Intestinal diverticulosis - symptoms, treatment, diet, complications

The concept of “diverticulosis” reflects the presence of diverticula (from the Latin diverticulum - road to the side), clinical manifestations of the disease may be absent. Various factors lead to the appearance of diverticula, which are based on the weakness of the connective tissue. In the case of the formation of multiple diverticula, they speak of diverticulosis. Diverticular disease is a broader definition applied to diverticulosis and its complications.

Source: gastrosapiens.ru

Causes and risk factors

Diverticulosis is one of the most common pathologies of the gastrointestinal tract in Europe, and is generally characteristic of developed countries. In rural Africans and vegetarians, it appears less frequently, so its pathogenesis is usually associated with a lack of plant fiber in the diet. The likelihood of developing diverticulosis increases with age.

In most cases, diverticulosis is asymptomatic.

The main part of the risk group is people over forty years of age: at the age of sixty, every third person suffers from diverticulosis, and starting from seventy-five, every second person suffers. The incidence of this disease is the same in women and men.

The formation of diverticula is also promoted by:

obesity;
previous intestinal infections;
flatulence;
taking laxatives.

Risk factors:

hereditary predisposition;
elderly age;
frequent constipation;
poor nutrition, fiber deficiency, excess meat and flour products in the diet;
disturbance of blood microcirculation in the intestinal veins.

Surgical intervention

If conservative treatment does not bring positive results, then a planned operation is prescribed, which involves removing the affected part of the intestine. The following indications for surgical intervention are distinguished:

Development of intestinal bleeding that cannot be controlled with medication;
The occurrence of intestinal obstruction, which rapidly progresses;
Frequent exacerbations of the disease;
Perforation of the diverticulum, which leads to peritonitis;
The appearance of purulent formations.

Emergency surgery is performed if bleeding or peritonitis develops. As planned, surgical intervention is prescribed after 3 months of drug therapy to prevent the recurrence of foci of inflammation.

Forms of diverticulosis

There are three main clinical forms of diverticulosis:

asymptomatic;
diverticulosis with clinical manifestations;
complicated.

Because Intestinal diverticula can be congenital or acquired; diverticulosis is divided into hereditary and acquired forms. With hereditary weakness of connective tissue, they speak of its congenital nature. In such cases, diverticula appear at a young age (5% of cases) and primarily affect the right part of the large intestine.

The acquired form of the disease is based on an increase in pressure in the intestines (as a result of flatulence, constipation, peristalsis disorders), which leads to the appearance of areas (pockets) with high pressure, which promotes pushing through the muscular and submucosal layer of the mucous membrane of the intestinal wall. As a result of a diet with a lack of plant foods and fiber and a predominance of flour and meat products, frequent constipation begins, and the motor function of the large intestine is impaired.

Source: pancreatit.info

Kinds

There are two types of diverticula:

congenital. They are formed while the child is in the womb and, as a rule, persist throughout a person’s life;
purchased. They form throughout a person’s life (usually in older people) in the large or small intestine.

If many diverticula form in the intestines and then become inflamed, doctors call this diverticulitis.

Depending on the location of the disease, the following are distinguished:

diverticulosis of the sigmoid colon. The sigmoid colon is responsible for the formation of feces and has many bends that contribute to the formation of diverticula there. The pain is usually felt in the left iliac fossa;
diverticulosis of the colon. Diverticula formed on the walls of the large intestine can contribute to the narrowing of its walls and, as a result, constipation. The patient may feel pain in the left half of the abdomen;
diverticulosis of the colon. Pain and inflammation usually occurs in the left half;
cecal diverticulosis. It is observed quite rarely.

Symptoms of intestinal diverticulosis

In most cases, diverticulosis is asymptomatic. Patients do not present any complaints, and manifestations of the disease are usually accidentally detected during an intestinal examination during a clinical examination or during examination for another disease.

Including foods high in fiber in your daily diet, drinking enough water and regular exercise help prevent the development of diverticulosis.

Later, with the development of an uncomplicated form, stool disorders appear. Such disorders are accompanied by intestinal colic, a feeling of bloating in the abdomen, flatulence, etc. During this phase, the symptoms of intestinal diverticulosis are difficult to distinguish from the symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome.

