Page 24 - Seniorstoday May 2024 Issue

Health

Diverticulitis Can Be

Debilitating

Dr Prasanna Shah details the causes, symptoms, and treatments of a medical
condition that causes inflammation and infection to the colon

Diverticulitis is a medical condition that Diverticulitis occurs when the diverticula
affects the digestive system, causing becomes blocked with stool, causing
inflammation and infection in the small, bacteria to accumulate and leading to
bulging pouches called diverticula that infection. The exact cause of diverticula
form in the lining of the intestine. This formation is not fully understood, but it
condition can be painful and debilitating, is believed to be primarily due to a low-
impacting a person’s quality of life. fiber diet. When the diet lacks fiber, the
Understanding the causes, symptoms, and stool becomes harder, requiring increased
treatments of diverticulitis is essential for pressure to pass through the colon. This
managing and preventing flare-ups. increased pressure can cause the lining of
the colon to bulge out and form diverticula
What is diverticulitis? over time.
Diverticulitis is a condition characterised
by the inflammation and infection of
diverticula, which are small pouches that
develop in the lining of the intestine. These
diverticula usually form in the lower part
of the large intestine, known as the colon.
When these pouches become infected or
inflamed, it can lead to various symptoms
and complications.

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