| | | | Other Names | | | Diverticulitis, Diverticular Disease, Diverticulosis.
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| | | Also known as: Diverticulitis, Diverticulosis.
In people with
diverticular disease, portions of the colon form abnormal pouches.
High-pressure inside the intestine may cause these outpouchings (called
diverticula) to develop in areas of weakness within the wall of the
colon.1 The development of these pouches is called diverticulosis. Rarely,
diverticula may also occur in the stomach or small intestine. When the
pouches become inflamed (often as a result of bacterial infection),
symptoms such as cramping pains, fever, and nausea can result.2 Such an
infection (called diverticulitis) is potentially life-threatening and
requires immediate medical intervention. Diverticular disease becomes
increasingly common as people age and is a malady of 20th-century western
society, primarily due to the consumption of a low-fiber
diet.3
What are the symptoms of diverticular disease? People with
diverticular disease may or may not have abdominal cramps, bloating,
constipation, and tenderness or pain, especially along the lower left side
of the abdomen. When there is an active infection, there may also be
fever, chills, nausea, and vomiting.
Conventional treatment
options: Conventional treatment depends on the severity of the disease.
For mild conditions, doctors typically recommend adequate fluid intake and
a high-fiber diet (which may include fiber supplements such as Citrucelr,
Fiberconr, and Metamucilr). Serious cases may be treated with a liquid
diet, intravenous antibiotics, pain medication, drugs to reduce intestinal
spasms, and surgical removal of the affected portion of the colon. For
bleeding diverticula, injections of vasopressin may be used to control
bleeding. Giant diverticula require surgery.
Dietary changes that
may be helpful: Dietary factors influence the frequency and severity of
diverticular disease recurrences. A diet high in fiber has been shown to
be protective against diverticular disease.4 One study of food intake
revealed a 50% increase in incidence of diverticular disease in people
eating a diet high in meat and low in vegetables relative to those eating
a high-vegetable and low-meat diet.5 In addition to helping prevent the
disease, a high-fiber diet may also be useful as a treatment for
diverticular disease.6
Lifestyle changes that may be helpful:
Obesity may be associated with increased severity of diverticular
disease.7 Studies have yet to be conducted to determine if weight loss
decreases signs and symptoms of diverticular disease in patients who are
overweight.
Physical activity, specifically jogging or running, has
been reported to protect against symptomatic diverticular disease.8 While
the reason for its positive effect is not known, exercise is associated
with reduced symptoms of a variety of other diseases of the
colon.
Nutritional supplements that may be helpful: In people with
diverticular disease, a fiber supplement may improve constipation. The
results of double-blind of fiber supplementation for diverticular disease
have been mixed. One study9 demonstrated a beneficial effect of fiber
supplementation in people who suffered from abdominal pain and pain with
bowel movements; whereas a second study10 indicated no improvement in
these symptoms following fiber supplementation. Nevertheless, long-term
fiber supplementation may protect against the complications of
diverticular disease.11
Glucomannan is a water-soluble dietary
fiber that is derived from konjac root (Amorphophallus konjac). A
preliminary clinical trial found that approximately one-third to one half
of people with diverticular disease had reduced symptoms of diverticular
disease after taking glucommanan.12 The amount of glucomannan shown to be
effective as a laxative is 3-4 grams per day.
Are there any side
effects or interactions? Refer to the individual supplement for
information about any side effects or interactions.
Herbs that may
be helpful: A preliminary trial of the herb psyllium supports the use of
this type of fiber in relieving the symptoms associated with diverticular
disease and constipation.13
Are there any side effects or
interactions? Refer to the individual herb for information about any side
effects or interactions.
References:
1. Halphen M,
Blain A. Natural history of diverticulosis. Rev Prat 1995;45:952-8 [in
French].
2. Thompson WG, Patel DG. Clinical picture of diverticular
disease of the colon. Clin Gastroenterol 1986;15:903-16.
3. Ozick
LA, Salazar CO, Donelson SS. Pathogenesis, diagnosis, and treatment of
diverticular disease of the colon. Gastroenterologist 1995;6:55-63
[review].
4. Handler S. Dietary fiber: Can it prevent certain
colonic diseases? Postgrad Med 1983;73:301-7.
5. Manousos O, Day
NE, Tzonou A, et al. Diet and other factors in the aetiology of
diverticulosis: an epidemiological study in Greece. Gut
1985;26:544-9.
6. Elfrink RJ, Miedema BW. Colonic diverticula. When
complications require surgery and when they don't. Postgrad Med
1992;92:97-8, 101-2, 105, 108.
7. Ozick LA, Salazar CO, Donelson
SS. Pathogenesis, diagnosis, and treatment of diverticular disease of the
colon. Gastroenterologist 1995;6:55-63 [review].
8. Aldoori WH,
Giovannucci EL, Rimm EB, et al. Prospective study of physical activity and
the risk of symptomatic diverticular disease in men. Gut
1995;36:276-82.
9. Smits BJ, Whitehead AM, Prescott P. Lactulose in
the treatment of symptomatic diverticular disease: a comparative study
with high-fibre diet. Br J Clin Pract 1990;44:314-8.
10. Ornstein
MH, Littlewood ER, Baird IM, et al. Are fibre supplements really necessary
in diverticular disease of the colon? A controlled clinical trial. Br Med
J (Clin Res Ed) 1981;25:1353-6.
11. Leahy AL, Ellis RM , Quill DS,
Peel AL. High fibre diet in symptomatic diverticular disease of the colon.
Ann R Coll Surg Engl 1985;67:173-4.
12. Papi C, Ciaco A, Koch M,
Capurso L. Efficacy of rifaximin in the treatment of symptomatic
diverticular disease of the colon. A multicentre double-blind
placebo-controlled trial. Aliment Pharmacol Ther 1995;9:33-9.
13.
Ewerth S, Ahlberg J, Holmstrom B, et al. Influence on symptoms and
transit-time of Vi-SiblinR in diverticular disease. Acta Chir Scand Suppl
1980;500:49-50.
Source: NOW Foods
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Please Note: This Traditional Use information is provided as a courtesy only. The products indicated above may be listed in error. This information is based on Traditional and Folklore Medicine which uses natural materials to support health. This information has not been evaluated or approved by the FDA and is not based on scientific evidence from any source. These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). These products are intended to support general well being and are not intended to treat, diagnose, mitigate, prevent, or cure any condition or disease. If conditions persist, please seek advice from your medical doctor.
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Diverticulitis (Diverticular Disease) - Health - Glucomannan - 500 mg
60 capsules
12.57 US
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