Recommended products for diverticulosis of the intestinal walls

Types of sigmoid colon diverticulitis

There are several types of diseases. They are classified into stages, and the stages, in turn, can also be divided into certain categories.

Types of diverticulosis, depending on the clinical picture, can be divided as follows:

1. Asymptomatic diverticulitis , which is characterized by the absence of any clinical manifestations. Most often, this stage of diverticulosis and characteristic bags in the colon are detected during a general diagnosis of the body or suspicion of gastrointestinal diseases.
2. Acute diverticulitis manifests itself through uncontrolled compression of the walls of the colon, as well as problems with the digestive processes and disturbances in the intestinal environment.
3. The complicated form of the disease is characterized by uncontrollable pain, a dangerous health condition and requires immediate medical intervention.

The forms of the disease also depend on the type of diverticula. They can be either congenital or acquired. Congenital is characterized by mutations and changes that occurred either to the mother or to the fetus as a result of intrauterine development.

Acquired ones are neoplasms that are formed or formed throughout a person’s life, or over a certain period. There are true and false diverticula.

They are distinguished by the participation of the mucous membrane in the formation process:

• true ones give rise to a disease that occurs as a result of protrusion of two or more membranes;
• false is characterized by protrusion of one mucous membrane.

Diverticula can also be classified according to the progression of the disease. They can be rational, that is, formations that were formed due to the influence of the external environment, and tractional - these are new formations, the formation of which was influenced by constant or periodic stretching of the food walls.

Acquired disease is the most common form of the disease affecting people aged 40 and above. According to recent data, approximately a quarter of the population suffers from colonic diverticulosis.

Diverticulosis: a threat to pensioners

Diverticulosis is the multiple formation of diverticula, sac-like protrusions of the wall of a hollow or internal organ.
Diverticula most often form in the digestive tract. The disease can be either congenital or acquired. In the first case, the diverticulum consists of all the membranes of the organ - serous, muscular, mucous and submucosal.

These include, in particular, Meckel's diverticulum - a protrusion of the wall of the ileum caused by incomplete fusion of the vitelline duct, which is involved in the nutrition of the embryo in the womb.

It occurs in 2% of the population and is the most common congenital pathology of the gastrointestinal tract.

Acquired diverticula are protrusions of the submucosal and mucous membranes between individual bundles of the muscular layer.

The most common place for diverticula to form is the intestine.

Colon diverticula are detected in only 5% of patients under 50 years of age, 30% of patients over 50 years of age, and 50% over 70 years of age.

With intestinal diverticulosis, in 70% of cases, diverticula are located in the sigmoid colon. This is due to its anatomical and functional features: smaller diameter, more bends, denser consistency of the contents. In addition, it has a reservoir function, which increases the pressure on its walls.

In more rare cases, small intestinal diverticula develop. The most common place of their appearance is the duodenum.

Doctors find it difficult to identify specific causes of diverticula formation. The most common is the hernia theory, according to which diverticula arise due to weakness of the connective tissue framework of the intestinal wall.

And impaired intestinal motility, characteristic of an aging body, leads to an increase in intraintestinal pressure, which causes protrusion of the mucous membrane in places of least resistance.

The most common risk factor is old age.

Moreover, recent studies show

that the development of diverticulosis may be associated with a lack of vitamin D.

But, as previously thought, diverticulosis is probably not associated with reduced fiber intake. Thus, when studying the lifestyle of 539 patients with diverticulosis and a control group of 1659 healthy subjects, researchers did not identify

connection between lack of fiber and the appearance of diverticula.

In 70% of cases, diverticulosis is asymptomatic.

However, diverticula can cause abdominal pain, diarrhea, constipation, and flatulence. To establish a diagnosis and exclude other causes of complaints, colonoscopy (endoscopic examination of the intestine) or irrigoscopy (X-ray examination of the intestine with the introduction of a radiopaque agent into it), as well as computed tomography, are performed.

Some patients with diverticulosis experience diverticulitis, an inflammation of the diverticula. Previously, the number of such cases was estimated at 25% of the total number of patients.

However, according to the study

2013, the risk of developing diverticulitis may be much lower with diverticulosis.

Observation of 2222 patients for 15 years showed that within seven years after diagnosis of diverticulosis, only 1% of patients developed diverticulitis. It occurs more often in patients who were diagnosed with diverticulosis at an earlier age.

“These protrusions can often be found during colonoscopy and patients wonder how dangerous they are and what to do about them,” the researchers explain.

In short, diverticulosis is not a cause for concern. The chances of complications occurring are low.”

Characteristic symptoms of diverticulitis are pain and tension in the muscles of the anterior abdominal wall at the lower left, increased body temperature, chills, nausea and vomiting, constipation or diarrhea.