The uncomplicated form of the disease has the following manifestations:

periodically occurring sharp or aching spastic abdominal pain without signs of inflammation;
increased gas formation;
feeling of incomplete bowel movement after bowel movement;
the pain intensifies after eating and goes away after bowel movements or passing gas.

In the acute phase (complicated diverticulosis), pain appears in the left iliac fossa, and signs of acute inflammation increase.

As inflammatory processes increase, the following occur:

alternating diarrhea and constipation, unstable stool;
loss of appetite;
nausea, vomiting;
sharp, intense pain in the left lower quadrant of the abdominal cavity;
increased body temperature;
the presence of mucus in the stool;
tachycardia;
local peritoneal phenomena;
increase in leukocytes in the blood.

In the future, if a local inflammatory process occurs, perforation of the intestinal wall may occur, and the disease from local becomes diffuse.

Features of diet therapy

For uncomplicated diverticulosis, an important component of treatment is dietary nutrition. Doctors recommend following diet No. 4, which involves eating foods rich in fiber. It is a plant fiber that is not digested in the intestines.

Important! In asymptomatic cases, diet therapy can prevent complications and stop the progression of pathology.

The daily calorie content of the diet should not exceed 2500 kcal, the norm of dietary fiber is 30 g. Plant fiber includes lignin, alginates, cellulose, pectin, hemicillulose, and indigestible polysaccharides. The listed compounds are capable of binding water, which is located in the intestinal lumen. This allows you to remove toxic substances and feces from the body.

Important! Dietary fiber creates an additional surface for fixation of intestinal microflora.

Nutritionists recommend that patients with diverticulosis enrich their diet with wholemeal bran, which should be introduced gradually over 2-4 weeks. The daily dose of the product should be poured into 250 ml of boiling water and left for 30 minutes. Brewed bran is added to soup, porridge, vegetable dishes, and fermented milk products.

Important! If, against the background of a change in diet, painful sensations appear in the abdominal area, it is recommended to take antispasmodics (Drotaverine, Papaverine, Mabaverine) 30 minutes before meals.

As a source of fiber, you can use preparations based on plantain seed (Ispagol, Psyllium, Mucofalk). They help eliminate pain and flatulence. The dietary fiber included in the preparations has an anti-inflammatory effect, effectively reduces pressure inside the intestines, activates the proliferation of intestinal microflora, and increases the intensity of mucus production.

Fermented milk products;
Baked or stewed vegetables, if the patient tolerates them well;
Soups with meat broth;
Vegetable casseroles;
Baked and raw fruits;
Loose porridge made from buckwheat, oatmeal or wheat;
Legumes;
Bread with bran.

Important! If there are no contraindications, you should drink 2-2.5 liters of liquid during the day.

Red wine;
Rice and semolina;
Cocoa, chocolate;
Strong coffee;
Kiseli;
Pasta;
Products made from premium flour.

Diagnosis of diverticulosis

Diagnosis of diverticulosis is based on the data of the initial examination, medical history and the results of diagnostic procedures that reveal diverticula and the presence of functional changes in tissues:

general blood and urine tests;
coprogram;
colonoscopy (flexible sigmoidoscopy);
irrigoscopy (x-ray examination of the intestine with a contrast agent);
Ultrasound;
CT scan;
scintigraphy (scanning with red blood cells labeled with technetium).

With perforation (perforation) of the diverticulum, dangerous purulent complications can develop: phlegmon, peritonitis, abscesses.

During irrigoscopy, the progress of barium is monitored on an X-ray monitor, visualizing hernial protrusions of any structure protruding beyond the outer contour of the intestine. Irrigoscopy with double contrast can be performed no earlier than a month and a half after the relief of acute diverticulitis.

Colonoscopy is prescribed in cases where the presence of carcinomas and small polyps cannot be reliably excluded in areas with diverticulosis. This method is also chosen in cases where the patient is admitted with rectal bleeding. However, colonoscopy is difficult to perform in the presence of spasm, which is observed with extensive diverticular disease; in this case, the movement of the instrument when passing through the segment of the intestine affected by diverticulosis is difficult.

