- Diverticulosis
- Inflammation colon
Diverticula are bulges of the intestinal wall at muscle weak points. They cannot empty themselves because they do not have muscles, like the rest of the intestine. If such a bulge is inflamed, it is called diverticulitis. Diverticulitis is always preceded by the formation of diverticula (diverticulosis).
Introduction
Diverticula are bulges of the intestinal wall. They do not exist from birth, but develop over the years. A preferred place to develop such bulges is the colon.
80 percent of diverticula occur in the sigmoid colon. The sigmoid colon is an s-shaped part of the colon. If the diverticula become inflamed, it is called diverticulitis.
This happens in about 25% of cases. A low-fiber diet has a bad influence on the formation of these diverticula. A healthy diet with lots of fruit, vegetables and wholemeal products would therefore be desirable.
This not only stimulates digestion, but also binds bile acids. Therefore, this type of diet is also recommended for high cholesterol levels, since cholseterol can also be excreted with the bile acid. Inflammations occur as a result of constipation of faeces.
Symptoms of diverticulitis include pain and difficulty defecating. Diverticulitis is diagnosed by ultrasound or as a random finding of a colonoscopy. Inflamed diverticula can also be recognized by their thickened, inflamed wall in ultrasound.
Of course, the symptoms that bring the patient to the doctor also play an important role. These inflammations are treated with antibiotics. Surgery is usually only necessary if there is a breakthrough into the abdominal cavity.
Medical guidelines
The medical guidelines are intended to present the current state of scientific knowledge about the causes and development of the disease, the typical symptoms and the most effective diagnosis including the safest, best and most modern therapy. The guidelines serve physicians as orientation and as a common thread in diagnostics and therapy. However, there is no regulated obligation for doctors to follow the recommendations. The guidelines for diverticulitis are expected to be finalized in December 2013.
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