Here are some frequently asked questions related to Diverticular Disease. Q: Does diverticular disease increase the chance of later developing colon cancer? A: No, diverticular disease doesn’t seem to increase the risk for colon cancer. But the symptoms of colon cancer can be quite similar to those of diverticular disease. Cancer and diverticula often look alike on CT scans (CT […]
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Here is a summary of the important facts and information related to Diverticular Disease. People with diverticular disease develop small pouches-called diverticula-in the walls of their colon. The diverticula develop from excess pressure in the colon that is caused by constipation due to lack of fiber in the diet. The condition is common in older people. The vast majority of
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Here are definitions of medical terms related to Diverticular Disease. Abscess: A collection of pus surrounded by damaged and inflamed tissue, usually caused by bacterial infection. Carbohydrate: The main source of energy for all body functions, especially brain functions; major sources of carbohydrates are cereals, vegetables, fruits, rice, potatoes, legumes, and flour products. Collagen disorders: Problems with the
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Diverticular disease is a condition in which small pouches, called diverticula, develop in the wall of the colon, or large intestine. The pouches develop at weak spots in the wall of the colon. These weak spots occur because of excess pressure in the colon, or existing weakness in the colon wall, that eventually bulge out
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Diverticular disease essentially results from eating a diet with too little fiber. Fiber itself is not digested. It passes through the intestines pretty much unchanged, softening the stools and their passage. Lack of fiber begins a sequence of events: Without fiber, the stools are dry and small, and the intestinal muscles must contract with greater force
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Most people with diverticular disease never experience symptoms. When symptoms do appear, they range widely in severity, depending on the extent of the inflammation or infection of the pouches, and the possible complications that may occur. The most common symptoms are: Pain in the abdomen, usually on the lower left side, ranging from slight tenderness
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Since a wide range of conditions produces symptoms that are similar to those of diverticular disease, diagnosis can be complicated. In addition to taking a medical history and performing a physical exam, tests may be required for a definitive diagnosis. Medical History And Physical Exam A doctor may suspect that a person has diverticular disease
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Because the inflammation in Crohn’s disease affects the entire thickness of the intestinal wall (rather than only the inner mucosal layer, as in ulcerative colitis), particular complications can occur. These include: Fistulas Fissures Strictures and obstructions Abscesses In addition, individuals who live with Crohn’s disease are at risk for malnutrition. Fistulas Fistulas are openings that breach
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Surgery does not cure Crohn’s disease, but corrects an immediate problem that cannot be resolved using medication. Four types of surgery are commonly performed on individuals with Crohn’s disease: Partial bowel resection, to remove a diseased portion of intestine Strictureplasty Correction of fistulas Draining of an abscess It is estimated that about 75% of individuals
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Living with a chronic disease has often been equated with having a second full-time job. It is a constant management struggle that involves organizing a medication schedule, keeping appointments with health-care providers, and conserving physical and mental energy. In addition, people with Crohn’s disease must stick to lifestyle regimens that help maintain maximum health. These
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Some people who feel a flare-up coming on seek medical attention immediately, while others choose to “lay low” for a few days and try to “ride it out,” only speaking to the doctor if they can’t shake the symptoms after a couple of weeks. Early medical intervention will often, though not always, result in more
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In the last quarter century, it has become clear that Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis affect large numbers of children and young teens. Nutritional deficiency is a major issue in treatment of children with Crohn’s disease. Children are growing machines. Inflammatory bowel disease may not cause great weight loss for youngsters at first, so failure
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