When a diverticulum perforates into the abdominal cavity, the clinical picture of diffuse peritonitis develops. When perforation occurs in the retroperitoneal tissue or between the layers of the mesentery, abscesses and infiltrates occur. The latter, in particular, can cause intestinal obstruction.

A serious complication of diverticulosis is the formation of intestinal fistulas, both external, opening onto the skin of the abdomen, and internal, through which feces can enter the bladder. Women may develop fistulas that open into the vagina.

Asymptomatic and incidentally diagnosed diverticulosis, according to doctors, does not require treatment. To prevent both the disease itself and the development of its complications, proper nutrition, minimal use of laxatives and cleansing enemas, and moderate physical activity are recommended.

In case of diverticulum perforation, bleeding and other complications, hospitalization and surgical treatment are necessary. In addition, the first appearance of complications increases the risk of developing complications in the future, so regular examinations are necessary.

Source: https://www.gazeta.ru/science/2017/12/23_a_11521706.shtml

Stages and degrees of diverticulitis of the sigmoid colon

Diverticular disease in a complicated form can occur in four stages. They are characterized by a gradual increase in pain and a larger area of ​​distribution of the lesion.

Four stages of disease development:

1. The accumulation of cellular elements mixed with blood and lymph in body tissues near the intestines is the first stage of the disease. At this stage, a person’s abdominal area becomes inflamed.

2. Intestinal fistula. It can be of two types: internal and external. Its occurrence is associated with purulent formations, which, in turn, appear due to poor-quality removal of the abscess on the epithelium of the peritoneum or adjacent organ.
3. When there is a complete violation of the integrity of the wall of the internal organ, the interaction between this part of the body increases. When perforation into the abdominal cavity occurs, inflammation of the peritoneal layers occurs.
4. Intestinal bleeding is accompanied by the appearance of hard feces in the intestine, which damages the mucous membrane and small vessels. As a result, when excreted, a large amount of fluid is lost.

Diverticulitis is difficult to detect in the early stages. It is much easier to do this when ulcers and blood loss appear. In such cases, you should immediately seek medical help.

Rules for treatment with folk remedies

The purpose of using traditional medicine is to improve bowel movements, eliminate constipation, stop the clinical picture of the disease and restore the functioning of the intestines and the entire digestive system. In order for treatment of colon diverticulosis with folk remedies to give a positive result, a number of rules must be strictly followed:

1. It is strictly forbidden to change the dosage of components specified in the recipe.
2. Choose only high-quality ingredients, for example, bran for treatment and other components should be exclusively fresh.
3. First make sure that there are no allergic reactions to products used to treat the disease.

Treatment of diverticulitis with folk remedies should be stopped immediately as soon as the condition begins to worsen or the intensity of the symptoms of the disease increases.

Even the most effective remedy may not help, but do harm if individual intolerance to its components is identified or the rules of use are violated.

It is recommended to treat the disease with several different recipes, because... Frequently used one and the same folk method can cause addiction to the body, and accordingly, its therapeutic effectiveness will be reduced.

Before choosing a traditional method, you need to coordinate it with a doctor treating colon diverticulosis; treatment with decoctions and herbs (if used incorrectly) can cause serious complications.

Treatment of diverticulosis with folk remedies helps not only to eliminate the signs of the disease, but also, in combination with proper drug therapy, to completely cure the disorder. The main thing is to approach therapy with herbs and natural components for intestinal diverticulum correctly and carefully.

Intestinal diverticula, treatment of which with folk remedies gives good results, can quickly become chronic and provoke a number of complications in the functioning of the entire digestive system if therapy is not carried out in a timely manner. As an independent method, folk recipes can be used only in the early stages of the disease.

Symptoms of sigmoid colon diverticulitis

Diverticulitis of the sigmoid colon, the symptoms and treatment of which are determined individually, is typical for people over 40 and above. Symptoms do not appear as a group, but their presence depends on the type and stage of spread of the disease, and treatment directly depends on the manifestations. Non-inflamed purulent formations may not appear for a long time.

The appearance of diverticula in the sigmoid colon is detected during the prevention of other diseases, as well as during inflammation and complications that arise. With diverticulitis, a person may experience periodic painful sensations after the release of gases and the process of the body excreting feces.

Diverticular bowel disease is characterized by the following symptoms:

• in complicated stages of the disease, blood is present in the stool - the diverticula have been exposed to stool and are damaged;
• periodic pain in a certain area of ​​the abdominal cavity indicates that the purulent sacs are inflamed. Most often, the pain increases when examining with fingers or when walking.
• periodic constipation, nausea, as well as a general increase in body temperature;

• bloating, which is characterized by asymmetrical elevations of the abdominal cavity;
• sudden loss of body weight;
• anemia;
• dizziness and periodic headaches;

Some of the symptoms may be the result of other diseases, so if a group of manifestations of the disease is detected, you should consult a doctor for a general diagnosis of the body.

