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What Causes Diverticulitis?

Other Causes of Diverticulitis

Only about a one-fourth of individuals with diverticula continue to eventually show symptoms of the disease. Some risk factors, however, have been identified for the development of the diverticular disease.

It is worth looking at risk factors that predispose an individual to develop diverticulitis disease. In this case, we include the already mentioned heredity, age, as well as improper diet and lifestyle, which contribute to the violation of peristalsis. For example, people who sit a lot, and barely move (live a sedentary lifestyle), and have weak muscles are at risk of developing the disease. [5] Many people hardly associate sports with intestinal peristalsis, but developed abdominal muscles help the intestines to function properly. But you can’t get too involved in heavy sports – otherwise, there will be a backlash.

Anyone who does not follow a good drinking regime is also at risk – without sufficient fluid and water, the contents of the intestine become too dense, which can cause damage to its walls by favoring the formation of hard stool. Those who abuse drugs, have drinking habits, and do not follow basic hygiene rules may also be in danger of developing diverticulitis.

Some of the most common factors are summarized below:

  • Obesity/Being overweight; [6]
  • A history of constipation;
  • Lack of exercise and physical activity [7]
  • Smoking;
  • Use of NSAIDs (Non-steroidal Anti Inflammatory drugs)
  • Dysbiosis, which also entails a general decrease in immunity;
  • Infection with worms, as a result of which the intestinal microflora is disturbed, the mucous membrane is damaged – and because of this diverticulitis of the sigmoid colon begins;

Untreated diverticulitis usually leads to some serious complications—this why it is important to understand the causes and be able to take preventive measures. Such complications include the development of abscesses. This is the accumulation of pus that may form around the infected diverticula from the infection. You might get peritonitis if they go through the intestinal wall. This infection is potentially lethal. [8] It is essential that one gets treatment right away. Other complications that may arise are scarring and perforation or tearing of the intestinal wall.

Part of the factors that cause intestinal diverticulitis are what can be avoided if you lead a healthy lifestyle and monitor your condition, regularly referring to doctors for prevention and timely treatment.

There is no scientific evidence to prevent diverticulitis. As the disease may be linked to a low fiber diet, however, the change in diet can help to fight it.

Increasing the consumption of fiber with fruits, vegetables, and grains (such as papaya, orange, apricot, lettuce, arugula, among others) and drinking plenty of water (at least 2 liters per day) decrease the risks. Not smoking and exercising also help to prevent the disease.

Reference:

[1] https://www.healthline.com/health/diverticulitis

[2] https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/152995#causes

[3] https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/152995#causes

[4] https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/diverticulitis/symptoms-causes/syc-20371758

[5] https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/diverticulitis/symptoms-causes/syc-20371758

[6] https://www.gastrojournal.org/article/S0016-5085(18)30366-4/fulltext?referrer=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2F

[7] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3144158/

[8] https://www.webmd.com/digestive-disorders/peritonitis-symptoms-causes-treatments