Diverticula of the large intestine – causes, symptoms, diet, treatment

Diverticula of the large intestine is a condition that can affect many people, especially in later life.Although they do not always cause serious health problems, it is worth knowing their causes, symptoms, treatment and appropriate diet and lifestyle that will help control this problem.

What is diverticulosis of the large intestine?

Diverticulosis, also called diverticulosis, is a condition in which small sac-like protrusions, called diverticula, occur in the intestines.They can occur in various areas of the large intestine, but most often appear in the sigmoid and colon areas.These diverticula are usually small, but may enlarge over time and cause certain complications.

Diverticula of the large intestine – causes

The most important risk factor for colon diverticula is age.The older a person is, the more likely they are to develop diverticula.Other causes include an improper diet, low in fiber, which leads to constipation and excessive pressure on the intestinal walls, which favors the formation of diverticula.Smoking, obesity and physical inactivity can also increase the risk of this problem.

Diverticula of the large intestine – symptoms

In most cases, colonic diverticula are asymptomatic and are discovered accidentally during diagnostic tests, such as colonoscopy.However, in some cases, symptoms may occur such as abdominal pain, especially in the lower left part, flatulence, irregular bowel movements, constipation or diarrhea.If acute diverticulitis occurs, symptoms such as fever, nausea and vomiting may occur.

Treatment of large intestine diverticula and complications

In the case of asymptomatic diverticula, treatment is not necessarily necessary.However, it is advisable to monitor your health and use an appropriate diet rich in fiber, which will help prevent the enlargement of diverticula.If symptoms occur, your doctor may recommend drug treatment to relieve the symptoms and control the condition.In case of complications such as acute diverticulitis, surgical intervention may be necessary.

Diverticula of the large intestine – diet, lifestyle

Diet plays an important role in managing diverticulosis.It is important to eat enough fiber, which helps with regular bowel movements and prevents constipation.Foods rich in fiber include fruits, vegetables, whole grains and legumes.Additionally, avoiding foods with low nutritional value that are high in saturated fats and simple sugars can help maintain a healthy colon.

Regular physical activity is also important.Exercise helps maintain proper intestinal function and prevents constipation.Smoking and excessive alcohol consumption should be limited or completely eliminated because they can negatively affect the health of the colon.

Your suggestions

To effectively manage diverticulosis, it is worth checking your health regularly and following your doctor’s recommendations.If any symptoms appear, consult your doctor immediately.Also remember about a healthy diet, physical activity and avoiding risk factors such as smoking and excessive alcohol consumption.

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If you are interested in the topic of colon diverticula, we recommend that you read other articles on this topic, which may provide additional knowledge and information on this topic.It’s important to be well-informed about colon health to effectively manage your health.

It is worth remembering that each case of diverticulosis is different, so treatment and diet may vary depending on the individual needs of the patient.Any decisions regarding treatment should be consulted with a doctor who will best assess the situation and recommend appropriate actions.