Diet for colon diverticulosis: sample menu

Healthy nutrition should become constant with this diagnosis. You should try to prepare dishes only from approved products. You can diversify the menu, create unusual recipes from meat, vegetables, low-fat cottage cheese. At first the menu should look like this:

• porridge or fruit salad for breakfast;
• You can have a snack with yogurt without additives or flavors;
• for lunch, vegetable soup and a slice of bread, cheesecakes made from light cottage cheese in the oven;
• afternoon snack – a glass of kefir;
• dinner - a piece of fish baked in foil with stewed vegetables.

Despite the fact that fermented milk products are allowed, you should not drink regular milk. It is difficult to digest and can cause flatulence and stool upset. You can cook porridge with milk, but choose only low-fat ones. You should not overeat at night, as this is an additional burden for the intestines. If you feel very hungry and interfere with sleep, you can drink a glass of kefir, eat a sweet fruit, or a baked apple.

For breakfast you can also eat toast with a piece of cheese or butter, cottage cheese casserole, and fruit. It is better to drink tea an hour after meals so as not to dilute gastric juice. It is also useful to drink a glass of warm water before breakfast, half an hour before meals, to start the digestive tract.

For lunch and dinner, it is acceptable to eat meat, such as chicken breast or lean beef. The meat is boiled, stewed, baked. Buckwheat, rice, and vegetables are suitable as a side dish. The meat needs to be washed well, processed, peeled, cartilage and veins removed.

When preparing soups, you cannot use bone broths, but you can add small pieces of boiled meat. Puree soups are especially useful. Dinner should be light but filling. An excellent option would be fish, vegetable stew, baked potatoes.

The diet for diverticulosis of the large intestine should exclude all foods that irritate the mucous membrane. If nausea or blood in the stool occurs during treatment, you should immediately consult a doctor. In some cases, surgery is required.

You need to follow a strict diet for 2 weeks, then you can add pasta to your diet, a small amount of sweets (cookies, marshmallows), but avoid fatty, fried and spicy foods.

Causes of diverticulitis of the sigmoid colon

The main reason for the appearance of diverticulitis is adulthood. The immune system begins to weaken every year, so the intestines become more susceptible to disease.

In addition, there are other causes of diverticulitis:

1. Genetic predisposition . If parents develop the disease in old age, the person’s likelihood of developing it doubles.
2. Meal plan . Consuming more meat foods leads to the appearance of diverticula. Consumption of only plant foods can relieve a person from a specific ailment, but add additional problems, since animal products contain a lot of protein and calcium.
3. Lack of dietary fiber in food . Regardless of the amount of meat consumed per day, the diet should contain about 30 grams of dietary fiber.
4. Presence of parasites in the intestines . Worms contribute to the active development of diverticula, as they destroy the body's microflora, making the mucous membrane more vulnerable to infections.

In rare cases, diverticulitis of the sigmoid colon occurs due to improper functioning of the intestine or a single failure of its motility.

Folk remedies for intestinal diverticulosis

Many diseases cause discomfort in a person. However, none of them are comparable to what a patient suffering from intestinal diverticulosis feels. It is better to begin treatment for this disease immediately after the first symptoms appear. Of course, this is not so easy to do, since diverticulosis is often asymptomatic.

The disease is discovered completely by accident during an examination of the intestines for a completely different reason. As statistics show, in 30% of patients this disease begins to develop in the sigmoid colon, in 15% - in the colon. Infection of both organs is extremely rare. The number of such cases is only 3–7%.

What is diverticulosis and what are its causes?

The large intestine is a long tube that stores and then eliminates waste food left behind after food is digested in the small intestine. With age, the walls of the colon thicken, and bulging pockets and protrusions form in it. If such bags are significant, they are called diverticula. An accumulation of diverticula is called diverticulosis.

The muscular wall of the colon thickens with age, although the reason for this thickening is not clear to science. This can cause increasing pressure on the colon to eliminate feces.

For example, a diet low in fiber can lead to constipation. Hard stools that are difficult to move through the intestines and that require increased pressure to pass are retained in segments of the colon. The pressure in these clogged segments can become increased, the intestinal walls cannot stand it and begin to bulge.

With external protrusions, hernias are formed, and where the walls are weak - diverticula. Lack of fiber in the diet is considered the most likely cause of diverticula formation.

In addition, microbiological examination of the edges of the diverticula revealed signs of inflammation, so such a cause as an infection in the intestine is not ignored. Summarizing the above, we note that there are three main causes of diverticulosis: age, lack of fiber in food and infection.

What are the symptoms of the disease?

It is worth noting that pain can be of a completely different nature. This may be minor tingling or severe colic.

Most often, such sensations are localized in the abdomen on the left side above the womb. The most common symptoms associated with diverticulosis are abdominal pain, constipation, and diarrhea.