In complicated cases, CT and sonography reveal thickening of the intestinal wall and large abscesses.

Features of diet therapy

For uncomplicated diverticulosis, the following groups of drugs are widely used as part of outpatient treatment:

Antibiotics of the group of penicillins, macrolides, cephalosporins. The drugs eliminate the inflammatory process and destroy pathogenic microflora;
Probiotics (Linex, Bifiform, Bifidum) to restore biocenosis in the intestines;
Products based on aminosalicylic acid;
Enzyme preparations (Creon, Pangrol, Mezim) to normalize digestive processes;
Intestinal motility stimulants (Motilium, Massagix, Motilak, Metoproclamide);
Antispasmodics (Drotaverine, Spazmolgon, Paraverine, Spasmonet);
Laxatives (Lactulose Poly, Normaze, Duphalac, Romphalac, Goodluck).

If diverticulosis progresses during drug therapy, the patient is hospitalized. In such cases, patients need additional diagnostic procedures and infusion therapy (administration of glucose and saline solutions is indicated).

Important! If 2 exacerbations of the disease are diagnosed, then it is advisable to undergo surgery, since a repeated relapse can cause intestinal perforation.

Treatment of intestinal diverticulosis

In asymptomatic forms, drug treatment for intestinal diverticulosis is not prescribed. Therapy consists of following a special diet and maintaining water balance, which helps eliminate constipation and normalize intestinal function.

Diet for intestinal diverticulosis is the main part of therapy. The daily diet should be compiled in compliance with several rules:

The diet should include foods rich in fiber, vegetables and fruits (with the exception of cereals, seaweed, cauliflower);
increase the content of natural fermented milk products in the diet;
refuse fried, smoked foods, semi-finished products, flour products;
limit the consumption of meat dishes and products containing animal fats;
give up legumes and mushrooms;
Use prunes, dried apricots or herbal teas as a laxative.

In most cases, intestinal diverticulosis has a favorable prognosis; the likelihood of success of conservative therapy increases if treated at the first episode of the disease and is 70%.

In some cases, in order to normalize digestion, taking drugs that reduce gas formation, enzymes, prokinetics and probiotics is indicated. The use of laxatives should be limited, because they contribute to increased pressure in the intestines.

In cases where the inflammatory process in the intestines does occur, but serious complications do not develop, treatment is practiced at home, with bed rest. In addition to strict adherence to the diet and maintaining water balance, drugs that stimulate peristalsis, enzyme preparations, antibiotics, antispasmodics (Mebeverine), analgesics, laxatives and drugs that increase stool volume, for example, ispaghula husk, are prescribed.

In case of complicated diverticulosis, hospitalization is indicated for the patient, additional diagnostic tests are carried out, therapy is prescribed, including antibiotics (cephalosporins, Amoxicillin with clavulanic acid, Metronidazole, Gentamicin), intravenous administration of solutions of salts and glucose for detoxification and correction of water and electrolyte disturbances.

In the case of the development of diverticulitis or the presence of acute attacks of diverticulosis, conservative treatment is not used: the risk of intestinal perforation and the development of peritonitis is too great. During surgery, the section of intestine affected by diverticula is removed (hemicolectomy, resection of the sigmoid colon with primary anastomosis). The volume of surgical intervention performed and its technique depend on the individual characteristics of the disease. To reduce intraintestinal pressure, such operations are often combined with colon myotomy.

At the age of sixty, every third person suffers from diverticulosis, and starting from seventy-five, every second person suffers.

Indications for surgical treatment of diverticulosis:

the presence of two acute attacks (for patients over forty years old - one) with failure of conservative treatment;
massive bleeding in the abdominal cavity;
development of intestinal obstruction;
phlegmon or peritonitis of the retroperitoneal region;
abscess rupture, internal or external intestinal fistulas.

Description

According to statistics, diverticulosis of the sigmoid colon is often diagnosed in residents of Canada and the USA, and the disease is least common in residents of Asian countries, since fiber is constantly present in their diet.

Experts distinguish 2 types of diverticula:

Congenital. They occur in humans during intrauterine development. In this case, all layers of the intestine protrude.
Purchased. They are formed during life under the influence of unfavorable factors. Most often, it occurs in older people.

