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$Unique_ID{BRK03668}
$Pretitle{}
$Title{Diverticulosis}
$Subject{Diverticulosis Diverticulosis of the Colon Colon, Diverticulosis
Diverticulitis Familial Polyposis Carcinoma of the Colon}
$Volume{}
$Log{}
Copyright (C) 1987, 1989 National Organization for Rare Disorders, Inc.
464:
Diverticulosis
** IMPORTANT **
It is possible the main title of the article (Diverticulosis) 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
Diverticulosis of the Colon
Colon, Diverticulosis
Information on the following disorders can be found in the Related
Disorders section of this report:
Carcinoma of the Colon
Diverticulitis
Familial Polyposis
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.
Diverticulosis is characterized by small sac-like hernias of inner
intestinal tissue protruding through the muscular wall of the large intestine
(colon). These so-called diverticula may occur in any part of the colon, but
most frequently in the lowest part (sigmoid).
Symptoms
Diverticulosis is characterized by small sac-like bodies (diverticula) which
protrude through the wall of the colon. The diverticular wall consists of a
thin layer of mucous membrane tissue. Diverticula can vary in size from 0.1
inch to larger than 1 inch in diameter, and are frequently responsible for
bleeding from the rectum. Diverticulitis occurs when diverticula become
infected. However, until this occurs most persons with diverticula show no
symptoms.
Causes
Diverticulosis may be caused by a highly refined diet lacking sufficient
fiber and bulk. The lack of bulk may cause muscle spasms of the colon,
especially in the lower section called the sigmoid. Pressure inside the
colon builds up and the mucous tissue eventually pushes through the muscular
coat of the colon, usually where the blood vessels pierce the muscle.
Ulceration of the diverticulum may occur causing rectal bleeding. Chronic
constipation may also cause Diverticulosis. If the sacs become infected
Diverticulosis becomes Diverticulitis. (For more information, see the
Related Disorders section of this report.)
Affected Population
Diverticulosis is a common disorder affecting 30 to 40% of persons over age
50. The incidence increases with each subsequent decade of life. It affects
males and females in equal numbers. Diverticulitis is less common than
Diverticulosis.
Related Disorders
Diverticulitis is characterized by inflammation of one or more diverticula.
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 the vagina. An abnormal
connection to those organs (fistula) may develop. With repeated
inflammation, the colon wall thickens, its cavity narrows, and acute
obstruction or perforation may occur.
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. 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 digestive disorder that is
usually without noticeable symptoms for years. A polyp is a mass of tissue
that arises from the mucous membrane of the intestine 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 have a very high risk of developing colonic cancer.
(For more information, choose "Polyposis" as your search term in the Rare
Disease Database.)
Therapies: Standard
Diverticulosis may be treated by a diet high in fiber; e.g. whole wheat
bread, bran cereal, etc. Application of heat, adequate rest, a diet with
substantial bulk and medication usually relieve symptoms. Small doses of the
barbiturate drug phenobarbital, and the anticholinergic muscle relaxant
belladonna, may also relieve abdominal distress.
If severe bleeding occurs, immediate hospitalization, blood transfusions,
and close observation are necessary. Surgery may occasionally be required to
treat severe bleeding. If the source of the bleeding can be identified, that
segment of the colon may be removed. In very severe cases, removal of the
whole colon may be recommended. This surgical procedure can be performed in
steps to reduce the risk in elderly patients.
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 Diverticulosis, 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) 468-2168
References
Internal Medicine, 2nd ed.: Jay H. Stein, et al., eds. Little, Brown, 1987.
Pp. 168-179.
FINDINGS IN PATIENTS WITH DIVERTICULOSIS AND DIVERTICULITIS OF THE
COLON: E.J. Lubbers, et al.; Arch Chir Neerl (1976: issue 28(3)). Pp. 179-
186.
COLONIC BLEEDING IN THE ELDERLY: K.V. Avots-Avotkin, et al.; Clin
Geriatr Med (May 1985: issue 1(2)). Pp. 433-443.