In this case, stool may be combined with vomiting or nausea. In some patients, symptoms may be associated with the presence of concomitant irritable bowel syndrome or abnormalities in the functioning of the muscles of the sigmoid colon (diverticulitis); Diverticula simply shouldn't cause any symptoms. Sometimes bleeding occurs from a diverticulum, and this is called diverticular bleeding.

Folk remedies against intestinal diverculosis

Proponents of alternative medicine claim that such a disease can be dealt with using regular bran. The use of this product helps prevent the exacerbation of the disease. In this case, there is a decrease in pain and flatulence, as well as a significant improvement in the general condition of the patient.

Bran and herbal mixtures

You should start taking bran with a small amount. You should consume no more than a tablespoon per day. You can drink the product with milk, yogurt and kefir. Bran can also be added to ready-made dishes. The daily intake must be gradually increased. As a result, the amount of bran consumed should be from 40 to 50 grams per day.

It is difficult to imagine treating diverticulosis with traditional medicine without herbs. The following infusion helps to cope with the manifestations of the disease. To prepare it, you need to mix the following ingredients in equal parts: motherwort, nettle, chamomile flowers, rose hips and dill.

A tablespoon of the prepared mixture should be poured with approximately 200 milliliters of boiling water. The container with the infusion should be tightly closed. The product should be infused for several hours. The finished drug should be taken during meals, 150 milliliters twice a day. Course – 1.5 months.

Colon cleansing composition

In the treatment of diverticulosis, timely cleansing of the intestines is important. To do this, you can use the following composition. To prepare it, you need to take sprouted wheat grains and green apples in equal parts. All components should be chopped and then grinded in a blender.

You need to take this composition for breakfast for a month. The serving size should be between 250 and 300 grams. Before repeating the course of treatment, you must take a break for a month.

Diagnosis of diverticulitis of the sigmoid colon

Diverticulosis of the sigmoid colon is an uncomplicated disease, the diagnosis of which involves studying the body and the necessary organ through the use of instruments.

Taking stool and blood for tests is a standard procedure when studying the body and obtaining a general diagnosis.

If diverticulitis is suspected, a colonoscopy is prescribed. The principle of the procedure is to insert an endoscope into the colon and examine its walls through a monitor.

Colonoscopy is performed in specially equipped rooms, so a similar procedure is available in large medical or diagnostic centers. The average price in Russia is 4,000 rubles per service. In large reputable centers, the cost of the procedure can reach up to 30,000 rubles.

Procedures that allow you to determine the size of diverticula and their features:

1. Pronounced malfunctions in the intestines can be determined by esophagomanometry. The procedure reveals the frequency with which the esophagus contracts. It is carried out on an empty stomach and after certain preparation. The average price in Russia is 3,000 rubles.
2. Irrigoscopy involves the introduction of a special chemical mixture, which is revealed under X-rays. Using this procedure, the narrow passages of the intestine and the presence of diverticula in it are determined. Irrigography can be done in almost every clinic in the city that has an X-ray machine, and the average price of the service is approximately 2,000 rubles.
3. Laparoscopy is used as an additional examination, with the help of which a small accumulation of purulent sacs can be immediately removed. The principle of the procedure is to create small incisions in the abdominal cavity into which instruments are inserted. Laparoscopy is performed only by experienced surgeons. The average cost of this procedure is about 5,500 rubles.

In addition to performing surgical and instrumental interventions, they first perform palpation - examination of the abdominal cavity with fingers, and also collect information about the patient’s well-being from the person himself and his immediate environment.

Diagnostics

When diagnosing diverticulitis, it is important not only to confirm the presence of inflammatory changes in the diverticulum, but also to assess the prevalence of the process, the severity of intoxication syndrome, and identify possible complications. In addition, it is necessary to carry out a differential diagnosis of diverticulitis with other diseases: appendicitis, tumors of the abdominal and pelvic organs, infectious and non-infectious colitis, Crohn's disease, inflammatory diseases of the genitourinary system.

To perform these tasks, it is necessary to collect an anamnesis, exclude symptoms of “anxiety,” conduct a clinical examination, and perform mandatory laboratory and instrumental diagnostic methods.

Laboratory methods

• general blood analysis;
• general urine analysis;
• biochemical blood test (bilirubin, AST, ALT, alkaline phosphatase, GGTP, glucose, total cholesterol, amylase, CRP);
• occult blood test.

Instrumental methods

• ECG;
• Ultrasound of the abdominal organs;
• plain radiography of the abdominal organs (if perforated diverticulitis is suspected;
• colonoscopy or irrigoscopy.

If necessary, intestinal ultrasound, gynecological examination and ultrasound of the pelvic organs, CT or MRI of the abdominal and pelvic organs can be additionally used.

When to see a doctor

Diverticulitis of the sigmoid colon, the symptoms and treatment of which can be completely different, so at the first signs of illness you should seek medical help, it may also be a symptom of other intestinal problems.