According to the mechanism of formation, diverticula are:

Traction. They appear when the patient has adhesions that stretch the intestinal walls from the outside.
Pulsating. They are formed due to congenital abnormalities of the muscle wall or as a result of injury.

Diverticula in the intestinal area can occur under the influence of the following factors:

being overweight;
prolonged constipation;
bloating;
infectious intestinal pathologies;
genetic predisposition;
atherosclerosis of intestinal vessels;
sedentary lifestyle;
elderly age;
nervous disorders;
impaired blood circulation in the intestinal vessels;
chronic infectious diseases.

In addition, diverticulosis of the large intestine can occur due to poor nutrition. It can be triggered by a lack of fiber in the diet, excessive consumption of eggs, bread and flour products, fatty meats and fish.

Poor nutrition, excess weight, lack of fiber in the diet, infectious intestinal pathologies, genetic predisposition can provoke intestinal diverticulosis

The underlying causes of the disease are:

cardiovascular pathologies;
dysregulation of the gastrointestinal tract;
adhesions formed after surgery in the abdominal cavity;
dystrophy of the intestinal muscular system.

In most cases, diverticulosis has mild symptoms. Therefore, patients consult a doctor in the later stages of the disease, in the presence of complications, which significantly complicates treatment.

Intestinal diverticulosis is characterized by the following symptoms:

nausea and vomiting;
flatulence;
pain in the left side of the abdomen;
constant constipation;
the presence of mucus or blood in the stool;
intestinal bleeding;
frequent urge to defecate;
pain in the lumbar region, anus, sacrum and groin area.

During the examination, the patient may complain of pain during palpation, as well as bloating.

Diverticulosis often has mild symptoms; with complications, it can manifest itself in the form of nausea and vomiting, flatulence, and constant constipation

Diagnosis of intestinal diverticulosis consists of the following methods:

CT scan;
colonoscopy;
endoscopy;
ultrasonography;
general blood and urine analysis;
coprogram;
Irrirography.

Complications

If the intestine is severely damaged, serious complications may occur:

inflammation of the peritoneum;
abscess;
intestinal obstruction;
diverticulation perforation;
retroperitoneal phlegmon;
bleeding inside the intestines;
external and internal fistulas.

Note! With intestinal diverticulosis, the risk of malignant tumors appearing in it increases significantly.

Patients often experience inflammation in the area of diverticula. Experts call this complication diverticulitis. It is characterized by the following symptoms:

digestive disorders in the intestines;
increased body temperature;
severe pain in the abdominal area;
general intoxication of the body;
feverish condition.

For diverticulitis, conservative treatment is not used, since there is a high probability of intestinal perforation and peritonitis. During surgery, the doctor removes the section of intestine where the diverticula have formed.

Treatment

To treat intestinal diverticulosis, the following medications should be used:

Antibiotic drugs – Rifaximin, Tazpen, Metronidazole, Piperacillin, Zopercin.
Laxatives for normalizing stool - Forlax, Lactulose, Legkolax, Diagnol, Tranzipeg.
Drugs that eliminate bloating and flatulence - Espumisan, Vinboron, Plantex, Disflatil, Dicetel, Infacol.
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs - Nimesil, Mesacol, Tidocol, Mesalazine, Sulfasalazine.
Antispasmodics and painkillers - Drotaverine, Spasmol, No-shpa, Spazoverine, Spasmonet.

Linex and Bifidumbacterin will help restore the intestinal microflora. To eliminate diarrhea, Sulgin or Biseptol are prescribed.

When treating intestinal diverticulosis, it is necessary to restore normal digestion; enzymes are used for this

In case of exacerbation of the pathology or in the absence of a positive result of drug therapy, the patient is hospitalized. Further treatment consists of taking antibiotics, gastric lavage and intestinal cleansing with siphon enemas.

