Diverticular disease: I've always had what I'd consider to be a healthy digestive system. But recently I started to experience tummy bloating, abdominal cramps and wind. My sister says it sounds like diverticulitis which she suffers from. Could I have this? (PS. I'm 63 years old if this makes any difference.)
Diverticular disease is a problem of the colon (the large bowel) resulting in abdominal pain, bloating and flatulence. It affects one in three people over the age of 60 and seems to be related to the amount of fibre in the diet. The large bowel usually moves faeces along its length by means of gentle rhythmic contraction of its muscular wall.
When fibre is lacking in the diet, the stool becomes dry and difficult to move along. The wall of the colon then contracts overstrenuously, causing the inner lining of the bowel to push out through the wall to form small pouches or pockets.
Called diverticulae, any number of these protrusions can develop along the length of the large bowel wall. If the diverticulae become infected, this is called diverticulitis, the symptoms of which include abdominal pain, nausea and fever.
Given your current symptoms and the fact that there are some inherited factors in the condition, you may well have diverticular disease. But you really need to see your doctor for a definitive diagnosis.
What tests can prove this is what I have?
One test for the condition is called a sigmoidoscopy, which is a narrow, fibre-optic telescope that's passed up through the bowel allowing the doctor to view the lining of the bowel. Alternatively, a barium enema may be carried out, where barium dye is placed into the back passage and a series of X-rays taken. If you have developed diverticulae then the dye will clearly show their location and size.
If it is diverticular disease, what can I do about it?
Once a diagnosis of diverticular disease has been made then you will be advised to gradually increase the amount of fibre and fluids in your diet. Bran, wheat, muesli and porridge are good high fibre foods, as are wholemeal and multigrain breads. Including fresh or stewed fruits and vegetables with the addition of bran will also help, as will drinking plenty of water.
Increased fibre intake can initially make you feel uncomfortable but this soon settles down over time. If you develop any unusual symptoms such as bleeding, constipation, diarrhoea or changes in your bowel habit, it is important to see your doctor promptly.