Diverticulitis is the inflammation of small pouches in your intestinal tract known as diverticula. According to the experts at the Mayo Clinic, the presence of diverticula becomes more common after the age of 40. If left untreated, diverticulitis may cause life-threatening complications. Exercise is an important factor in maintaining your health and may help you overcome your diverticula infection. In some cases the infection is so severe that a patient is unable to perform physical activity.
Causes
Diverticula develop when naturally weak points in your abdominal wall are pushed out to create pouches. The blood supply of the pouches are poor and may lead to tissue damage and infection. Fecal matter may also become trapped in these pockets and lead to infection.
Symptoms
A bout of diverticulitis is characterized by nausea, diarrhea,sharp or building abdominal pain and a change in bowel habits. Diverticulitis also manifests itself with other symptoms such as fever, abdominal tenderness, bloody stools and bloating.
Diagnosis and Treatment
Diagnosis of diverticulitis is difficult because its symptoms are similar to many conditions. To diagnose diverticulitis your physician will likely resort to blood test and Computerized Tomography. In rare cases colonoscopys may also be used to diagnose diverticulitis.
In mild cases , diverticulitis is treated with bed rest, liquid diet and anti-biotic medications. In more severe cases surgery may be required.
Exercise with Diverticulitis
If your condition allows it, exercise may be performed while suffering from a bout of diverticulitis. The Mayo Clinic experts say that 30 minutes of exercise daily will help treat and prevent diverticulitis. Exercise encourages normal bowel function and relieves pressure in your intestinal tract.
References
- MayoClinic.com: Diverticulitis
- "Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine 16th Edition"; Lawrence Madoff, James Macguire, Kenneth Brandt, Bruce Gillaind, Scott Thaier; 2005
- "Exercise and Health"; Prof. T. A. Asmangulyan; 1997
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