In the first stages, the disease may not manifest itself, so people over 40 are recommended to undergo a colonoscopy once every 5 years for preventive purposes. This category of people is at risk.

Immediate treatment is necessary if blood is passed through the stool. This means that the diverticula are damaged or festering.

Diverticulitis of the sigmoid colon.
The first symptoms may not be recognized immediately, but blood in the stool is the first signal when you need to see a doctor and start treatment. If parasites are detected in the intestines, it is also necessary to check for the presence of purulent bags, since these processes are related. If it has been determined that the diverticula are isolated and can be removed by laparoscopy, then periodic checks for their return in the future are recommended.

Diverticulosis - symptoms, treatment, causes of the disease, first signs

Nutrition for this disease is aimed at eliminating foods that cause constipation from the diet: grains, pumpkin and sunflower seeds, seeds.

Fruits and vegetables recommended by nutritionists;

The consumption of legumes occurs strictly individually, because they may be beneficial to one person and harmful to another. If the patient does not have any discomfort in the abdominal area when eating beans or peas, then consuming these products is suitable for him. Low and medium fat dairy products are allowed, except milk:

When preparing vegetable soups and other vegetable dishes, remove the skin and seeds from foods containing them.

After cooking, it is recommended to grind it all in a blender for better passage through the intestines.

For symptomatic diverticulosis, fatty, high-calorie foods are prohibited. The best option is lean, simple food that is easily digestible.

The condition of diverticulosis will remain with a person for life; it is almost impossible to completely cure the disease, but it is possible to prevent complications and their consequences.

Therefore, the patient must choose a varied diet of proper nutrition, which will become a permanent eating habit for him.

Treatment with walnuts.

Walnut is rightfully considered the most unique remedy for the treatment of many diseases. It is called the tree of life, as it feeds, restores strength and can treat, including diverticulosis.

It is recommended to include walnuts, pumpkin seeds, and lentils in the patient’s daily diet. It is recommended to prepare a medicinal decoction based on dry red wine from the leaves of the walnut.

It will help improve metabolism and increase appetite, as well as reduce pain in the intestines.

Folk remedies cannot cure intestinal diverticulosis, but they can reduce or eliminate painful symptoms.

The information is for reference only and is not a guide to action. Do not self-medicate. At the first symptoms of the disease, consult a doctor.

Source: https://yellmed.ru/bolezni/divertikulez

Prevention of sigmoid colon diverticulitis

You can prevent the appearance of diverticula by introducing foods that are rich in fiber and gluten into your diet. Meat products are also important for health, so they can be combined with a variety of cereals. The most necessary porridge is oatmeal, it contains a lot of nutritious fiber.

People who are predisposed to this disease, who have suffered from gastrointestinal tract infections and other manifestations of diverticulitis, are recommended to undergo clinical diagnostics to identify purulent bags and problems with the mucous membrane of the sigmoid colon.

Changing your diet

If diverticulosis was diagnosed in a timely manner in the early stages and did not have time to provoke the development of concomitant pathologies, for treatment it is enough to use folk recipes and eat right. A therapeutic diet is the basis of treatment for diverticulosis. A properly structured diet will help normalize intestinal motility, eliminate constipation and prevent its recurrence.

The following products should be present in your daily diet:

• yesterday's bread: rye or bran;
• buckwheat and wheat: boiled in water, vegetable oil is used for seasoning;
• vegetable soups;
• vegetable casserole;
• low-fat fermented milk products;
• boiled, baked or steamed vegetables;
• prunes, dried apricots and raisins are dried fruits that have a stimulating effect on peristalsis.

Products that should not be on the menu for diverticulosis:

• crackers, popcorn, nuts and seeds are heavy foods that clog the intestines and accelerate the development of inflammatory processes;
• foods that provoke intestinal bloating - radishes and radishes, legumes, raw white cabbage;
• pasta, semolina, rice;
• canned meat, fish and vegetables;
• fresh bread and bakery products;
• pastries, cakes, confectionery;
• semi-finished products, fast food.

All products are prepared boiled, baked or steamed. You should avoid frying vegetables, meat and other foods.

It is allowed, but in limited quantities, to consume eggs, potatoes, and whole milk. In addition to a proper diet, you must not forget about enough water. You must drink at least 2 liters of water per day. You should not drink water immediately after eating.

Treatment methods for sigmoid colon diverticulitis

Diverticulitis of the sigmoid colon, the symptoms and treatment of which directly depend on the stage, type and causes of the appearance of purulent bags, can be detected by palpation. The onset of the disease is associated with a person’s age, and the method of treatment depends on it.

If diverticulosis is uncomplicated, then it is possible to get rid of ulcers through diet and constipation, but if diverticula bleed, then surgical intervention is necessary.

What is prescribed for mild forms of the disease:

• broad-spectrum bactericidal preparations;
• drugs to relieve pain caused by involuntary contractions (spasms);
• medications to relieve or reduce pain;
• probiotics;

• enzymes.

