Disease of the diverticula is becoming more common in the industrialized countries of the world. Some studies even show that 33 percent of the population will have this disorder by the time they reach 50 years old, says Howard Werman, M.D., medical director of MedFlight in "Tintinalli's Emergency Medicine: A Comprehensive Study Guide." Approximately 10 percent of adults may have IBS, or irritable bowel syndrome.
What Is Diverticulitis and IBS?
Diverticula are little pockets in the wall of the large intestines. As the bowel movement passes through the intestines, some of it can get trapped inside the diverticula. This can lead to diverticulitis, or the inflammation of the diverticula. On the other hand, physicians do not know what causes irritable bowel syndrome, according to Adil Bharucha, M.D., professor of medicine at the Mayo Clinic College of Medicine in "The Merck Manual for Healthcare Professionals." There are no abnormalities in any biopsy, x-ray or lab test.
Risk Factors
The elderly and people who eat a high-fat, low-fiber diet risk having diverticulosis, or a large intestine that has many diverticula. Ten to 25 percent of those with a lot of diverticula develop diverticulitis, writes Cindy Barter, M.D. of the Lehigh Valley Hospital Family Medicine Residency Program in "Current Diagnosis & Treatment in Family Medicine." Many people with irritable bowel syndrome have problems sleeping, or suffer with depression and anxiety. Some feel abdominal pain whenever they have a normal amount of intestinal gas.
Symptoms
Most people with diverticulitis have pain in the lower left abdomen. Other symptoms may include constipation or diarrhea, fever, increased heart rate, nausea and vomiting, pain when urinating and having to frequently urinate. In "Current Diagnosis & Treatment in Family Medicine," Dr. Barter explains that people can have reoccurring urinary tract infections if diverticulitis causes a fistula between the intestines and the bladder. A fistula is an abnormal opening between two structures. Those with irritable bowel syndrome have abdominal pain, which decreases after a bowel movement. They also have gas and constipation or diarrhea.
Diagnosis
The diagnosis of diverticulitis includes a complete blood count, or CBC. This lab test usually shows an increased number of white blood cells, because these cells fight inflammation. People may also have an x-ray of the abdomen and pelvis. Dr. Bharucha explains that people with irritable bowel syndrome may have a CBC, stool culture, colonoscopy and have their electrolyte levels checked. Sodium, potassium and calcium are all examples of electrolytes. These tests are checking for any stomach or intestinal diseases.
Treatment
The treatment for diverticulitis depends upon the health of the person and on how severe the inflammation is, according to Dr. Barter. Sometimes, the treatment is a clear liquid diet and antibiotics taken at home. Other people may need to be in the hospital, taking fluids and antibiotics. Those with irritable bowel syndrome need to increase their dietary fiber and receive education about diet. They may also need medication for diarrhea and depression.
References
- "Current Diagnosis & Treatment in Family Medicine"; Jeannette South-Paul, M.D., Samuel Matheny, M.D., Evelyn Lewis, M.D.; 2008
- The Merck Manual for Healthcare Professionals: Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)
- "Tintinalli's Emergency Medicine: A Comprehensive Study Guide"; Judith Tintinalli, M.D., Gabor Kelen, M.D. et al.; 2004
