–9 |year=2007 |pmid=17468551 |doi=10.1159/000099480}}</ref>
==Causes==
Diverticula are thought to be caused by increased pressure within the [[lumen]] of the colon. Increased intra-colonic pressure secondary to constipation may lead to weaknesses in the colon walls giving way to diverticula. Other causes ''may'' include a colonic spasm which increases pressure, which may be due to [[dehydration]] or low-fiber [[Diet (nutrition)|diet]]s;<ref>[http://www.merck.com/mmhe/sec09/ch128/ch128c.html#hl_anchor Diverticulitis: Diverticular Disease: Merck Manual Home Edition]</ref> although this may also be due to constipation. [[dietary fiber|Fiber]] causes stools to retain more water and become easier to pass (either soluble or insoluble fiber will do this). A diet without sufficient fiber makes the [[feces|stool]]s small, requiring the bowel to squeeze harder to remove the smaller stool.
Risk factors:
* a diet which is low in fiber content or high in fat
* high intake of meat and red meat
* increasing age,
* constipating conditions, and
* [[connective tissue]] disorders which may cause weakness in the colon wall (such as [[Marfan syndrome]]).
==Epidemiology==
About 10% of the US population over the age of 40 and half over the age of 60 has diverticulosis. This disease is common in the US, [[uk|Britain]], [[Australia]], [[Canada]], and is uncommon in [[Asia]] and [[Africa]]. It is the most common cause for rectal bleeding in US adults over the age of 40 years.
Studies have identified dietary factors as potential explanations for the large variation in the disease. Low intake of fiber, fruits and vegetables and brown bread was found protective with higher intake associated with approximately 40-50% reductions in the risk <ref>http://gut.bmj.com/cgi/reprint/26/6/544</ref> <ref>http://www.ajcn.org/cgi/reprint/60/5/757</ref> <ref>http://www.springerlink.com/content/l61648172h10u1gw/fulltext.pdf</ref>. On the other hand higher intake of both red and processed meat increased the risk 2-4 fold in two studies <ref>http://www.ajcn.org/cgi/reprint/60/5/757</ref> <ref>http://gut.bmj.com/cgi/reprint/26/6/544</ref>, while a third study found a 24-fold increase in the risk with higher total meat intake <ref>http://www.springerlink.com/content/l61648172h10u1gw/fulltext.pdf</ref>. This could explain the lower risk among vegetarians <ref>http://www.sciencedirect.com/science?_ob=ArticleURL&_udi=B6T1B-49MF01N-2N0&_user=674998&_coverDate=03%2F10%2F1979&_rdoc=1&_fmt=&_orig=search&_sort=d&view=c&_acct=C000036598&_version=1&_urlVersion=0&_userid=674998&md5=2055e128f4103e5187a23ddf975015e2</ref>.
Large mouth diverticula are associated with [[scleroderma]].
==Symptoms==
Often this disorder has no symptoms. The most common is [[bleeding]] (variable amounts), [[bloating]], [[abdominal pain]]/[[cramp]]ing after meals or otherwise often in the left lower [[abdomen]], and changes in bowel movements ([[diarrhea]] or [[constipation]]). Sometimes, symptoms include nonspecific chronic discomfort in the lower left abdomen, with occasional acute episodes of sharper pain. The discomfort is sometimes described as a general feeling of pressure in the region, or pulling sensation. A tickling sensation may be felt as the small pockets fill and unfill; a feeling like gas may be moving in areas outside the colon. First-time bleeding from the [[rectum]] should be followed up with a physician, especially if over age 40 because of the possibility of [[colon cancer]]. Symptoms of [[anemia]] may present: [[fatigue (physical)|fatigue]], [[light-headed]]ness, or [[dyspnea|shortness of breath]].
==Testing==
[[Colonoscopy]] is the most used test for diagnosis. This is important for treatment and investigation of other diseases. Other tests include abdominal [[X-ray]], [[barium enema]], [[computed tomography|CT]], or [[MRI]].
==Complications==
Infection of a diverticulum can result in [[diverticulitis]]. This occurs in 10-25% of persons with diverticulosis (NIDDK website). Tears in the colon leading to bleeding or perforations may occur, intestinal obstruction may occur (constipation or diarrhea does not rule this possibility out), [[peritonitis]], [[abscess]] formation, [[Retroperitoneum|retroperitoneal]] [[fibrosis]], [[sepsis]], and [[fistula]] formation.