In some cases, substances may be added that help restore the intestinal environment.

Medications

Table of medications that can be prescribed by a doctor. Before using the drug, you should consult a specialist.

Attending physicians prescribe medications based on the symptoms and causes of the disease, so there is no need to use all types of medications.

Traditional methods

In addition to following a strict diet and consuming large amounts of fiber-rich foods, it is recommended to try traditional methods:

1. Mint tea. Add two mint leaves to regular green tea in unlimited quantities.

2. Powder and carrot seeds . It is necessary to thoroughly wash the carrot seeds and chop them. You need to consume 2 tablespoons of powder with filtered water.
3. Follow a diet . You need to give up store-bought flour products, processed foods and sausages, as well as an abundance of spices; strawberries and raspberries are prohibited. Also included in this category are cereals such as semolina and white rice, alcohol and spirits, and carbonated drinks. Priority is given to boiled food and steamed vegetables. It is recommended to adhere to fractional meals (meals 5-6 times a day in small portions). Thanks to this method, the stomach will not be overloaded, and there will be no feeling of hunger.

Diverticulitis of the sigmoid colon, the symptoms and treatment of which is determined not only by traditional methods, also requires surgical intervention and drug prevention. Traditional medicine is an auxiliary, secondary method of improving health.

Other methods

Other methods of treatment are used only in case of complications or advanced disease. These include gastric lavage, colon cleansing with an enema, and the use of fresh frozen plasma.

In addition, surgical intervention is used, but only in cases where the patient has bleeding or severe pain.

Features of the treatment of intestinal diverticulosis

Diverticulosis is a pathological condition in which a protrusion in the form of an empty pouch forms on the wall of the large intestine. Most often, a diverticulum forms in the sigmoid colon, less often in the outgoing membrane.

In nature, there are both single and multiple processes affecting all parts of the large intestine.

The syndrome is usually classified as an age-related disease: if by the age of 40 the disease occurs in every tenth person, then after 60 the problem is diagnosed in 60% of all people on the planet.

Causes

Intestinal diverticulosis has a congenital and acquired nature.

In the first case, the disease develops against the background of the pathological structure of smooth muscle tissue and occurs not only in the large intestine, but also in the small intestine, gall bladder and stomach.

In this case, the problem is chronic, develops as a result of genetic predisposition and requires complex therapy, and, if necessary, surgical intervention.

The main reason for the development of the acquired form of the disease is an increase in intraintestinal pressure and protrusion of diverticula due to the pulsation effect.

The problem occurs very often, and primarily it is associated with age, since over the years muscle tissue atrophies, loses its firmness and elasticity.

But it is not age that determines the presence of the disease, but lifestyle. It is worth highlighting the circumstances contributing to the development of diverticula:

• Inactivity. As a result, the peristaltic (contractile) function of the digestive system is implemented ineffectively. The intestine is covered with longitudinal and circular muscle tissue, which requires loads. If it does not work, then there is less force in its contractions, therefore, stool does not pass normally, which leads to distension.
• Poor nutrition. If a person does not eat food of plant origin, his body needs fiber, which forms the formative structure of feces. Excessive consumption of protein foods, flour products and meat affects gas formation in the intestines. Bloating and excessive gases in the digestive tract lead to increased pressure in the organ, causing diverticulosis.
• Infectious diseases. Bacteria and other pathogenic organisms, entering the gastrointestinal tract, remove their waste products there. Because of these toxic substances, the walls of the sigma and the outgoing membrane become thinner, and degenerative processes begin in the cavity organ, which leads to the development of the disease.
• Long-term use of medications. Many medications are harmful to the body when used over a long period of time. For example, antibiotics can destroy the normal microflora of the digestive system, promoting the development of a large number of dangerous processes, including diverticula.

Main signs of pathology

The described syndrome is practically asymptomatic until complications appear. In the early stages of the development of the disease, the following complaints may occur:

Painful sensations in the lower abdomen, the epicenter often shifts to the left, towards the sigmoid colon. The pain intensifies during palpation and with movement, but only after the disease reaches the stage of inflammation.

Disturbance of habitual bowel movements. Due to poor contractile function of the intestines, stool cannot pass normally, and congestion forms.

Therefore, complaints arise about systematic constipation, and in some cases the inability to go to the toilet gives way to diarrhea.

If feces get stuck in the bulges, the disease progresses to the stage of diverticulitis, in which mucus and sometimes blood clots are present in the stool.

Bloating and rumbling in the lower abdominal cavity are one of the main symptoms of the disease. Along with this, a feeling of fullness and flatulence are noted.

The danger of diverticulosis

As a result of the formation of multiple pouches in different parts of the intestine, there is a risk of complications. It all starts from the moment the first symptoms appear: pain in the abdomen, problems with bowel movements and fever.

