$Unique_ID{BRK03667} $Pretitle{} $Title{Diverticulitis} $Subject{Diverticulitis Colon, Diverticulitis Diverticulosis Carcinoma of the Colon Familial Polyposis of the Colon} $Volume{} $Log{} Copyright (C) 1988, 1989 National Organization for Rare Disorders, Inc. 471: Diverticulitis ** IMPORTANT ** It is possible the main title of the article (Diverticulitis) is not the name you expected. Please check the SYNONYMS listing on the next page to find alternate names, disorder subdivisions, and related disorders covered by this article. Synonyms Colon, Diverticulitis Information on the following disorders can be found in the Related Disorders section of this report: Diverticulosis Carcinoma of the Colon Familial Polyposis of the Colon General Discussion ** REMINDER ** The information contained in the Rare Disease Database is provided for educational purposes only. It should not be used for diagnostic or treatment purposes. If you wish to obtain more information about this disorder, please contact your personal physician and/or the agencies listed in the "Resources" section of this report. Diverticulitis is a common digestive disorder characterized by inflammation of one or more of the sacs (diverticula) that can form due to protrusion of the inner lining of the colon through its intestinal wall. Diverticulosis is characterized by small sac-like hernias of mucous tissue protruding through the wall of the large intestine (colon). These so-called diverticula may occur in any part of the colon, but most often in the lowest part (sigmoid). Diverticulosis is a related condition that is characterized by small sac-like hernias of mucous tissue protruding through the wall of the large intestine (colon). These so-called diverticula may occur in any part of the colon, but most often in the lowest part (sigmoid). Perforation of a diverticulum may lead to inflammation or contamination of the surrounding tissues in the abdominal cavity. The inflamed bowel segment often adheres to other parts of the bowel or (in females) the vagina, and an artificial connection with those organs (fistula) may develop. With repeated inflammation, the colon wall thickens, its cavity narrows, and acute obstruction or perforation may occur. Symptoms Diverticulitis is characterized by pain near the groin in the lower part of the abdomen. Other symptoms may include pain when urinating, constipation, diarrhea or other changes in bowel movements, fever or rectal bleeding. Causes Lack of sufficient fiber or bulk in the diet may cause Diverticulosis and Diverticulitis due to the increased pressure in the colon required to have a bowel movement. Other causes have not yet been identified. Affected Population Diverticulosis and Diverticulitis usually affect people over 40 years of age. More than half the United States population is may be affected by these disorders by age 60. Males and females are affected in equal numbers. However, only one in five persons who have Diverticulosis will develop symptoms. Related Disorders There are many digestive diseases that are characterized by symptoms similar to Diverticulitis and Diverticulosis. For more information, choose "digestive" as your search term in the Rare Disease Database. Carcinoma (Adenocarcinoma) of the Colon is characterized by pain in the lower abdomen, constipation or diarrhea, excessive gas (flatulence), liquid narrow feces streaked with blood, and nausea. Patients with this disorder lose weight excessively. The cause of this type of cancer is unknown. It may be associated with polyps or ulcerative colitis. This cancer tends to run in families and has a peak incidence between the ages of 50 and 60. Familial Polyposis of the Colon is a genetic disorder of the colon. Symptoms may not be noticeable for years. A polyp is a mass of tissue that arises from the mucous membrane of the colon and protrudes into its cavity. Familial Polyposis is characterized by rectal bleeding, possibly diarrhea or constipation, intermittent abdominal pain and weight loss. The polyps usually develop during puberty or early adulthood. Untreated patients with Familial Polyposis may later develop colon cancer. (For more information on this disorder, choose "Polyposis" as your search term in the Rare Disease Database.) Therapies: Standard Diverticulosis and Diverticulitis may be treated by a diet high in fiber; e.g., whole wheat bread, bran cereal, etc. Harsh laxatives and straining during bowel movements should be avoided to decrease discomfort. Antibiotics such as ampicillin and pain-killing drugs may be prescribed in some cases of Diverticulitis. In most cases an appropriate diet can reduce or eliminate symptoms so that further treatment may not be required. If severe bleeding occurs, immediate hospitalization and close observation are necessary. Blood transfusions may be required as well as intravenous fluids. With recurrent Diverticulitis or with an increasing degree of bladder obstruction, surgery may be necessary to remove the affected part of the colon. This procedure can be performed in steps during an inactive phase of the disorder. Therapies: Investigational This disease entry is based upon medical information available through December 1988. Since NORD's resources are limited, it is not possible to keep every entry in the Rare Disease Database completely current and accurate. Please check with the agencies listed in the Resources section for the most current information about this disorder. Resources For more information on Diverticulitis, please contact: National Organization for Rare Disorders (NORD) P.O. Box 8923 New Fairfield, CT 06812-1783 (203) 746-6518 National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse Box NDIC Bethesda, MD 20892 (301) 468-2162 References INTERNAL MEDICINE, 2nd ed.: Jay H. Stein, et al., eds.; Little Brown, 1987. Pp. 168-171. AN IDEAL OPERATION FOR DIVERTICULITIS OF THE COLON: R.O. Gregg; American Journal Surg (March 1987: issue 153(3)). Pp. 285-290. ARE WE REALLY OPERATING ON DIVERTICULITIS?: R.E. Breen, et al.; Diseases Colon Rectum (March 1986: issue 29(3)). Pp. 174-176.