Painful Digestive Disorder - Diverticulosis

A condition that is part of the large intestine and that causes a lot of discomfort and pain for the individuals with it is called, "diverticulosis". Diverticula are the pouches that form in the wall of the colon that is part of the large intestine. These pouches can be up to 0.25 inches or larger in diameter. The actual pouches in the wall of the colon do not cause the symptoms of the disease. The disease itself is usually not discovered unless symptoms exist, unless a different medical problem is being investigated or during a screening exam.

Painful diverticular disease is when there is abdominal pain and cramping, especially on the left side of the abdomen. The symptoms and the treatment for painful diverticular disease are similar to that of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). It is thought by some doctors that someone with painful diverticular disease might actually also have both diseases.

It is thought that the cause for diverticulosis is that the pouches form as a result of high pressure within the inside of the colon that then pushes against the weak spots that exist in the colon wall.

A diet that is adequate when it comes to fiber will produce a stool that is bulky and moves easily through the colon. If an individual eats a diet that is low in fiber, the colon must than exert more pressure to move the stool through it. This exertion results in smaller, and harder stool. A low fiber diet also increases the time it takes to move stool through the colon so the individual with a low-fiber diet will have less stools and the stool will remain in the colon longer, which results in higher pressure.

Usually individuals with diverticulitis do not even know they have it, as there usually are no symptoms. Over time, individuals can develop an infection in the pouches of the intestine (diverticulitis). Inflamed pouches can then cause the pain associated with the disease.

Sometimes tests such as a barium enema X-ray or a colonoscopy are done for other medical problems or as a screening exam and the pouches are discovered.

Individuals with diverticulosis are encouraged to start eating a diet high in fiber and to drink plenty of water to avoid constipation. Eating whole grains, leafy green vegetables and plenty of fruit will help to increase your fiber in your diet.

There are also fiber supplements such as Citrucel, Fibercon, and Metamucil that are commercially marketed. Using these fiber aids may help to prevent new formation of pouches but they cannot do anything about the pouches that have already formed within the intestine.

Those experiencing pain can help to eliminate this by discovering which foods cause them gas, pain or bloating. Learning which foods trigger these reactions can help them to avoid the painful symptoms.

Those individuals interested in avoiding diverticulosis from occurring can do so by eating a diet that is high in fiber, taking in plenty of water each day, and by exercising on a regular basis. All of these things are designed to help your colon to move stool efficiently.