Nutrition

Treatment of diverticulosis of the large intestine includes adherence to dietary nutrition. The basis of the daily menu should be products containing plant fiber. It is recommended to include the following foods and dishes in the diet:

buckwheat;
bran;
vegetarian soups;
vegetable oil;
fermented milk products;
baked vegetables and fruits;
boiled fish;
lean meats;
steamed cutlets;
compotes;
berries in the form of jelly;
seaweed;
eggs (up to 2 pieces per day);
dried fruits.

Drinks allowed include freshly squeezed vegetable and fruit juices, rosehip infusion, weak black tea, and mineral water. It is advisable to avoid drinking coffee.

For successful treatment of diverticulosis, in addition to drug treatment, dietary nutrition is necessary; the basis of the diet should be foods containing plant fiber, and drinks should include freshly squeezed vegetable and fruit juices.

Prohibited foods for intestinal diverticulosis include the following:

chocolate;
confectionery with cream;
baked goods;
fatty meats;
canned food;
smoked meats;
fried eggs;
rice;
semolina;
potato;
legumes;
vermicelli;
mushrooms.

Note! It is prohibited to drink any alcoholic beverages if you are ill.

In some patients, prolonged consumption of large amounts of fiber may cause flatulence.

Traditional medicine will help alleviate the patient's condition. To relieve inflammation and eliminate constipation, it is useful to use flaxseed or olive oil. You should regularly drink 20 g of oil before going to bed and use olive oil to season vegetable salads throughout the day.

You can prevent exacerbation of the disease, improve your well-being and reduce flatulence in the stomach with the help of bran. They should first be taken in small quantities, no more than 20 g per day, washed down with fermented milk drinks or added to a dish. Next, the daily norm of bran should be increased to 50 g.

Olive or flaxseed oil, bran, green apples, sprouted grains will help alleviate the patient’s condition

To cleanse the intestines, you can use green apples in combination with sprouted wheat grains. Both components should be crushed in a blender. Take 250 g in the morning for 30 days, then you need to take a break for 1 month, and then repeat the course.

Plantain seeds will help improve peristalsis and relieve the problem of constipation and diarrhea:

Take 25 g of seeds.
Pour 250 ml of fruit juice or milk.
Add 100 ml of yogurt or kefir.
To stir thoroughly.

Take the resulting product in the morning on an empty stomach.

Note! Diverticulosis of the sigmoid colon can be treated with folk remedies only after consultation with a doctor and in combination with pharmaceutical drugs.

Infusions and decoctions

Many healers recommend drinking a herbal infusion based on motherwort, nettle leaves, chamomile flowers, dill seeds and rose hips for diverticulosis of the large intestine. It should be prepared according to this scheme:

Take 10 g of each component and pour into a thermos.
Pour a glass of warm water.
Close the thermos and leave for 1.5 hours.
Strain.

Drink ½ glass in the morning and evening.

A decoction of elm bark has proven itself well for intestinal diseases. To prepare it, you must perform the following steps:

Pour 10 g of crushed bark into 200 ml of water.
Simmer over low heat for 20 minutes.
Cool.
Strain.

Take 100 ml daily.

It is useful for intestinal diverticulosis to drink an infusion based on elderberry. It is enough to brew 20 g of berries in a glass of boiling water and drink 200 ml every day.

After meals three times a day, traditional healers recommend drinking a warm infusion of mint or chamomile. To prepare the infusion, take 10 g of dry or fresh raw materials, pour 200 ml of boiling water and leave for 10-15 minutes. Take the product instead of your usual tea.

Tinctures

You can relax the intestinal walls with a thorn-based tincture. It is prepared according to the following scheme:

Rinse the fruits and place in a glass bottle.
Pour rubbing alcohol until they are completely covered.
Close the container tightly and leave in a dark place for 4 months.
Strain the tincture.
Add 100 g of sugar to 1 liter of the resulting product.

When the sugar has dissolved, strain the tincture again and pour it into bottles, close them and store them in the refrigerator for six months. Drink the resulting product 20 ml twice a day 30 minutes before meals.

Alcohol tincture based on sloe helps relax the intestinal walls

To eliminate pain, improve metabolism and lower cholesterol levels, it is useful to take wine with the addition of walnut leaves. You can prepare the product according to this scheme:

Place 100 g of crushed leaves in a jar.
Pour 1 liter of dry wine.
Add 60 ml of alcohol.
Stir and leave for 10 days.
Filter and bottle.

