Are diverticula in the colon dangerous?

People who suffer from diverticula in the colon are often symptomless and asymptomatic.

What are they?

Diverticula are a type of sac or pouches that result from a weakness of the muscle layers of the colon and can occur in any part of the colon, but they are more common in the sigmoid, a part of the large intestine that is located immediately After the colon, before the descending colon and rectum, on the left.

Factors affecting its form

1º low fiber diet

There may be a fiber deficiency hard, dry stool what can happen Increased tension on the wall of the colon during bowel movements, This continued pressure can cause pouches or diverticula to form on the walls of the colon. Thus, people with chronic constipation or certain difficulties in defecating are at higher risk of developing diverticula.

2º age

the walls of the colon become weak As we age the risk of developing diverticula may increase.

third genetic predisposition

4º Overweight and obesity

5º Inflammatory diseases of the colon

In form of Ulcerative colitis Wave Crohn’s disease,

health hazards

  • It is true that diverticular disease usually occurs No symptoms in the early stages, However, some signs like stomach ache, generally in left lower abdomenOne of the most common symptoms of diverticulosis is diverticulosis.
  • they may also suffer changes in bowel movements (episodes of constipation or diarrhea), as well Stomach swelling and gas.

There are many of these symptoms Similar to those occurring in other gastrointestinal disorders Therefore, if you are suffering from these, it is advisable to consult a specialist doctor so that a proper diagnosis can be made. Regular visits and colonoscopy can help detect the presence of diverticula and prevent complications.

Diverticulosis looks like this…

Diverticulosis looks like this

Of course, if diverticula become infected and inflamed, a condition called acute diverticulitis appears. Symptoms in this case include:

  • severe stomach pain
  • Fever
  • nausea
  • vomit
  • changes in bowel habits

Therefore, some patients may require antibiotic treatment, Monitoring through analytical and diagnostic imaging tests and, in some cases, hospitalization. In fact, when severe cases occur, it may boils, fistulas or even colon perforationWhich is a very serious condition, which requires immediate surgery.

sometimes a diverticular bleeding Endoscopic or surgical action may be required to resolve the case. Additionally, if this occurs for a long time, colonic stenosis may occur, which is a narrowing of the colonic lumen due to the lesion.

How to prevent them from appearing

  1. maintain adequate weight
  2. take care of your diet
  3. do regular physical exercise

Are three fundamental pillars To prevent the appearance of diverticula and reduce the risk of complications.

Fiber is essential for keeping the colon healthy.

A diet rich in fiber helps soften the stool and facilitate its passage through the colon, thereby reducing pressure on the colon wall and reducing the risk of diverticulum formation, as well as proper hydration It happens.

The key to taking care of the microbiota with this formula lies in: Prioritizing. complex carbohydrate intake From Fruits, vegetables, beans and whole grains

Avoid

Processed and low-fiber foods such as:

  • fast food
  • Cake
  • pastries
  • Products with high sugar and refined flour content
  • excess red meat

they can do Causes constipation and harms the health of the colon.

*Once an episode of diverticulitis has been overcome, on the other hand, the patient should focus on preventing future episodes changing lifestyle habits And, on the other hand, to prevent it from recurring, take some antibiotics on a cyclical basis, always with the recommendation of a professional.

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