Diverticular diseaseis a condition that can develop in any portion of your gastrointestinal (GI) tract.
Diet, genetics, and several other issues are linked to the formation of diverticula.
The disease commonly affects those in industrialized and Western countries, perhaps due to Western diets.
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Diverticular Disease Symptoms
For many people, diverticular disease can develop over time with no symptoms.
Diverticulosis Symptoms
Most people with diverticulosis never notice symptoms, and only about 25% develop them.
If symptoms develop, they can often be vague or common to other gastrointestinal issues.
SCAD symptoms can mimic IBD symptoms, which include abdominal pain, bleeding, diarrhea, and fever.
The exact cause of SCAD is not fully understood.
However, some data suggests that the underlying cause of SCAD and IBD may have some overlap.
SCAD can also lead to a number of complications, such as:
What Causes Diverticular Disease?
What Are the Risk Factors for Diverticular Disease?
Beyond that, a lack of exercise and smoking can increase your risk.
Gender and hormones may also play a role.
The use of certain medications may also increase your chances of developing either diverticulosis or diverticulitis.
This includes the regular or ongoing use of medications likenon-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)and immunosuppressants.
Diverticula pouches are also sometimes visible on imaging studies, like abarium X-rayorcomputed tomography (CT) scan.
How Is Diverticular Disease Treated?
When diverticular disease develops with no symptoms, any need for treatment is unusual.
Examples of medications that can treat this condition include:
Do I Need Antibiotics?
As a result, antibiotics may not be prescribed unless you develop an infection in your diverticula.
Diet
A high-fiber diet is the main dietary recommendation for people with diverticular disease.
When this happens, you will typically receive a diverticulitis diagnosis.
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MedlinePlus.Diverticulosis and diverticulitis.
American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy.Understanding diverticulosis.
National Institutes of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.Eating, diet, & nutrition for diverticular disease.
National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.Treatment for diverticular disease.