Since the tincture has a bitter taste, you can add 50 g of honey to it. You should drink the resulting product ¼ cup before each meal.

Echinacea tincture has a good effect. You should take 30 drops of tincture regularly.

Oatmeal jelly

Oatmeal jelly will help reduce signs of flatulence, get rid of pain, and normalize stool:

Boil 2.5 liters of water.
Cool to 40°C.
Pour into a 3-liter jar.
Add 200 ml of kefir and 500 g of oatmeal.
Cover the mixture and leave for 2 days.
Strain.
Rinse the sediment under water.
Leave for 20 hours.

Pour the bottom layer of the resulting product into a clean container and keep it in the refrigerator. You should make jelly from it. For 100 g of jelly, take 350 ml of cold water, bring to a boil and then boil. You can add salt and butter to improve the taste. It is advisable to use the product in the morning along with bread.

Prevention

Possible complications and consequences

An uncomplicated form of diverticulosis can proceed for years without making itself felt, but after some time (in 10-20% of patients) inflammation develops. As inflammatory processes increase, serious diseases may develop:

perforation;
paracolic abscesses;
intestinal obstruction;
intestinal bleeding;
accumulation of inflammatory infiltrate;
internal and external fistulas.

With perforation (perforation) of the diverticulum, dangerous purulent complications can develop: phlegmon, peritonitis, abscesses.

When an abscess located in a closed cavity of a diverticulum breaks through, peritonitis, internal or external fistula develops. When a diverticulum perforates into the bladder, a colovesical fistula is formed. Fistulas can open into other organs, and enterocutaneous fistulas can form. Patients with colovesical fistulas sometimes experience pneumaturia and urinary tract infections in the absence of complaints of disturbances in the gastrointestinal tract.

Sometimes bleeding occurs from the vessels penetrating the neck of the diverticulum. Such bleeding is often profuse and is manifested by general symptoms of blood loss and blood in the stool. Typically, profuse bleeding develops from a single diverticulum located in the right colon.

Fecal diffuse peritonitis associated with diverticular disease develops as a result of necrosis of the intestinal wall, leading to the leakage of purulent and fecal masses into the abdominal cavity. The patient's condition is characterized as extremely severe, with acute manifestations of peritonitis and septic shock.

In the case of the development of diverticulitis or the presence of acute attacks of diverticulosis, conservative treatment is not used.

In an area where diverticulitis has existed for a long time, an adhesive process often occurs, which can result in intestinal obstruction. Smooth muscle hypertrophy, scars from previous attacks of diverticulitis, and inflammatory changes can cause acute obstruction of the colon and complete closure of its lumen.

Why do symptoms appear?

The frequent occurrence of diverticula in the sigmoid colon is due to the following anatomical and physiological features:

The presence of a large number of bends that are necessary to regulate the movement of feces through the intestine;
Small diameter of the organ;
Physiologically, the intestine is a reservoir where the formation, compaction and accumulation of feces occurs.

The listed factors provoke an increase in pressure inside the organ, stretching of the walls, therefore, against the background of age-related changes in connective tissue elements and muscle fibers, specific protrusions of the mucous membrane occur where there are defects in the intestinal muscles. Pathological processes affect the submucosal nerve plexuses, lead to disruption of the baroreceptors, and thickening of the muscular lining of the intestine.

Compression of blood vessels located inside the intestinal wall.
Violation of local microcirculation, the occurrence of ischemia;
Atrophy of muscle fibers.
Changes in intestinal motility.
The appearance of weak areas where a diverticulum forms.

Diet

The diet for colon diverticulosis is aimed at preventing the development of complications of the disease and alleviating its symptoms. To achieve these goals, a high-fiber diet is best to help soften stools and normalize bowel movements.

Diet for colon diverticulosis should include 18 to 30 grams of fiber per day. You need to increase its amount in the diet gradually, over several weeks. This will avoid side effects such as bloating and flatulence.

Good sources of fiber:

Fruits.
Vegetables.
Nuts.
Cereals.
Whole grain products.

