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Diverticular disease
This leaflet aims to give an overview of diverticular disease and some of its
treatments.
Diverticula are small pouches that form in the wall of the large intestine (bowel).
They are very common in people over 60 years of age.
The exact cause is unknown but patients with the disorder often have abnormal
muscle action in their large bowel plus abnormal movement of their bowels.
In some cases the bowel wall becomes permanently thickened, which may result in
recurrent constipation and pain in the lower abdomen.
A diverticulum may be the site of inflammation which gives rise to more severe pain
and tenderness over the area involved. In these circumstances a mild fever often
occurs. This is diverticulitis.
Occasionally a diverticulum may bleed, which results in blood being passed from the
back passage.
The diagnosis is confirmed by a barium enema X-ray examination.
When pain is the main problem this can be relieved by drugs to relieve the spasms
which cause the pain. These are prescribed by your doctor.
If inflammation is present antibiotics will be prescribed.
Whenever pain is severe you should immediately stop all solid food and take only
fluids for a few days. If the symptoms do not respond to this treatment admission to
hospital is occasionally necessary. Only very rarely is an operation required.
Diverticular disease is not related to cancer.
If constipation is a major symptom increasing the fibre content of your diet may be
helpful.
Fibre and bowel function
Fibre is a complex mixture of plant substances which we do not digest or absorb. It is
very necessary for the proper working of the intestine. It acts by passing unchanged
through the intestine where it absorbs water, increases the bulk of undigested food
and helps muscles in their important function of pushing the food residue along the
intestines. This helps prevent constipation and straining.
Many people in the western world eat a diet which is lacking in fibre. This is because
many foods are processed in such a way as to remove and destroy the fibre - e.g.
white flour, where the fibre-rich outer layers are removed in the milling process.
It is recommended that we all eat at least 5 portions of fruit and/or vegetables plus
wholemeal bread and cereal every day to maintain good health.
High fibre foods
There are three main food sources of natural dietary fibre:
Fruit, vegetables and nuts. Fibre from these foods is higher in the skin and peel.
When following a high fibre diet, if possible always eat the skin and peel. Try to eat
the food raw or only lightly cooked, as cooking breaks down the fibre.
Medway Community Healthcare CIC providing services on behalf of the NHS
Registered office: 5 Ambley Green, Bailey Drive, Gillingham, Kent ME8 0NJ
Tel: 01634 382777
Registered in England and Wales, Company number: 07275637
Bran and wholegrain cereal. These are a more concentrated source of fibre. When
following a high fibre diet, change to using wholemeal bread, wholemeal flour, brown
rice and wholewheat breakfast cereal or bran breakfast cereal.
Pulses. Try to include these in your diet daily. Use them in soups, stews and salads
or as a vegetable. Pulses are peas, lentils, baked beans and beans such as butter,
red kidney, haricot, black eye, aduke, crab eye, mung and soya.
If you find it difficult to eat enough fibre from these sources unprocessed bran can be
added to food as detailed below.
Guidelines for using unprocessed bran
The aim is for you to pass a stool of a soft consistency and without great effort as
often as is normal for you. Bran can be bought at most health food stores,
supermarkets and chemists.
When increasing your intake of bran it may be better to introduce it slowly into your
diet. You may experience some flatulence or wind at first, but this will only be
temporary so do not stop taking bran because of it.
You will find that the amount of bran necessary will depend on the quantity of fibre in
the rest of your diet.
Once you have found the correct dose of bran for you, continue to take this
indefinitely unless directed otherwise by your doctor, dietitian, community nurse or
continence advisor.
When eating a high fibre diet you must drink at least the recommended daily amount
of fluids - 1.5 litres (the equivalent of three and a half pints; or 5 mugs; or 8 cups).
Fluids should be from a variety of sources.
Who to contact if you have any questions about this information:
Continence Care, Keystone, Gun Lane, Strood, Kent ME2 4UL Tel: 01634 719252
Customer care Please send any comments about Medway Community Healthcare
services to: Customer care manager, Medway Community Healthcare
7-8 Ambley Green, Bailey Drive, Gillingham, Kent, ME8 0NJ
p: 01634 382266 f: 01634 382700
[email protected] All contact will be treated confidentially.
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Leaflet reference: MCH301
Medway Community Healthcare CIC providing services on behalf of the NHS
Registered office: 5 Ambley Green, Bailey Drive, Gillingham, Kent ME8 0NJ
Tel: 01634 382777
Registered in England and Wales, Company number: 07275637