Diverticulosis occurs when diverticulum are found in the colon as outpockets of colonic mucosa and submucosa that appear in weaknesses of the muscle layer. It is caused by an increase in pressure on the Sigmoid Colon and it is uncommon for sufferers to be under the age of 40. Factors that may increase a person’s chance of getting diverticulosis include constipation, a low-fibre or high-fat diet, high intake of red meat or any connective tissue disorders.
While most people do not have any awareness about the structural change in their colons, if any symptoms do appear it is important to contact a doctor to ensure it does not lead to any further health risks. There are two clinical forms of Diverticulosis: Symptomatic Colonic Diverticulosis and Complicated Colonic Diverticulosis. The former is the more common of the two and is caused by the bowel becoming disorganised. If spasms occur this can give the individual symptoms such as pain in the lower left abdomen, bloating, bowel movements or abdominal pain, particularly after eating. Anyone, especially over 40 years old, who is suffering a combination of these symptoms should book an appointment with their doctor.
Far rarer is complicated colonic diverticulosis. This causes the diverticulae in the colon to bleed. The bleeding may be rapid and through the rectum or slow, causing anaemia. If the diverticulae become infected or perforate it can cause serious problems that should be made aware to a doctor straight away, particular at the first sight of any bleeding through the rectum in individuals over the age of 40.
Complications with diverticulosis need clinical treatment as soon as possible but most people will go unaware that they have it and will never suffer any of the dangerous side effects mentioned here.
While most people do not have any awareness about the structural change in their colons, if any symptoms do appear it is important to contact a doctor to ensure it does not lead to any further health risks. There are two clinical forms of Diverticulosis: Symptomatic Colonic Diverticulosis and Complicated Colonic Diverticulosis. The former is the more common of the two and is caused by the bowel becoming disorganised. If spasms occur this can give the individual symptoms such as pain in the lower left abdomen, bloating, bowel movements or abdominal pain, particularly after eating. Anyone, especially over 40 years old, who is suffering a combination of these symptoms should book an appointment with their doctor.
Far rarer is complicated colonic diverticulosis. This causes the diverticulae in the colon to bleed. The bleeding may be rapid and through the rectum or slow, causing anaemia. If the diverticulae become infected or perforate it can cause serious problems that should be made aware to a doctor straight away, particular at the first sight of any bleeding through the rectum in individuals over the age of 40.
Complications with diverticulosis need clinical treatment as soon as possible but most people will go unaware that they have it and will never suffer any of the dangerous side effects mentioned here.