Inflammation entails a number of additional pathological conditions that have more serious consequences, including death:

1. Intestinal obstruction. At the site of the diverticulum, feces accumulate and a plug forms, narrowing the intestinal lumen. This process is accompanied by general asthenia, fever, prolonged constipation and abdominal pain.
2. Bleeding. Rupture of the diverticulum leads to internal exudation, and therefore bloody clots can be found in the stool. Along with this, associated symptoms such as low blood pressure, general lethargy, diarrhea or constipation, and pale skin occur. The pain is described as intense and pulsating.
3. Peritonitis. After the sac ruptures, all its contents enter the abdominal cavity, causing purulent inflammation. Among the typical signs of this complication are severe pain, dizziness, symptoms of intoxication, and loss of consciousness.

Diagnosis and treatment

Diagnosis of the disease is carried out through a comprehensive examination of the intestines, within the framework of which the following activities can be carried out:

• general blood analysis;
• urine and stool analysis;
• Colonoscopy is a study of the condition of the intestines, carried out using a special device, which is a thin flexible tube with a camera at the end. It is inserted into the anus, examining a one-meter section of the intestine;
• irrigoscopy - examination of the intestine using an x-ray with the introduction of a contrast agent using an enema.

The strategy for the treatment of colonic diverticulosis is developed taking into account the current picture of the disease. Most often, therapy is implemented at home by normalizing stool and preventing the development of the inflammatory process. For this reason, the main therapeutic tool is diet for diverticulosis.

Drugs

Conservative treatment of the problem is symptomatic; its main goal is to prevent the disease from becoming chronic and to prevent the occurrence of new protrusions. As part of the therapeutic process, the following groups of drugs are used:

• broad-spectrum antibiotics (“Ampicillin”, “Tetracycline”, “Gatifloxacin”);
• digestive enzymes (“Mezim forte”, “Festal”);
• medications that improve intestinal motility (Motilium, Motilak, Metoclopramide);
• antispasmodics (“No-shpa”, “Spazgan”, “Spazmalgon”);
• laxatives (“Dufalak”, “Goodluck”).

Folk recipes

To carry out auxiliary therapy, some traditional medicines consisting of herbal components are used. Let's look at the most effective recipes for diverticulosis:

• Mix chamomile flowers, dill, nettle and celandine in equal proportions. Pour a tablespoon of dry mixture into a glass of boiling water and leave covered for about three hours. After the allotted time, the infusion should be filtered and taken half a glass with food every day for two months.
• Green apples need to be peeled and seeded, mixed with sprouted wheat sprouts and blended in a blender. Consume 250 grams of the mixture every morning for breakfast for a month.
• A tablespoon of bran should be soaked in kefir or natural yogurt and then eaten. Over time, portions need to be increased, reaching 40 grams of product per day.

Operation

Surgery as a therapeutic method is used only in particularly critical cases when inflammation has developed in the intestines. Resection removes the diverticulum, preventing rupture and internal bleeding. Surgical treatment can be implemented in several types; the choice of a specific one depends on a number of factors:

• area of ​​damage and prevalence of hollow sacs in the intestine;
• the presence of an inflammatory phenomenon (in this case, the operation is carried out in several stages);
• patient's age and disease picture.

The intervention is carried out using the strip method under general anesthesia and is an operation of medium complexity. The duration of the procedure depends on each individual case.

Diet

A special nutritional system should include a large amount of plant products, cereals and bran. No matter what, nutrition for colon diverticulosis should be balanced. It is important to drink at least two liters of clean water during the day, not counting tea and other drinks. The following dishes and products should be excluded from the diet:

• beans;
• mushrooms;
• chocolate;
• milk;
• jelly;
• cabbage;
• canned food;
• semi-finished products, etc.

Dietary nutrition simultaneously acts as a therapeutic tool and is a disease prevention.

Source: https://SemTrav.ru/zabolevaniya/pishhevarenie/divertikulez-kishechnika.html

Possible complications

Untimely treatment or ignoring preventive measures in advanced stages threatens that the abscess breaks out of the sigmoid colon and grows into the abdominal cavity.

If in this case treatment is ignored, then a gradual fusion of neighboring organs with the intestine occurs. As a result, an abdominal tumor forms, internal bleeding opens, and pus can spread to the internal epithelium.

Diverticulitis of the sigmoid colon is a serious disease, which, if ignored, risks spreading the disease to the entire body. Symptoms of the disease appear late, but timely treatment can solve the problem forever.

