Diverticula disease

What is diverticular disease❓ 

 Diverticula: small pouches that stick out from the wall of the gut (intestine) 

 Associated with a low-fibre diet 🍏

 Diverticular disease: when diverticula cause symptoms 

What are the symptoms of diverticular disease❓ 

 Pain in the tummy (abdomen), commonly in the lower left part 

 Bloating 

 Constipation, diarrhoea or occasional large bleeds from the back passage 💩

How do you diagnose diverticular disease❓ 

 Having classical symptoms 

 Examination of the abdomen 

 Colonoscopy 

How do you treat diverticular disease❓ 

 Lifestyle changes:  

 Increase fibre and fluid consumption ⬆ 

 Weight loss ⬇  

 Regular exercise 🚴 

 Stopping smoking 🚬

 Laxatives (if persistent constipation) 💊

Why should I worry about diverticular disease❓ 

 Diverticular bleeding 

 Blockage of the colon 

 Infection inside the abdomen