Diverticula in the intestine – causes, symptoms & therapy

Protrusions on the inner wall of the intestine are called diverticula in the intestine. These are particularly common in the large intestine. A distinction is made between genuine and false diverticula in the intestine. Real diverticula in the intestine are protuberances that are located on all parts of the intestinal wall. This form of the disease is usually congenital and always occurs individually.

On the other hand, false diverticula in the intestine are protuberances that are only found in the inner layers of the inner wall of the intestine. This affects only the mucous membrane and the layer below it. This form of intestinal diverticula develops over time and rarely causes problems.

causes

The causes for the development of diverticula in the intestine have not yet been clearly clarified. However, an interplay between excessive pressure inside the intestine and a simultaneous weakness of the intestinal wall is assumed.The intestinal wall contains several small gaps in which blood vessels pass. These vessels are surrounded by connective tissue. With the age-related degradation of this, the gaps in the intestine suffer further damage, which can lead to a weakness of the intestinal wall. According to some doctors, this is also the reason why diverticula in the intestine usually appear at an advanced age and cause symptoms.

The symptoms should also be aggravated, for example, by a low-fiber diet. This leads to increased pressure in the intestine and forms the second trigger of a diverticulum in the intestine.

When to the doctor?

A doctor should be consulted if you have problems in your intestines or during bowel movements that last for several days. Pain, diarrhea or noticeably soft stools must be clarified and treated by a doctor. Before taking any painkiller medication, consult a doctor to discuss side effects and risks.

If discoloration of the stool occurs repeatedly, it is also advisable to have yourself examined. In the event of constipation, a feeling of tension in the abdomen or a feeling of dryness in the organism despite adequate fluid intake, it is advisable to consult a doctor. Uncomfortable gas, cramps in the stomach and a general feeling of being unwell should be presented to a doctor as soon as they persist. If the symptoms increase or if their intensity increases, a doctor must be consulted.

In the case of fever, dizziness and nausea, it must be taken into account that there is an increased risk of accidents due to the impairments. A doctor must be consulted and, in addition, special care must be taken when moving and all movement sequences. If diarrhea causes sore spots on the anus, a doctor should be consulted. Germs can get into the organism through the opening in the skin and lead to further illnesses and complaints. In severe cases, there is a risk of blood poisoning.

symptoms and course

Typical symptoms of diverticula in the intestine:

• constipation

• Diarrhea

• gas

• Fever

• stomach pain

Symptoms of diverticula in the intestine do not occur in almost 80 percent of cases and therefore do not require treatment. This is also referred to as asymptomatic diverticulosis. If you still experience symptoms, stomach pain and a feeling of fullness are to be expected. These are usually accompanied by constipation, flatulence or diarrhea. Inflammation of the diverticula in the intestine can also cause severe pain and fever.

Diverticula in the intestine are characterized by a positive course. Only very rarely do these become inflamed and cause further complications. A rupture of the diverticula in the intestine can result in life-threatening peritonitis .

Diagnose

The diagnosis of a diverticulum in the intestine is particularly important to rule out other diseases such as a tumor . This is done first of all by thoroughly describing the symptoms of the affected patient. If there is a suspicion of a diverticulum in the intestine, a colonoscopy or an X-ray examination is carried out after this consultation . Taking blood also helps in finding the diagnosis. With diverticula in the intestine, the concentration of white blood cells is greatly increased and the speed of the blood cells decreases sharply here. In some cases, the doctor can only diagnose a diverticulum in the intestine with the help of a computed tomography or afind magnetic resonance imaging .

treatment and therapy

Treatment of the diverticula in the intestine is initially based on the symptoms and the condition of the diverticula. If these are already inflamed, this is called diverticulitis , which should be treated immediately. If no symptoms are caused, you can wait and keep an eye on the diverticula in the intestine.

Treatment is usually a combination of a high-fiber diet, plenty of physical exercise and drinking enough water.

The roughage and the liquid ensure that the affected person has more bowel movements, which significantly reduces the pressure in the intestine. Daily physical activity also stimulates the intestines and allows the amount of stool to be transported away better. This also leads to a reduction in pressure.

If this does not lead to success after some time, an operation must be carried out. In this, either the individual diverticula in the intestine or entire sections of the intestine are removed. This is especially necessary if the diverticula in the intestine are inflamed.

prevention

The exact causes of the development of diverticula in the intestine have not yet been clearly clarified. For this reason, targeted prevention is very difficult. Nevertheless, many doctors recommend a high-fiber diet for prevention, which is also used in treatment. Sufficient drinking and daily exercise can also keep the intestines going and also prevent diverticula in the intestine.