Infection of a diverticulum often occurs as a result of stool collecting in a diverticulum.
==Treatment==
Often no treatment is needed. Increases in hydration, increasing fiber content in the diet<ref name="pmid16948968">{{cite journal |author=Eglash A, Lane CH, Schneider DM |title=Clinical inquiries. What is the most beneficial diet for patients with diverticulosis? |journal=The Journal of family practice |volume=55 |issue=9 |pages=813–5 |year=2006 |pmid=16948968 |doi=}}</ref> (the [[American Dietetic Association]] recommends 20-35 grams each day), or removing factors resulting in constipation help decrease the incidence of new diverticula or possibly keep them from bursting or becoming inflamed (ADA website). [[dietary fiber|Fiber supplements]] may aid if diet is inadequate. If the diverticula are unusually large (greater than 1 inch), often infected (see [[diverticulitis]]), or exhibit uncontrollable bleeding, surgery can be performed to decrease relapse or other complications. The [[NIDDK]] says foods such as [[nut (fruit)|nut]]s, [[popcorn]] hulls, [[sunflower seed]]s, [[pumpkin seed]]s, [[caraway]] [[seed]]s, and [[sesame seed]]s have traditionally been labeled as problem foods for people with this condition;<ref name="titleDiverticulosis and Diverticulitis">{{cite web |url=http://www.digestive.niddk.nih.gov/ddiseases/pubs/diverticulosis/ |title=Diverticulosis and Diverticulitis |accessdate=2007-11-19 |format= |work=}}</ref> however, no scientific data exists to prove this hypothesis. The seeds in [[tomato]]es, [[zucchini]], [[cucumber]]s, [[strawberry|strawberries]], [[raspberry|raspberries]], and [[Poppy|poppy seed]]s, are not considered harmful by the NIDDK. Treatments, like some [[colon cleanser]]s, that cause hard stools, constipation, and straining, are not recommended.
===Diverticulitis===
====Medical treatment====
Many patients with diverticulosis have minimal or no symptoms, and do not require any specific treatment. A high fiber diet and fiber supplements are advisable to prevent constipation and the formation of more diverticula. Patients with mild symptoms of bloating or abdominal pain may benefit from anti- spasmodic drugs such as chlordiazepoxide (Librax), dicyclomine (Bentyl), Donnatal, and hyoscyamine (Levsin). Some doctors also recommend avoidance of nuts, corn, and seeds to prevent complications of diverticulosis. Whether these diet restrictions are beneficial is uncertain.
When diverticulitis occurs, antibiotics are usually needed. Oral antibiotics are sufficient when symptoms are mild. Some examples of commonly prescribed antibiotics include ciprofloxacin (Cipro), metronidazole (Flagyl), cephalexin (Keflex), and doxycycline (Vibramycin). Liquid or low fiber foods are advised during acute diverticulitis attacks. In severe diverticulitis with high fever and pain, patients are hospitalized and given intravenous antibiotics. Surgery is needed for those with persistent bowel obstruction or abscess not responding to antibiotics.
====Surgery====
Diverticulitis that does not respond to medical treatment requires surgical intervention. Surgery usually involves drainage of any collections of pus and resection of that segment of the colon containing the diverticuli, usually the sigmoid colon. Therefore, surgical removal of the bleeding diverticula is necessary for those with persistent bleeding. In patients needing surgery to stop persistent bleeding, exact localization becomes crucial to guide the surgeon. Sometimes, diverticula can erode into the adjacent bladder, causing severe recurrent urine infection and passage of gas during urination. This situation also requires surgery. Sometimes, surgery may be suggested for patients with frequent, recurrent attacks of diverticulitis leading to multiple courses of antibiotics, hospitalizations, and days lost from work.
==References==
{{reflist}}
==External links==
* [http://www.diverticular.net Diverticular Resource Website]
* [http://www.eatright.org J. American Diet Assoc. 2002;102:993-1000]
{{Gastroenterology}}
[[Category:Surgery]]
[[Category:Gastroenterology]]
[[Category:Inflammations]]
[[Category:Conditions diagnosed by stool test{{checkcategory}}]]
[[bg:Дивертикулоза]]
[[de:Divertikulose]]
[[fr:Diverticulose]]
[[lt:Storosios žarnos divertikuliozė]]
[[nl:Diverticulose]]
[[pl:Choroba uchyłkowa jelit]]
[[fi:Divertikuloosi]]
[[sv:Divertikulos]]
[[te:డైవర్టిక్యులైటిస్]]