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$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.