Coping with Diverticulitis

Peter Cartwright

ISBN 10: 0859699854 / ISBN 13: 9780859699853

Published by John Murray Press, 2007

About this Item

Diverticular disease is a digestive disorder caused by enflamed diverticula, or pouches, in the colon. A common cause is constipation due to lack of fibre in the diet. Diverticulitis is extremely common, and a half to two thirds of all people in Europe and North America will experience it, while around 6,500 people a year are admitted to hospital because of diverticulitis in the UK, and 440,000 in the US. Many more require outpatient treatment. Symptoms may include cramps, bloating, constipation, fever, nausea, vomiting, chills, abdominal pain, and rectal bleeding, while complications may include peritonitis. Treatment is with antibiotics, though lifestyle factors such as diet and exercise can make a great difference; a person's state of mind can also be an influence. This book looks at the treatment and self-management of diverticular disease - while the doctor can help, much can be done by the individual to minimise the effect of this condition. Subjects covered include: types of diverticular disease; diagnosis and tests; treatment, including laxatives, fluids and antibiotics; exercise and rest; diet and probiotics; and emotions and living with diverticular disease.

Seller Inventory # 00101013579

Bibliographic Details

• Title: Coping with Diverticulitis
• Publisher: John Murray Press
• Publication Date: 2007
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0859699854
• ISBN 13: 9780859699853
• Binding: Paperback
• Condition: Very Good

About this title

Synopsis

Diverticular disease is one of the most preventable causes of death there is. Every year, some 4,000 people, three quarters of them women, die as a result of this digestive disorder, which is caused by enflamed diverticula, or pouches, in the colon. Diverticulitis is extremely common, and a half to two thirds of all people in Europe and North America will experience it. There are currently an estimated 60,000 new cases of diverticulitis a year in the UK, with a total of 450,000 thought to be suffering at any one time. Symptoms may include cramps, bloating, constipation, fever, nausea, vomiting, chills, abdominal pain, and rectal bleeding, while complications include peritonitis. Yet, diverticulitis can be staved off by including plenty of fibre in the diet. This book looks at the treatment and self-management of diverticular disease - while the doctor can help, much can be done by the individual to minimise the effect of this distressing condition.

About the Author

Peter Cartwright is an expert on digestive disorders and former Assistant Director of the National Association for Colitis and Crohn's Disease (NACC). He is author of Coping Successfully with Ulcerative Colitis, Sheldon Press, commended by the Medical Journalists' Association.