Diverticular Disease

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Diverticular Disease

• University of Georgia
• Cooperative Extension Service

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Diverticular Disease

• Diverticulosis
• Diverticulitis

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Diverticulosis

• Common disease with age
• Cause unknown
• Potential causes
• Constipation
• Pressure caused by moving dry, hard bowel
  movements
• Diverticula
• pouch-like projections

http//digestive.niddk.nih.gov
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Diverticulitis

• Inflammation of the diverticula
• Material caught in pocket causes inflammation,
  infection
• and bleeding.

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Signs and Symptoms

• Diverticulosis
• Most people have no pain or symptoms
• Diarrhea
• Constipation
• Flatulence
• Heartburn

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Signs and Symptoms

• Diverticulitis
• Tenderness
• Cramps
• Abdominal pain
• Infection
• Fever
• Nausea, vomiting
• Blood in the stool

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How do you know if you have Diverticular Disease?

• Ask your doctor
• Knowing could prevent
• Pain
• Hospital stays
• Get tested by your doctor

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What causes Diverticular Disease?

• Lack of fiber in diet
• weak areas form pouches
• Lack of exercise

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Controlling Diverticulosis

• Diverticulosis is different than diverticulitis
• High fiber diet
• Adds bulk and softens stools
• Exercise or physical activity

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Controlling Diverticulitis

• Check with doctor first!
• Low fiber (residue) diet initially
• Gradually increase fiber
• Low fat diet
• In severe cases only
• liquid diet or tube feeding may be necessary.

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Follow a High Fiber Eating Plan

• Eat more fruits, vegetables, whole grains and
  beans
• Increase fiber gradually
• Drink plenty of water

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Should You Avoid Certain Foods?

• Unknown at this time
• Husks
• Sunflower seeds
• Peanuts
• Popcorn
• Fruit and vegetables with seeds

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Be Physically Active

• Important for colon health
• 30 minutes most days of the week.
• Divide into 5 to 10 minute sessions
• Moderate intensity
• Brisk walking, swimming, dancing, yard work,
  vacuuming, sweeping.

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Points to Remember

• Diverticular disease is a common disease that can
  develop with aging.
• Lifestyle changes may help control diverticulosis
  and prevent diverticulitis.
• Healthy eating emphasizing a high fiber diet
• Increase physical activity
• If you experience signs and symptoms of
  diverticulitis consult your doctor.

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Review

• Which is the more severe form of diverticular
  disease, Diverticulosis or Diverticulitis?
• Why is it important to eat a diet high in fiber
  to help control Diverticulosis?
• What should you do first if you experience
  symptoms of Diverticulitis?