An example of a menu for one day for a person with diverticulosis:

Breakfast - oatmeal.
Second breakfast – low-fat yogurt with fruit.
Lunch – vegetable soup with boiled fish.
Snack – baked apple
Dinner – buckwheat porridge with chicken cutlet and steamed vegetables.

Drug therapy for diverticulosis

For intestinal diverticulosis, treatment is predominantly medicinal. In most cases, patients are prescribed the following medications:

Antibiotics - Metronidazole, Piperacillin, Rifaximin.
Laxatives to normalize stool and facilitate bowel movements - Lactulose, Forlax.
Medicines belonging to the group of defoamers (Espumizan, Plantex) can be recommended if the patient suffers from symptoms such as flatulence and bloating.
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (Sulfasalazine, Nimesil, Mesacol) - help eliminate inflammatory processes in the intestinal area.
Painkillers, antispasmodics (Drotaverine, No-shpa) are recommended for severe pain in the abdominal area.

It must be remembered that each drug must be prescribed to the patient by his attending physician on an individual basis. The specialist will also help calculate the optimal dosage of drugs for the patient and the duration of the therapeutic course.

In case of exacerbation of the disease or in the absence of proper results of drug therapy, the patient is hospitalized. Further treatment includes a course of antibiotic therapy, gastric lavage, intestinal cleansing using siphon enemas, droppers with colloidal solutions.

Symptoms of diverticular disease

Diverticulosis

Most people with diverticulosis have no discomfort, but the following symptoms may occur:

abdominal pain;
convulsions;
heat;
bloating;
constipation in the lower abdomen.

These same symptoms are common in other diseases, such as irritable bowel syndrome and peptic ulcers, so looking at symptoms alone may not always make a confident diagnosis of diverticular disease.

People with chronic symptoms (i.e. those whose symptoms do not go away) should consult a doctor.

Diverticulitis

Possible symptoms in case of diverticulitis:

pain and cramps in the abdomen;
nausea and vomiting;
fever;
chills;
constipation or diarrhea.

The most common sign is abdominal pain, while the telltale sign found during a physical examination is lethargy in the lower left abdomen. The pain is usually severe and appears suddenly, but in principle it can also be mild and gradually worsen over several days, increasing in intensity.

Diagnostic measures

To diagnose intestinal diverticulosis, as a rule, it is not enough to study the general symptoms and the results of the collected anamnesis. In most cases, patients are prescribed the following types of studies: colonoscopy, MRI of the intestine, etc.

In addition, laboratory blood tests will help to suspect the presence of this disease. With diverticulosis, the number of leukocyte and erythrocyte cells, as well as C-reactive proteins, increases in the patient’s blood.

Comprehensive diagnostics can identify a pathological process in the intestinal area at the earliest stages of its development, long before the appearance of characteristic symptoms.

Causes of colon diverticulosis

Elderly age.
Disorders of intestinal motor function.
Diseases of the digestive tract.
Increased gas formation.
Dystrophy of the muscular layer of the intestine.
Insufficient blood circulation to intestinal tissues.
Heredity.
Unbalanced diet with a predominance of fast food, confectionery and flour products, quick snacks with semi-finished products and insufficient fiber consumption. It is especially abundant in vegetables and various cereals. It is for this reason that developed countries (Russia, America, Japan) occupy leading places in the incidence of diverticulosis.
Helminths.

Smoking, alcohol abuse, other bad habits, and excess body weight are not proven causes of pathology.

Disease prevention

In order to prevent severe complications of the disease, you should follow the rules of a healthy diet and strive for a healthy lifestyle. A complete therapeutic diet on the recommendation of a nutritionist, including vegetables, fruits, dietary fiber, vitamins and minerals, will help eliminate digestive problems and prevent constipation.

Human motor activity is of particular importance. It is recommended to take walks in the fresh air every day. You need to devote time to sports or gymnastics at least several times a week.

When you have the urge to defecate, it is important to go to the toilet immediately. Delayed bowel movements cause constipation and hemorrhoids.

The main danger of the pathology is the development of complications, often leading to death. To prevent dangerous situations, it is important to promptly treat the patient: an adult and a child, a man and a woman, from intestinal disease.