Age is a big factor that makes you more susceptible to illness and health problems. If you are over the age of 40 your risk of developing diverticula increases. Diverticula are bulges forming in the lower part of the large intestine, or colon.
Generally, these bulges don’t cause many problems. But when they get infected or rupture it becomes a condition known as diverticulitis. This can be quite severe leading to high amounts of pain, nausea and changes to bowels.
When diverticulitis is mild is can easily be treated with the help of a proper diet. If reoccurring and severe, surgery may be required.
Causes and symptoms of diverticulitis
Weak spots along the bottom of the large intestine can cause the formation of diverticula. When pressure is added to these diverticula, bulges form.
These bulges, or pouches, may protrude through the colon wall. Diverticulitis is caused if they burst or get infected.
Diverticula themselves do not necessarily create symptoms.
5 symptoms of diverticulitis
- Severe pain – this pain may last for day and occur at the lower left side of the abdomen.
- Nausea and vomiting
- Fever
- Abdominal tenderness
- Constipation, and in some cases diarrhea (diarrhea is less common).
5 risk factors of diverticulitis
There are a few factors, aside from age, that can contribute to one’s risk of developing diverticulitis. They are:- Being overweight – severe obesity may increase the need for surgery as treatment
- Smoking – smokers are at higher risk of diverticulitis in comparison to non-smokers
- Lack of exercise – vigorous exercise has been shown to reduce one’s risk of diverticulitis
- High animal fat, low fiber diet
- Certain medications – steroid, opiates, and common over-the counter pain-relievers may all increase your risk of diverticulitis.
Home remedies and prevention of diverticulitis
1. Regular exercise, in particular, is beneficial for preventing diverticulitis because it helps keep bowels regular. Exercise also works to reduce pressure on the colon. Added pressure on the colon can result in the formation of diverticula.
2. Fiber, too, is essential. Fiber works to maintain regular bowel movements and helps reduce pressure on the colon. And in this vein, staying hydrated helps. Although fiber can help you stay regular, without enough fluids it can have the opposite effect. Staying hydrated improves bodily functions, so it’s important to drink enough water.
If diverticulitis is causing pain, there are home remedies you can use to reduce it. To reduce muscle cramping caused by diverticulitis you can apply heat to the abdomen.
3. Meditation, too, may be beneficial in managing pain associated with diverticulitis. Lastly, if you need to opt for a pain-reliever stay away from ibuprofen (Advil) and instead reach for acetaminophen (Tylenol).
By practicing healthy habits; such as eating a balanced diet, exercising and not smoking, you can reduce your risk of developing diverticulitis. Although you can’t control aging or turn back the hands of time, you can control this illnesses – and it’s as simply as living well.
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