Diverticulitis occurs when the pouches known as the diverticula will form in the walls of the colon. When these pouches are inflamed or infected, it is called diverticulitis and it can be very painful. These conditions are common among people starting at 40 years old and above.
Some symptoms of diverticulitis can last only for a few hours to a week or more, and it includes the following:
- Fever and chills
- Pain in the lower side of the belly and gets worse when moving
- Bloating and gas
- Lack of appetite, nausea and vomiting
- Constipation and diarrhea
Causes
The feces that were trapped in pouches called diverticula that forms along the walls of the large intestines will allow bacteria to accumulate and grow and will cause an infection or an inflammation that leads to a small tear or perforation of the intestines. Another is an infection of the lining found in the abdominal wall that can develop if the infection spreads into the abdominal peritoneal cavity known as peritonitis.
A diet with plenty of fiber also known as roughage will produce stool that is bulky and can move easily into the colon. If the diet is low in fiber, it can increase the time that the stool remains in the bowel and causes pressure while the pouches will occur when being pushed by the pressure against a weak area in the colon where the blood vessels pass through the layer of muscles of the bowel wall that function in supplying blood to the inner wall.
Treatment and home remedies
- Applying a heating pad to the abdomen in order to relieve mild cramps and pain.
- Perform relaxation techniques like slow, deep breathing in a room that is quiet to help minimize the pain. You can learn more about pain management by enrolling in a first aid class
- Take over-the-counter medications like acetaminophen.
- Eating a high-fiber diet that includes whole-grain breads, brown rice, cereals, vegetables and fresh fruits.
- Maintaining healthy bowel habits such as eating at regular times and drinking plenty of liquids every day.
- Avoid using laxatives since it will make the pain worse.
Prevention of diverticulitis
Eat a high-fiber diet. Once constipation develops, it will cause pressure on the walls of the colon that will cause diverticulitis. Diets that are high in fiber promote regular bowel movement and eating plenty of fruits, vegetables, whole grains will also promote regular bowel movements.
Drinking plenty of liquids especially water every day is helpful since keeps the functionality of digestive system normally and helps clean the body of toxins and keeps the stool soft to help in reducing constipation.
Exercising regularly helps the digestive system and the colon by toning the bowels which can help strengthen the walls of the colon. Regular exercise will help minimize other health problems. Maintain an annual check-up and colonoscopy with the doctor’s request.