Article design: Oleg Lozinsky

The main nuances of nutrition for diverticulosis without exacerbation

During the period of remission of the disease, the patient's diet is expanded. It includes conditionally limited dishes that were excluded during an exacerbation of the pathological process. Following dietary recommendations includes several rules:

1. Excluding foods that suppress intestinal motility - “wave-like” movements of the intestinal walls aimed at pushing the contents into the lower sections, this prevents stagnation and excessive compaction of stool.
2. A sufficient amount of plant fiber, which is a carbohydrate called cellulose and is the basis for the formation of stool. If animal food predominates in the diet, peristalsis slows down, stool thickens and protrusions in the intestinal wall further increase.
3. You need to eat in small portions and at least 5 times a day - this helps reduce the load on the digestive system, as well as ensure even distribution of feces in the intestines.
4. The last meal is allowed no later than 3 hours before the expected sleep - at night the stomach, intestines and digestive glands should also rest.
5. The daily volume of fluid should not be less than 1.5 liters - this is necessary to provide the body with water and prevent the formation of dense feces.

Treatment

The goal of treatment for diverticulitis is to relieve the inflammatory process, prevent and treat complications.

Uncomplicated diverticulitis, in the absence of signs of systemic inflammation, can be treated on an outpatient basis, but the lack of effect of treatment within 48-72 hours serves as a signal for hospitalization.

Complicated diverticulitis is subject to mandatory hospitalization in the surgical department.

Diet

In the first 2-3 days from the onset of the disease, a strict diet is indicated, allowing only the intake of clear liquids (vegetable broth, liquid broths from lean meats and fish, still mineral or drinking water, clarified juices, weak tea, jelly).

In the following days, a slag-free diet is indicated with the exclusion of foods that enhance the processes of fermentation and gas formation in the intestines.

For chronic diverticulitis, during periods between exacerbations, a diet rich in dietary fiber and plant fiber is indicated.

Drug treatment

Antibiotics

Main article: Antibiotics for intestinal infections For uncomplicated acute diverticulitis, the use of oral medications is preferable.
Duration of treatment is 7-14 days. The drugs of choice are amoxicillin/clavulanic acid 500 mg/125 mg 3 times/day orally or ciprofloxacin 500 mg 2 times/day orally + metronidazole 250 mg 3 times/day orally.

In case of chronic continuous course of diverticulitis, treatment is carried out for at least a month until a clinical effect is achieved. During treatment, it is possible to change antibacterial drugs. Additionally, antibiotics may be prescribed that do not have a systemic effect, but work exclusively in the intestinal lumen.

Antispasmodics

Main article: Antispasmodics

For pain syndrome, selective antispasmodics are prescribed:

• mebeverine hydrochloride (niaspan, duspatalin, sparex, dutan) 200 mg 2 times a day;
• trimebutine (neobutin, trimedate, trimebutine maleate) 100 mg 3 times a day;
• pinaveria bromide (dicetel) 50 mg 3 times a day.

When eliminating inflammatory phenomena, antispasmodics are prescribed on demand.

Laxatives

Main article: Rapid and mild laxatives

The use of laxatives in the acute period is limited. Vaseline oil is allowed for use, 1-4 tablespoons per day.

Outside of exacerbation, lactulose or macrogol is used.

Surgery

Kinds:

1. Emergency.
2. Planned.

Emergency surgical treatment is indicated for complicated diverticulitis (bleeding, perforation with signs of peritonitis, abscess).
The purpose of the intervention is to remove a section of the colon along with the affected diverticulum. The Hartmann or Mikulicz operations are most often performed. Clear indications for planned surgical intervention have not been defined, so they are established individually, taking into account the severity of inflammatory phenomena, the frequency of relapses, the effectiveness of conservative therapy, and further prognosis.

However, most often, uncomplicated diverticulitis does not require surgical treatment.

Complications of intestinal diverticulitis

In the absence of timely treatment for intestinal diverticulitis, many complications arise. First of all, the treatment will be difficult and lengthy. Conservative treatment methods are not effective and surgical intervention will be required. The rehabilitation period also increases.

Most patients self-medicate, taking painkillers until the situation worsens and the help of a medical specialist is needed.

Self-medication only worsens the condition and leads to negative consequences, such as:

The appearance of fistulas. In the absence of diagnosis and treatment, in addition to diverticula, fistulas form in the intestines. They penetrate the internal organs of the genitourinary system. This symptom is common in females. A purulent process opens. Internal organs become inflamed. Leads to infertility and other consequences.

Peritonitis. When a diverticulum becomes inflamed, it ruptures. The contents of the neoplasm pass into the abdominal cavity. The acute inflammatory process breaks down. If first aid is not provided, the situation can be fatal.

The appearance of adhesions. Scarring is observed in the intestines. The passages are blocked, which leads to intestinal obstruction. Feces stagnate in the body, the number of diverticula increases, and adhesions appear.

Peri-intestinal filtrate. The inflammatory process affects all internal organs. An infiltrate appears around the affected areas. Proctologists palpate it. The functionality of internal organs is impaired.

The appearance of cancer cells in the body. If left untreated for a long period, the inflammation of the diverticulum turns into a cancerous tumor. Cancer cells spread throughout the body and metastasize.