Digestive System Disorders
Resources and information on ulcerative colitis, crohn's disease, IBS, diverticulitus, and other common digestive ailments
Common Ailments:
- Ulcerative Colitis
- Crohn's Disease
- Irritable Bowel Syndrome
- Diverticulitus
- Acid Reflux
- Ulcers
- Pseudomembranous Colitis
- Celiac Disease
- Autoimmune Hepatitis
- Biliary Atresia
- Hepatitis C
- Acute Pancreatitis
- Appendicitis
Other Articles:
- What Causes Crohn's Disease
- Alternative Treatment For Acid Reflux
- Acid Reflux Diet
- Coping With Diverticulitis
- Ulcerative Colitis Diet
- Digestive Disorders, pH Balance And You
- Surgical Options For Ulcerative Colitis
- Acid Reflux Myths
Diverticulitis
On occasion, the colon develops weak spots, where small pouches bulge outwards, much like a weak spot on an inner tube. These pouches are called diverticula. The condition of having these diverticula is called diverticulosis. In about 10-25 percent of people with diverticulosis, the diverticula may get inflamed or infected, this condition is called diverticulitus.
It is believed that diverticulosis is caused by a low fiber diet, which makes stool harder to pass, causing increased pressure in the colon. This increased pressure causes the weak spots in the colon to bulge, forming the diverticula.
There may be no symptoms from diverticulosis, although there may be. Symptoms include mild cramps, bloating, and constipation.
Symptoms of diverticulitus include abdominal pain, particularly in the lower left part of the abdomen. Cramping and constipation may also occur. If the diverticulitus is caused by an infection, then the symptoms may also include fever, chills, and nausea.
***DISCLAIMER***
This site is meant only to provide information and resources about digestive
system disorders. It is not meant to diagnose any digestive
problems. If you suspect you may have some digestive disorder, then
please, see your doctor, and get his professional opinion and advice.